Between the social and political climates these days, many churches may feel like they are walking a thin line. However, at Bayside Community Church in Bradenton, Fla., this past Easter, they walked one literally.
“We see Easter is a time where many people who don't otherwise go to church may attend,” says Creative Director Kristin Christine Becnel, “and we look to do something out of the box to encourage as many to come as we can. But we always make sure there is a message behind it.”
This past Easter, church member Nik Wallenda of the Flying Wallendas walked a tightrope placed over the congregation as a metaphor on walking the Christian life. Throughout the walk, church members at the main and satellite campuses watched Wallenda via IMAG cameras, as well as seeing his point-of-view via a wireless HD video camera strapped onto his chest.
“The main reason we placed the camera on Nik was for the benefit of the satellite campuses,” comments Executive Director of Production Devin Walker. While those attending the service in the room with Wallenda could look up and get the feeling of risk, those at the satellite campuses experienced that element through the POV camera on Wallenda.
Garrett Walker, co-founder of Crown Design Group in the Bradenton area, facilitated the technical aspects of the event by providing a Marshall CV150 Micro HD-SDI video camera. A Teradek Bolt wireless transmitter transferred the image to their video control room. “The CV150 was a perfect fit because it natively output HD-SDI, a format required by the Teradek system,” says Walker. “We didn't have to deal with a converter and the latency it could introduce into the signal chain.” Bayside has been a long-time user of Teradek wireless video systems, using them for their roaming cameras on stage. A Shure ULXD wireless bodypack equipped with a Countryman E6 ear-worn microphone handled Nik's voice.
“It generated a really positive response,” adds Becnel. “All the campuses felt very engaged.”
