Many people think live video production is just setting up a camera or two and capturing a moment or series of moments with no second chance. That is true to a point, but there is so much more that goes into “capturing” live video. Yes, you get one chance, but make that one chance count. Use it to tell a story. Regardless of what some people may think, live video production is storytelling. Whether it be a conference, a message, a concert, or a worship service, every video tells a story. Some are told better than others.
A quality crew is crucial to a quality product and presentation. You can have all the latest technological tools you want, but if you don't have quality people operating them, the technology is useless. Make sure the video crew is well-trained and understands everything from the physical camera operation to the philosophy behind how to operate a camera (framing, angles, etc.).
When I train a new camera operator, the first thing I do is have them sit in the control room and observe what happens behind the scenes. I want them to see the production from that side, that way they understand what is happening back there when they are out in the auditorium capturing the service. This gives them a full, well-rounded experience and knowledge they would not have otherwise, which in turn helps them become a better camera operator. They are able to see how the director works and what the director is looking at.
Most camera operators don't appreciate what the director is doing during the production. Depending on the number of cameras you have, the director is looking at quite a few camera angles at once and basically “editing” the service together live. The only way they are able to put a quality product together so quickly is if the camera operators gives them quality shots to work with. The less the director has to instruct the camera operators during the production, the more they can focus on “putting the story together”.
The camera positions are very important as well. If you have two cameras, most people would assume the correct placement of the cameras would be one in the back of the auditorium, and one camera off to the side or located close to the stage. In my opinion, that is incorrect.
With any live video production, you always want at least two cameras located in the back. If you only have two cameras, then those should be located at the back of the auditorium. This give you the ability for a “bail-out” shot and the ability to change up the shots between full length and close up during the production. Switching between different camera shots rather than staying static on one makes the video much more interesting to watch.
If you have more than two cameras, then you can start locating the others off to the side, on the stage, etc. These are your effect shots and are really nice to have during worship because it allows you to capture everything (band, vocalists, audience, etc.) live from different angles. Obviously, the camera on stage will be able to capture a different angle than the other camera locations, and vise versa.
It all works together to create a quality product.
It is also very helpful for the each camera operator to have a specific duty during the production. Give them certain “zones” to work with, or certain framing/angles you want them to capture. This will help them feel like they don't have to capture everything at once. They have their specific job, which in turn frees up their mind to be more creative with the “zone” they have been assigned. Every frame, every angle --- all of it works together to create that “perfect shot”. Tell the camera operators to get their eyes “out of the viewfinder” to allow themselves to have good stage awareness. Whether it be something prominent in a song or someone entering the stage, the camera operators typically have a better view than the director. It is their responsibility to know what is happening on stage at all times and capture what needs to be captured.
The story telling is ultimately is in the hands of the director. The timing of the shots, the sequence of the shots, the transitions used, everything plays a role in putting the story together and creating a quality product people will want to watch. I always tell my directors to put themselves in the mind of the audience. Many questions run through the minds of the directors during the production… “Am I switching to fast to follow what is happening?” “Am I taking the right shot at the right moment?” “Should I cut or dissolve?” Teach them to trust their instincts and go with their “gut”. They need to know if they make a mistake, forget it and move on. If they dwell on a mistake, they'll lose focus. If they lose focus, they'll make even more mistakes.
Don't let this happen. Create an environment where it is OK to make mistakes, as long as they learn from them. This goes for the entire team.
Video is an art just like an other art form. Use it as an opportunity to create a quality product that not only looks good, but is interesting to watch.
We have the most amazing story to tell, the story of God's love and redeeming grace.
Capture, create, and tell the story. Every video has one, what story does yours tell?
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” –Hebrews 4:12
