There is a common metaphor which says, “You can't see the forest for the trees.” In the production world it's often the opposite. As church techs, it may be easy to see the big picture yet miss the little parts that make up the whole. It's precisely these small details that can make or break a production.
Take for instance a top-fuel drag racer. The slightest change in fuel mix and aerodynamic shape of a rear spoiler can spell the difference of a few hundredths of a second; which in the drag racing world is a win or loss. Small detail, big ramifications in outcome.
The 1986 NASA Challenger explosion was an unprecedented tragedy --- not only for the United States space program, but in the dreams and hearts of many Americans. What caused the explosion? A tiny O-ring in one of the solid rocket boosters. Coupled with a launch taking place well under the approved outside air temperature, this tiny oversight proved costly. Small detail, big ramifications in outcome.
While it's easy to become engrossed in the day-to-day, big picture details in our production world, not only is it necessary to sweat the small stuff but an opportunity to continually evaluate the practices and pieces that will bring the greatest return to our audience, team, and overall operation.
What Plan B?
It’s not a matter of ‘if’ technical issues will arise, it’s a matter of ‘when.’
It's not a matter of ‘if' technical issues will arise, it's a matter of ‘when.' Although this topic has been discussed at length in many forums, it should be priority number one. Nothing spells awkward like the sudden loss of a wireless mic and the embarrassing circus that ensues. The presenter looks lost, no one knows what to say, audio engineer is hiding in the fetal position, or proceeds to sprint to the stage in a rushed frenzy. All of this, yes, all of it, can be prevented by having a plan in place --- and the simpler, the better.
The goal here is to mitigate the damage, minimize distractions, keep the service going, and maintain an atmosphere of professionalism and calm. Wireless mic goes out? Everyone knows where the spare on stage resides. Camera system has a failure? Broadcast or IMAG crew knows to go to a black screen. No fix will be perfect but simple always trumps frantic.
Whether you're a small church with no wireless technology or on the leading edge of live broadcast and multi-campus production, make this habit of a Plan B your New Year's resolution. Share the plan with production personnel, pastors, campus pastors, worship leaders, and any others who are involved in the service. Even in the best of circumstances no one can predict a potential technology failure, yet having a backup plan will save both time and anxiety for all.
Ready, Set, Wait?
Distraction can sometimes be useful, but often serves as an unwanted element; sapping our energy, focus, and ability to remain in the present moment. It goes without saying that a worship service is ripe for potential distractions, especially with production. Some we cannot control, but many we can: the microphone that doesn't get turned on in time, so we miss the opening words; the video that begins playing either far too loud or too soft, momentarily ruining the impact and moment; the supporting slide coming up late on screen when referenced by a speaker; the camera iris improperly set, projecting a pale white figure on screen. The list goes on.
Human error happens and there's no need for undue judgement. But are these distractions happening because of carelessness, lack of training, lack of communication, or lack of awareness? Not only do small hiccups disrupt and even compromise great content, but they portray an absence of excellence and care on our part to an audience. It shouldn't matter, but it does. Tackling the small but important role that cues and transitions provide will single handedly transform the way your service operates. And you can be sure people will take notice.
Pregame Huddle
Why does a football team huddle before a play? Why does the basketball team takes a time out, circling around the clipboard? It's to be sure each person is on the same page. That's where the magic happens. As the saying goes, “It takes only one person to ruin it but takes everyone to make it happen.” If you're not holding a Sunday morning pre-service meeting with all of your team members, it's time to start. Similar to the Plan B, this not only includes production personnel, but everyone who plays a role in the service. For larger operations, key production leaders can certainly be involved in the meeting then distribute information accordingly. Run the service flow down from top to bottom. Clarify transitions, entrances, lighting cues, camera shots, and every potential moment where elements are changing. The size or scope of your service should never dictate the urgency or need for a pre-service meeting. Make it a regular and important priority for your team.
The Small Does Matter
Wading through the mass of details involved in our technical world is daunting at best. Attempting to decipher the small yet critical components of how we operate requires a great deal of constant learning, evaluation, and insight. The final five to ten percent of any project or presentation takes the most time and thought. Yet it's the exact thing that communicates awareness, care, and professionalism. Sweating the small stuff is a labor of love, but its likely the difference between an average and a great production.
