The video director’s mission is critical—to capture the moment and tell the story of the ministry that is happening in the auditorium. While the video room is an important space for the director, it is completely removed from the atmosphere of the auditorium, and this causes video room blindness.
If you’ve ever been in a video production room, you know the feeling. The bright monitor screens, the blinking lights, low electronic hum, and constant interruptions from the comm system. This space provides exactly what a multi-cam director needs: a place to see all the camera shots, communicate with the crew, and monitor the outputs.
While it is so easy to skip the rehearsal, it’s the only chance you have to become familiar with the intricacies of each song, and the service flow itself.
A dynamic worship experience can usher in such an incredible move of God, which is felt when you’re in that atmosphere. On occasion, during a worship service, I’ve walked from the auditorium into the video room, and found a drastic shift. The tangible energy in the auditorium gave way to the chaos of electronics; the director couldn’t feel the haze, nor could he see the expressions of those on the platform. And those passionate prayers offered by congregants, who are fully engaging with God’s presence, never reached the director’s ears.
Don’t just rely on an isolated broadcast mix. Tap into the in-room audio feed with hot audience mics…
Why Your Intentionality Matters
Great directing isn’t just about flawless service execution; it’s about capturing how the congregation is responding to the Holy Spirit. When we’re disconnected from the room, we risk making choices that will feel robotic rather than organic. If worship is deep and intimate, but our shots stay wide and static, the moment loses its weight. If the congregation erupts in praise but we’re stuck on a slow push-in, we miss the celebration. What’s happening in the auditorium should drive our directing choices, not just what looks good on our broadcast preview screen.
Your camera operators aren’t just human tripods—they’re storytellers.
How to Break Out of Video Room Blindness
While being in two places at once is not possible, here are some ways to stay engaged and make sure our directing serves the moment:
1. Step into the Auditorium
Before the service starts, ideally during rehearsal, take a few minutes to walk into the room. Soak in the environment, feel the energy, and remind yourself of the perspective of those attending in person. Seek the Lord’s direction in how you should tell His story, as prayer will be the difference between you telling it, and Him telling it.
2. Take Advantage of Rehearsal
While it is so easy to skip the rehearsal, it’s the only chance you have to become familiar with the intricacies of each song, and the service flow itself. No matter how many times you’ve heard the song, you haven’t heard it exactly as it’s being played by this particular band at this specific service.
3. Watch the Room, Not Just the Screens
Set up a dedicated monitor that shows a wide shot of the auditorium. This simple shift can help you feel the service in real time and adjust your directing accordingly.
4. Listen Like You’re in the Crowd
Don’t just rely on an isolated broadcast mix. Tap into the in-room audio feed with hot audience mics so you can hear what the congregation is experiencing—the worship, the energy, the response, the atmosphere.5. Empower Your Camera Ops
Your camera operators aren’t just human tripods—they’re storytellers. They can see more than you can since they’re in the room. Encourage them to stay engaged with the atmosphere and to capture what’s actually happening, not just what’s on your shot list.
6. Stay in Sync with Worship Leaders and Pastors
Have ongoing conversations with the worship and pastoral teams. Knowing when spontaneous moments might happen helps you be ready to capture them in a way that feels authentic and powerful.
Create Your Impact
At the end of the day, your job is far more than just pressing buttons—you are creating an atmosphere where people can connect. When you stay engaged with what’s happening in the room, your directing becomes an extension of the moment, not just an edited version of it.
Don’t let video room blindness keep you from seeing what really matters. Stay present, stay aware, and bridge the gap between the video room and the auditorium. Capture the moment and tell the story.
