Christians have a bad rap for making lousy videos.
Desiring to shatter the stereotype I recently meet with our communications director. I wanted his insight so we didn’t make a cheesy video. After an hour we came up with five elements every video needs to be awesome. Here they are:
1. PURPOSE: What do I want my audience to KNOW and DO?
Do I want parents to sign their kids up for a small group? Do I want people to start serving in Children’s Ministry? Do I want kids to invite their friends to our next big outreach event? You’ve got to settle the why before you can jump into the how.
2. PARABLE: What is the story I want to tell?
Everyone is drawn to a good story (I talk more about the importance of story here). Do you want kids to jump into a story about starting a relationship with God? Do you want volunteers to dive into a story about changing the course of the next generation by serving every week? Do you want to galvanize the congregation into telling a story of reaching and teaching the lost by building a space for kids they can call their own? Clarifying your story will help you communicate in a way that resonates with your audience.
3. PEOPLE: Who will make this a reality?
Don’t buy into the lie that you can consistently deliver high-quality videos all by yourself. You can’t. Neither can I. Identify the people in your church and community who can act, film, direct, edit, and distribute a video you can be proud of. Do what only you can do and find people whose gifts and calling match the rest.
4. PLACES: Where will this be filmed and shown?
Where you do what you do matters. You’ve got to cater to your audience. The feel of a video you make for 5th graders should be different from the one you make for their parents. Keep these factors in mind when filming at your location(s):
a) Time required to set up equipment and to break down equipment.
b) Space requirements for equipment, personnel, and lighting.
c) Electrical power requirements.
d) Location agreements, shooting permits, and releases may be required.
e) Parking and transportation.
f) Access (disabled entrances and ramps–equipment is often rolled in on carts).
g) Ambient noise (sounds we routinely ignore can be annoying on recordings).
5. PROPS: What tools do we need?
Make a checklist of everything you need before you film (cameras, costumes, lighting, editing software, etc.). Remember this adage: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
Jeff McClung 