What are some best practices when recording video in general?
– Choose a natural source of light, such as a window. Turn off all artificial sources of light.
– The source of light must be on either side of your face, not directly in front or behind you.
– When recording a video with an interview or other speaking parts, be mindful of background noise. For example, recording an interview in a crowded room will make for unusable audio.
– Make sure the subject you are recording takes up 2/3 of the screen.
– Always try to utilize natural light aka sunlight but avoid direct sunlight. When outside record under some coverage such as trees, or in a porch. – When inside try shooting by a window, if there is natural light available.

What are some best practices when recording video calls, interviews or any other self-recorded content?

– Follow our On-Camera / Interview Guidelines.

What are some guidelines for recording an activity (i.e. mission trips or service projects)?
SCBC believes in Imago Dei, that each person is made in the image of God. Our goal is to capture ministry in the most dignifying and respectful way possible. With that in mind, we follow the following guidelines:
– Only film people and places where SCBC has direct, approved interaction and ministry. Filming content outside of SCBC’s scope of ministry sacrifices ministerial integrity and will not be used by SCBC. The staging of photo or video clips is approved as long as participants have approved their participation.
– Make sure you have the subject’s permission to photograph or record video.
– Do not take photos or videos of children without written permission from their parents or guardian.
– Do not take photos or videos of people in compromising or embarrassing situations i.e., someone with insufficient clothing.
– Do not record or photograph people eating.
– When recording a video clip, hold the shot for at least 10 seconds. Then an editor can select the best portion of the clip in the editing process.
– When recording a video clip, keep the camera as still as possible. Do not pan, zoom, rotate, or shake the camera if possible.
– When recording a video clip, follow the “rule of threes”: Obtain the same content from at least three different angles. (ex. Two people are in a conversation. Record a clip of both people in the frame, then a close up of each person’s face, then an over-the-shoulder shot of each person)
– Be mindful of the background and foreground. Instead of choosing to take a picture of someone in front of a concrete wall, step outside and take a picture with trees in the background. Try to take pictures or videos in big open spaces, like outdoors or in large rooms, not in front of a wall.

PRODUCTION REQUESTS
What’s required of my ministry when requesting production?
There are six questions you need to think through when requesting production.
– “Who will be in the production?”
– “What is the goal of the production?”
– “Why are we requesting a production vs. another medium to communicate our message?”
– “Where will the production need to be recorded?”
– “When is the production due and/or when do we need to film?”
– “How will this production be distributed?”

How do I request a live recording, podcast production, or video production?
An SCBC staff member can request a live recording, podcast production, and/or video production via the Ministry Support Form and will be completed under the direction of the Creative Director. 

What if I have a question about the status of my request?
If you have a question regarding your request, please contact the Creative Director via email.

What do I do if I have a last-minute request?
All production-based requests must be made between six and eight weeks prior to the desired due date via the Ministry Support Form. 

Creative Services does not accept requests from email communication, phone calls, or in-person, face-to-face conversations.

– If you have a last-minute request, please fill out the Ministry Support Form and email the Creative Director alerting them to the urgency of your request.

PODCAST RECORDING

What is a podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. Topics of podcasts can include anything from daily devotionals, training and equipping, interviews on specific subjects…anything can be a podcast!

When recording, how should I talk into the microphone?
When talking on a podcast, we need you to “eat the mic”, or get as close to the microphone as possible. Don’t feel the need to be louder or softer when you speak; speak at the volume that is most comfortable and consistent in your natural cadence. Creative Services will ensure that it sounds great in the recording.

What if I say something I shouldn’t say or mess up?
The beauty of editing is that we can “make you sound good” and cover your mistakes. If you feel you need another take, simply reset at your previous thought, pause a moment, and start again. Creative Services will take it from there. Additionally, people naturally say “um” and “uh” as part of the way that we talk, so we will keep this content in to make the tone more conversational in nature.

WHAT IS THE PRODUCTION APPROVAL PROCESS?

There are four stages to the Approval/Delivery Phase. Those stages are rough drafts, approvals, reviews, and final delivery.

Rough Drafts
These edits are rough versions of the project that are designed to help the Creative Director make sure that the content in the video is correct. Music, color correction, audio mix and graphics will not be completed in this stage. All Video Production and Video Live Recording drafts will be delivered via a Vimeo Review Page link where comments about the edit can be made at any part of the video by simply clicking anywhere on the video and then starting to type.  All Podcast Production and Audio Live Recording drafts will be delivered via a Dropbox link.

For Approval
These edits are completed versions of the project that are designed to get approval from the major players on the project, primarily the Creative Director.

Edits for all Video Production and Video Live Recording will be delivered via a Vimeo Review Page link where comments about the edit can be made at any part of the video by simply clicking anywhere on the video and then starting to type. All Podcast Production and Audio Live Recording edits will be delivered via a Dropbox link and edits will be communicated via email to the Creative Director with timecodes on where the edits should be made. Feedback will be due by 24 hours after approval has been sent. Lack of response will be considered approval. Upon approval, the video will continue onto the Review stage.

For Review
These edits are mastered versions of the project that are designed to give a preview of the project. Unless there are major errors, this phase is simply to preview the production prior to public and/or private showing and edits will not be considered.

Final Delivery
Productions will be delivered and distributed via previously agreed-upon channels per the direction of the Creative Director.

SCRIPTS

All scripts are must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of the recording. All scripts must be approved for messaging and content by the Creative Director.

PRODUCTION RELEASE

Who needs a Production Release?
All non-SCBC staff participants in a production where their image or voice will be recording need to sign a Production Release. Participants over 18 will be required to sign an Adult version of the release. SCBC staff is exempt from signing releases whereas they are covered as part of their employment at the convention. Parents/Guardians will be required to sign a release for participants under 18.

Do I need a Release to record at a location?
Yes, a Location Release is required for all productions off-site of the SCBC.

WHAT IS THE PRODUCTION PROCESS?

There are four phases to every production. Those phases are Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and Approval/Delivery.

Pre-Production Phase
This phase is dedicated to developing the concept of the project, as well as scripting, securing locations, and people.

Production Phase
This phase is dedicated to the capturing of content for the project. This can include capturing audio, capturing video, or capturing both. Creative Services is available for the Production Phase idealy on Monday and Tuesdays either in the SCBC Studio or offsite. If the project requires more time outside of this framework, specific approval by the Creative Director may be needed.

Post-Production Phase
This phase is dedicated to editing, animating, music selection, and other computer-based tasks. Creative Services allocates Wednesdays and Thursdays for post-production.

Approval/Delivery Phase
This phase is the completed video being approved and then delivered to the appropriate channels.

VIDEO DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

What are the various ways that I can use my video?
You can use your video at an event, on the SCBC website, on social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), or for internal use via The Hub.

Who puts my video on my webpage and/or on social media?
Once a video is completed and approved by the Creative Director, Creative Services will distribute the video as requested in the Ministry Support Form. So, if you ask for the video to be placed on your ministry page, we can handle that. The only exception is social media. Social media distribution is based on a number of changing factors. Not all videos that are requested to be posted on the SCC’s social media channels will be posted.

Can I post the video on social media once it’s done?
Posting videos on the convention’s social media channels is handled by Creative Services. If you would like to share the videos on your social media accounts, we’d kindly ask that you’d share the post from one of our SCBC social media pages vs posting the video or link yourself.

Where can I get a copy of the video for me to keep?
All videos will be provided via a Vimeo link, where there is an option to download the video for your offline keeping. Otherwise, the Vimeo link will live online.Some videos will be available via YouTube at the Creative Director’s discrestion.

CONSULTS 
What is a Consult?
A Consult is a meeting between a member of Creative Services and the person requesting the project as an opportunity to talk through the production.

How do I get started with a Consult?
If you would like a Consult about your project, please email the Creative Director for next steps.

Do I need to bring ideas to the Consult?
You don’t need to bring ideas to your Consult, but if you are more than welcome to bring ideas! We’d love to hear what you are thinking!

Who should I invite to be at Consult?
You should invite anyone you feel is necessary for input on the project. This could include SCBC staff members or key ministry partners.

EDITING AND POST-PRODUCTION

Can I pick out my own music for my video?
Creative Services uses a music licensing platform called “Soundstripe.” If there is a track that you’d like to choose from that site, you are more than welcome to share it with us. Otherwise, if you have a genre of music or desired mood of the music in mind, we can pick it for you.

Can we use footage from another church or ministry?
As a general rule, no you cannot. If you do receive written permission from the original producer of the footage and/or recording, we could potentially use that when developing your project.

Video Production Types
There are five types of videos that Creative Services creates. Each type along with samples are listed below.

Story/Testimony
Request for a video to be produced highlighting a specific person/ministry’s testimony or story. Most of the time, these take longer to produce and will require Creative Services to film off-campus. 

Equipping/Training
Request for a video to be produced for equipping and training purposes. Many times, these videos replace a live training and are often a simple one-shot video with minimal editing.

Recap/Highlight
Request for a video to be produced recapping or highlighting a previous event. 

Promotional/Marketing
Request for a video to be produced promoting or marketing a specific ministry and/or event. 

Informative/Update
Request for a video to be produced that serves as a straight-forward update video for internal or external use. These videos will be simple one-shot videos with minimal editing.

RECORDING A LIVE EVENT

What is a Live Event Recording?
Request for a live event to be recorded via video, audio, or both. This can include, but not limited to, trainings, committees, sessions, and other meetings.

Who will record my event?
Creative Services can record your event using our staff and equipment via a first come first serve basis.

How will my event get recorded?
Creative Services can record your event using our equipment via a first come, first served basis.

Can my event be streamed online via social media channels? Creative Services will approve all streaming of live events.

OUTSOURCING

Can I outsource my ministry’s production request?
Outsourcing of any production request needs to be approved by the Creative Director.

If I’m told a video will have to be outsourced, do I pay for it?
Payment of outsourced production requests are handled on acase-by-case basis. If there are costs that will be incurred by the ministry, Creative Services will inform the ministry prior to the charges taking place.

If my production requires travel, who pays for the travel expenses?
Currently, it is on a case-by-case basis determined by the Creative Director.

Do you capture aerial drone footage?
Yes. We have a licensed drone operator that we use that is commercially licensed and clears all flight paths with the FAA. If your project requires aerial footage, we will contact them to ensure we are capturing footage without violating the law. Know that there are some areas that we may not be able to fly in due to FAA restrictions.

If my video requires travel, who pays for the travel expenses?
Currently, it is on a case-by-case basis determined by the Creative Director.