Here are the results from our brainstorming session about video production.
(And it goes without saying, but we should say it anyway: without communicating with the Lord in prayer, we won’t be able to share him online. Â (Can’t give what you don’t got!))
Video (General)
- Examples of people doing this well:
- The PianoGuys (YouTube; started small but have grown huge!)
- Bl. John Paul II Autotune (YouTube)
- Fr. Robert Barron
- Salt + Light TV
- “Why I hate Relgion, but Love Jesus” (YouTube) – While I obviously don’t agree with his message, his production is very high and engaging.
- Spirit Juice Studios – response to above video, plus many others.
- (Priest+Dog on a treadmill)
- Question to ponder: What is my primary, target audience for video production/sharing?
- General observation: Good video is hard/time consuming. But *very* worthwhile. Â People are much more likely to stay and watch a short video than listen to audio or read a blog. (See: Brandon Vogt)
Production (camera/lighting/sound/editing)
- Audio tips are similar as before.
- A good lavalier mic can help a lot for video. Â Smaller and portable
- Wired lavalier mic: Audio-Technica ATR3350. Approx. $30 on eBay. (Handy but a little noisy)
- Wireless systems:Â Audio Technica PRO88W-R35
- Many other wireless systems are available. Check your parish to see what they use, if you like the sound of it.
- Higher end audio: a good shotgun mic and an audio interface/recording device. This is what movies use.
- Camera
- Smartphones actually have decent cameras for basic video.
- Some webcams are ok, depending on what you want to do.
- For more control:
- point-and-shoot camera (new ones capable of 720p or 1080p video at 24/30fps)
- camcorder (often has lots of optical zoom for cheaper cost)
- digital SLR aka DSLR: low-medium range will be approx. $500-600. Â Better models generally cost more. Â Look for the ability to shoot in 720p or 1080p (high def), at 24 or 30 fps. Â (Sometimes called “24p” or “30p”).
- (My current camera is a Canon Rebel T2i. Â Out of production now. Â Next model is a Rebel T3i.)
- A tripod is *very* important.
- For a DSLR:
- Good lenses can be useful. Â Especially look for a decent prime lens that can allow the aperture to be set at 2.0 or lower. Â Allows a much higher quality, more cinematic look.
- Good quality storage: if your device takes high capacity SD cards, look for class 6 or 10 (higher is better).
- Practice, practice, practice!
- Lighting:
- Check out Goodness Reigns Film School on YouTube for tips
- I’ve had success with a simple, 3 point lighting setup using a Canadian Tire halogen work light and 2 trouble lights!
- Tutorial on 3 point lighting (complete with cheesy music) (YouTube)
- Software:
- Free
- Windows Movie Maker
- iMovie
- Paid
- Adobe Premiere Elements ($99) or Pro ($799)
- Final Cut Pro X ($299)
- Free
- Again, big investment is TIME
Sharing (publishing/social)
- YouTube and Vimeo are two prominent publishing sites
- Can also share in Facebook
- Â Important: When sharing, look for a site that allows viewing on a mobile device. Â YouTube and Vimeo allow this (it’s a setting in YouTube).
- Make something good and catchy and you just might go viral!! (JPII, We Love You!)