In today’s Frequently Asked Question we’ll take on one that we frequently get here at NewSpring. And when I get this question I pass it along to Amanda, our resident expert on such topics.

Question: How do you handle putting your services online from a copyright standpoint?

NewSpring uses WorshipCast media for all our licensing. We currently have a WorshipCast license and a Perform Music license in addition to a CVLI license for our use of video clips in service.

WorshipCast specializes in streaming online and can answer all of your questions about the license structure that would be best for your church. Some churches may need different licenses than others, so it would be a good idea to call them or check them out online.

Our representative is Kat Morgan and she is extremely helpful! I contact her all the time to make sure we are licensed well and above reproach in this area. The best way to contact her is email. Her email address is kat@churchca.com.

If you have any questions we can answer, please feel free to contact us!

Thanks,
Amanda

Here’s a response I sent a gentleman the other day. His question was this, “How do I set up a video department at my church?”

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The biggest advice I could give you from a starting standpoint is to make sure what you are doing aligns with the vision of your pastor. A church video department should serve his vision and better enable the points God gives him to be made.

My pastor, Perry, has a good series of posts on our message prep/creative process. This one in particular is great for video artists… it talks about allowing enough time to develop ideas;
http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/10/08/how-do-you-prepare-a-message-part-three/
This is especially important when working with a volunteer based crew. They need time to develop ideas, and you and your pastor will need time to evaluate them, give suggestions, make changes. The keys here are time and a good dialog.

In addition, it’s always best to communicate the specifics on the front end. If it needs to be scary, say it. If it is important for the colors to be blue, say it. Be specific where the specifics demand it, and where there is room for some creative license give it.

As for software, etc., we use Final Cut to edit and After Effects for motion graphics. Vegas is a fine choice for editing, however… as is Adobe Premier (or even iMovie on the mac). In the end the tools are helpful, but the important thing is the creative ideas. Cool is one thing, but intention, that’s the goal.

Beyond that, look for inspiration, figure out how to best compliment your pastor’s messages and serve his vision, and develop your skills however you can (lynda.com, allbetsareoff.com, videocopilot.net, and just digging for inspiration everywhere you look!).

I hope that helps,
Ken