Shooting a Baptism Video

One of great things that we get to do as a Production Team is help our church members tell their story. When we shoot a baptism video we are not only creating a video element for our weekend services, but we are preserving a record of the transformative work of Christ in people’s lives and broadcasting that work for all the world to see.

So what is the process for shooting a baptism video? Here it is:

1. The shooting schedule is coordinated by the office administrator or assistant.
2. The videographer will prepare a fresh mini-DV tape, make sure that the batteries in the microphone are fresh, collect the Canon XL2/tripod/AC cord to the stage, and tape the (4) questions to a music stand next to the tripod.
3. The house lights should be down and the stage lighting should be on the “Red” setting.
4. Change the picture aspect ratio on the Canon XL2 to 16:2 and the focus to “auto.”
5. When the subject arrives ask them to sit on a stool in front of the camera, frame them into the shot, and begin to ask them a few of the “ice breaker” questions.
6. Walk the subject through the (4) questions and listen to their answers.
7. Turn the camera to record, tell the subject that you are going to practice this first time, count the subject off, and let them walk through the (4) questions
8. If the subject goes through the questions well tell them they are done. If needed recount the subject and have them redo.
9. Once all subjects have been recorded place the mini-DV tape on Jeremy’s desk.