The Prodigal Center | For The Love Of NYC | Every Nation NYC
This video project was the first of a series of 3 videos where our church partnered up with three gospel-centered organizations in NYC that focused on helping our community. This particular video focused on a gospel food pantry called The Prodigal Center.
The setup for this shoot was a very simple on-the-go type using the Panasonic Lumix GH5 with a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 and Viltrox Speedbooster, as well as the DJI Osmo Pocket. I used manual focus for the entire shoot with the GH5. The biggest challenge was that the interview was shot in the Bronx nearby a main road and industrial area where construction and constant trucks passing by made recording audio difficult.
The Story Of Pat & Janelle
Pat and Janelle Emerson recount the events that led to them nearly getting divorced and how God brought them to NewSpring at just the right time.
Equipment:
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Xeen Lenses
Easyrig Mini
Arri 650
Connie Heidebrecht’s Story
Connie Heidebrecht is the director of a non-profit in Wichita that helps women leave abusive relationships and get started on a new path both professionally and spiritually. She is also a dedicated member of NewSpring Church. We sat down with her as she recounted her life story and were shocked by the trials she had endured. After filming this testimony, we were left inspired by how God’s faithfulness brought her through such difficult times and redeemed her life for His glory.
Because much of her story took place in the past, we filmed reenactments of her experiences. The nature of the content and how it intersected with national headlines lended itself to a true-crime documentary feel.
Equipment:
Canon C200s
Xeen Lenses
Kessler Shuttle Dolly
Easyrig Mini
Nick Shald’s Story
Nick Shald is a guitarist on our worship staff. This testimonial story was incredibly emotional to capture and assemble. We spent several hours interviewing Nick, as well as his wife and close friend.
Equipment:
Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro
Zeiss CP.2 + Xeen Lenses
Easyrig Mini
CEPHUS
This was a video we shot for s service opener for a huge event we do annually called “Man Day” held every fathers Day. It typically pulls twice as many as easter. Not quite sure whether you would consider this a testimonial or an opener but it falls somewhere in between.
Camera: Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless
Lenses: Sony 55mm and 85 mm
Mic: Zoom H1n Digital Handy Portable Recorder and 16GB Deluxe Accessory Bundle with Xpix Pro Lavalier Mic +
Stabilizer: Zhiyun Crane 3S Gimbal Stabilizer for Mirrorless
Technique:
Movement makes things interesting so I try to always include some type of movement in a shot. That means if the subject is not moving, I have to smoothly and slowly create motion.
Challenges:
Quick thinking and story telling
Audio levels- outdoor near road, water, wind
Showcasing one focal item in several different ways, creating movement with shots
HOMEWORK CLUB STORY – Zanii
This is a project we did to share the impact of our after school Homework club program for local youth. I used multiple sony FS5 cameras as well as various paneled nanlites. The most challenging aspect of the shoot was editing three interviews together into one cohesive story as well as working with a teenager’s busy schedule and finding an indoor empty basketball court.
Josh Boyer’s Testimony
To make a long story short, our church meets in Philadelphia. During the pandemic, we went exclusively to online services. In the fall of 2020, restrictions in the suburbs of Philadelphia started to ease up on gathering restrictions. Our location in the city was still under heavy restrictions for meeting in person. God provided our church with a free building in the suburbs where we were able to have a small gathering of church attendees every Sunday. This is the story of Josh Boyer who was one of the church’s suburbanite congregants who attended these services weekly.
I shot this in a Canon Eos-R with an 85mm lens. I ran the church’s livestream in our home location, so it was difficult to get b-roll of Josh and Kelli attending this temporary building. This is a collaboration with several volunteer video people who were able to help me get some footage. I think it turned out great and shares a really beautiful story.
Jeremiah
This is a testimony video we shot on a canon. We pulled the b roll from Gettys and music from first com.
Coming Home
Coming Home is a story about a couple who found their way “home” to Christ. Filming this story in winter helped set the tone for the isolation and distance Jim and Sue felt from each other- and ultimately from God. Principal photography was with a Sony F55. Principal challenge was the blizzard that was predicted to hit. We had one perfect afternoon to get the “golden shots” then snow for two days. Opening day of deer season caused a little concern as well since we were in rural Michigan.
