Author: Mike Schwiebert

Sportsman’s Banquet Video

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ Leave a comment

Sportsman’s Banquet 2013 from MikeSchwiebert on Vimeo.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with my good friend Luke to produce a video for the Sportsman’s Banquet — an evangelistic event aimed at hunters at our church.

I always have a great time with any project I do with Luke. He came up with a script (partly “borrowed” from something Tripp and Tyler did) and we went from there.

I know we are going to have a good promo, when I see a lot of good stuff on the cutting room floor. You have to be merciless in the editing process and just get down to the essentials. Although It could have been 5-7 minutes long, it would not have been as effective.

Why 4×3? Since our final output (our screens in the Sanctuary) is 4×3, I usually edit onto a 4X3 timeline in FCP. One advantage is the zooming capability with HD footage on an SD timeline in the edit suite.

This was shot with one of our JVC GY-HM790U with each of us wearing wireless lavs.

I hope you like it and it gives you some ideas.

Tests of Authentic Ministry

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ 4 Comments

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2

These verses are incredibly challenging. Though I have been contemplating this passage for years, I feel that I have barely scratched the surface of Paul’s admonitions. Keep thinking! Continue reading

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ Leave a comment

We are probably all familiar with the climactic scene in Schindler’s List, where Oskar Schindler is presented with a letter and ring by the 1100 Jews he helped save. He is deeply ashamed and begins to weep. He could have done so much more. In heart-wrenching desperation, he considers his gold pin, and the life it represents, and breaks down, “I could have got one more person and I didn’t. I didn’t…”

This scene resonates with us because people matter. We have been created to be our brother’s keeper. We have been commanded to love each other as Jesus loved us.

Keep thinking! Continue reading.

Church Technical Leaders: Leading Up

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ Leave a comment

As part of an ongoing discussion on the  Church Tech Leaders website about Leading Up, I recently had the privilege of adding my two cents via video.

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As a Manager Tools’s fan, I do not believe that a person should try to manage their boss. However, as technical artists in the church, we have knowledge and skills that the rest of the staff can benefit from. We were hired for our expertise. In that sense, we are the leaders in the church staff when it comes to our field.

Often, we are called on to communicate up the chain. As leaders at our church in technical arts, the skill set needed for this type of communication is different. That just makes sense. You are the leader in knowledge or expertise, but not the leader in the organization. It can be a tricky place to navigate.

Greg Baker, technical director at Saddleback Church, started the conversation with this excellent article.

To watch the videos of Van and me click here.

Video Directing 101: The Establishing Shot

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ 4 Comments

VideoDirecting101

What is an establishing shot?

The word establish means to set up or show. In video terms, the establishing shot sets up the scene or shows where the scene is taking place. The establishing shot provides context for the viewer.
You’ve seen this in every TV show and movie you have ever watched.

Consider a sitcom like Seinfeld. If you watched the show you know that one of the main places of action was the coffee shop. Can you here the popping bass notes as the camera zooms into the coffee shop for just a few seconds before we join the cast already inside at their favorite table? That’s the establishing shot. Keep thinking! Continue reading.