"It's Wednesday... I need a Video for this Sunday!!"

Ok... You've just left Wednesday night service and the Sr. Pastor cornered you, made small talk, then said: "I've got this great idea for the coolest video... that I need...THIS WEEKEND!!!"

Who said deadlines and the budget two-step were things only Hollywood Types had to deal with??!!

Impossible demands... unrestrained vision... brilliant ideas... a decent computer loaded with Final Cut Studio... a production team made up of lay people and usually at least 1 teen who shows incredible promise, and little to no time... now those are the tools of today's Ministry Media Miracle-worker.

The last minute video request is not unique.
We may not look forward to these 11th hour white-knucklers... but we know they're coming.

There are some ways to set yourself up for a WIN when face to face with this "opportunity for blessing."

My best advice is to THINK SIMPLE and remember that PEOPLE CARE ABOUT PEOPLE.

Step 1 -- Resist the urge to be Speilberg. If you are making a deadline barn-burner... odds are you are not making the next special effects laden action adventure flick. Keep it simple. (Make it look good... through good lighting and great photographic composition... NOTE: Almost nothing is more annoying than a video that looks like it was thrown together or was shot by Uncle Fred. These types of videos are what I refer to as Christian Cheeseball.)

Step 2 -- Good Stories Rule! Churches are home to some of the best untold stories. They're called: Testimonies! Almost everyone can remember these stories when they hear them. The really good ones stick with you. You never forget them. THEY ARE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE THAT CONNECT WITH THE HEARTS & MINDS OF OTHER PEOPLE.

Good testimonies work.
They matter to the people who hear them.
They provoke response.
And, they are sitting in your church... right now.

So... in a pinch. Consider putting together a meaningful and on-point testimony. (And try to lead your Sr. Pastor that direction once you can relate the story to him in a very exciting and compelling way... verbally)

But, don't settle for JUST recording the testimony.
There's little impact in taping someone telling their story in past tense.

Here's what you need:
-- A great story-teller. (Find someone who can vividly describe their experiences and emotions) The trick here will be to find someone who can "walk and chew gum" on camera who speaks into the topic of your last minute production. But... be encouraged! The odds are if you don't know the right person, someone YOU know is likely to know someone that is walking around with right story just waiting to be brought to life.

-- Story Telling Elements. Add to the mandatory interview other items: Photos, Home Video, Music, Journals, etc... that become the critical pieces to making someone's life come alive on the screen. (Always ask people you interview for these items at the time you interview them.)

-- Finally.. if you're working with others (staff & crew)... you need to get them to buy into your vision. Bring them with you.

You WILL need to shoot & edit your piece... But, if you start with a GREAT story and someone who can articulate it... you have the possibility of a quick turn-around deeply impacting piece.

Get to know the stories of people in your church, by getting to KNOW them. God knows, :), when you'll need to ask someone if you can bring their story to life.

Don't let those last minute requests suck the wind out of you!

Find the right story about someone who will makes the point you need this coming Sunday!!