We all love the New Song Cafe videos at WorshipTogether.com. I thought you might be interested to go behind the scenes at a video shoot to see how it's all done.
First, let's talk location. We've done video shoots in many different venues. Last year we did a shoot during GMA week at a Nashville hotel. We had to turn the AC off during the recordings, so it was hot as all get out. We've also done shoots here at EMI, rented buildings, and this spring we are using an old church in downtown Nashville. No matter where we do them, we have a very creative set designer that makes them look great.
The videos are shot with 3 cameras by Jon Ward and his team here in Franklin, TN. Just recently, Jon upgraded to Panasonic HD cameras, so the latest New Song Cafe videos are in high def! Except, once it is smashed and uploaded to the website, it's low def again :). A separate audio track is recording in Pro Tools and synched up during editing.
The artist and host arrive 20 minutes prior to taping for makeup. Yes, that's right. All our super-spiritual worship leaders get pancaked so that they have a great complexion on film! See Johnny Parks getting his mug frosted :).
Once we start the taping we herd everyone through like cattle, recording song after song. Almost every song is one take. The longest session we ever did lasted for 9 hours and we taped 33 songs. Once the songs are recorded, we record the introductions and we are done.
So there's our behind the scenes look at the New Song Cafe. I've attached a few more pictures we shot at the last taping.
Thanks so much for the New Song Cafe. It's a great way to hear new songs, but even more than that, I love hearing the story behind the songs.
Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Ronnie | February 26, 2008 at 07:54 PM
This is great. a worshiptogether sweatshop...whoa, 9 hours of taping for 33 songs.
Posted by: Rich Kirkpatrick | February 26, 2008 at 11:06 PM
I really love New Song Cafe. I'm continually blessed by the song stories and the heart behind each artist.
And I totally get the "turn-off-the-AC-while-recording" thing! I've battled that for years! It's even worse now as a podcaster, too.
Anyhow, thanks for the great behind the scenes info. What you do really makes a difference in the kingdom!
David Guion
http://www.one24worship.com/
Posted by: David Guion | February 27, 2008 at 05:09 PM