Stand Sunday Video Shoot

“Sheriff? I’m sorry to interrupt but can I have your keys, please?”

Never thought I’d say that.  But I did. Nor, did I ever think I’d take over half a restaurant to set up cameras and film an interview.  But I was there. I also never thought I’d get to edit (or even know how to edit) a video about the Tarrant County Sheriff’s thoughts on adoption and the church’s role in it.  But I was taught how. Being a part of the media team at FOTP has given me the chance to be a part of a lot of important – and fun – things that I hadn’t imagined I’d be a part of.

Stand Sunday, an initiative designed to stand up for kids in foster care, was on November 10th.  Prior to it, we planned, had meetings, asked questions, and brainstormed about how we could successfully make a video to show FOTP’s commitment to defending those in need.  It was decided that the video could be the bulk of the message during services that week if there was enough good content for it. We were pretty much given freedom to share the Sheriff’s story and use as much time as we needed.    

After the idea was born, a plan had to be hatched to make it a reality.  The entire team played a part. A script for the day was made. Each shot was mapped out.  Equipment and manpower were assembled. Everyone was gathered to poke holes in the plan and make sure it would still float.  During all this, coordinating and scheduling with the Sheriff’s office was going on behind the scenes. Everyone was involved.

Up until this point, everything had gone well.  But sometimes you have questions. Will this work?  Can we do it? Will they like it? There was one moment in particular that stands out to me.  During a meeting, someone said something to the effect of, “I don’t know, I just can’t make the connection and visualize this yet.”  I think that’s a shared experience we all have. Often. Maybe even daily. Can I do this? I’ve prepared and practiced but now I’ve got to step onto the field and perform.  Can I do this? In the end, I think it came down to faith. Faith in God, in each other, and in our abilities. Without that faith, Stand Sunday at FOTP would’ve looked different.  

The day we filmed was one I won’t soon forget.  Every moment was great. That doesn’t mean it was easy.  To get the audio during the car ride, we had a chase vehicle following the Sheriff’s squad car, trying to stay close.  The chase car had a camera connected to the wireless mics in the Sheriff’s car so we could monitor the audio during the drive.  It didn’t take long for the mics to start cutting out, thus ruining the audio. We pulled over and almost decided we’d throw Matthew Martin in the back of the squad car with the camera so he could monitor the audio from the floorboard.  But that wouldn’t work because he’d be visible in all the shots. So, more faith, this time in our equipment. We left the camera in the back of the squad car and trusted that the audio would get captured without issue (and without being monitored).  It worked.

Once at the restaurant, we met up with the manager who allowed us to use their space.  The lunch rush was winding down, and he gave us the green light. We took over a good chunk of his dining room, moved some tables, set up lights and cameras, and promptly scared away any remaining diners nearby.  During all this, I realized that the GoPro cameras in the Sheriff’s car were still running. It was weird, I didn’t hesitate to ask for his keys. And he didn’t hesitate to give them to me. When I was close enough to unlock the car with the remote I saw two police officers riding towards me on bikes.  It was obvious that I’d end up at the Sheriff’s car at the same time they would. Surely they’d see me opening his car and climbing inside, right? That would be awkward. Should I delay so they ride past and let me rifle through the squad car in peace? Drunk with power (I’ve got the Sheriff’s keys for cryin’ out loud!), I decided to go for it.  I’m in a hurry, I figured, they’ll understand. I was equal parts relieved and disappointed when they rode by without noticing. Maybe I looked like the valet guy.

I went back inside and the rest of the day was smooth sailing.  The Sheriff and Chuck were both amazing. Our crew was amazing. Editing the video was occasionally tricky (I’m probably not shooting with a GoPro’s color set to FLAT anytime soon) but overall it wasn’t that difficult.  The planning made it simple. The story was already there and the only thing left to do was put the last piece in the puzzle. We learned a few things (mostly about GoPros) but that’s what makes it so great.  

We can do it even better next time.  When can we start?!