Rusty Anderson

video Better Shots | Analyzing Your Cut

Better Shots | Analyzing Your Cut

In this third part, Rusty and Addie have a conversation about coaching volunteer camera operators to get ‘better shots’. This discussion provides a look at the importance of team collaboration while emphasizing operator freedom to capture spontaneous moments. Key Points: Operator autonomy is crucial. Experienced camera operators are familiar with their positions and most of the time they’re familiar with the director's expectations. They can intuitively create compelling shots, such as rack focuses, without direct instruction. The balance between creativity and repetition is key. Operators should introduce creative shots, but do so sparingly. This maintains the impact of the shot throughout the service. Rusty and Addie’s discussion underlines the importance of incorporating various elements into the frame. For example, lighting effects add depth and interest to shots. This does, however, require mindful planning for camera positioning and shot selection. Effective communication and rehearsal are vital components of video directing. Directors can help camera operators anticipate and capture key moments simply by preparing as best as they can with knowledge of the service flow and musical components. The relationship between video and lighting teams is crucial. Collaboration and understanding between these teams can significantly enhance the overall production quality. The director should be listening to the broadcast mix, as it allows the director to align visual elements with remote viewers’ audio experience. This ensures a coherent and engaging broadcast.
video Worship Switching | Analyzing Your Cut

Worship Switching | Analyzing Your Cut

In this second part, Rusty and Addie dive into the complexities of switching cameras for worship music. Shot composition and dynamic transitions are key. Directors should be mindful to keep varying shot types to avoid repetitive compositions and to enhance the live viewing experience. Key Points: It’s important to give viewers a sense of scale, especially if they’re exclusively viewing online. This can be achieved by using wider shots that capture the entirety of the stage, or in Addie’s case, the entirety of the LED wall. Rusty and Addie discuss the challenge of balancing shot composition. It’s particularly difficult when framing for both IMAG and broadcast. The aim should be to optimize the view for the best hybrid between live attendees and remote viewers. The conversation touches on the use of dynamic camera movements to inject energy into shots. For example, using dollies and tilts can add movement and therefore add energy to your shots. This is especially important during upbeat songs. It’s important to change tempo and pacing from song to song to match what the viewers are hearing. Sometimes, logistical and aesthetic challenges occur in regard to camera visibility in a live space. For example, when you have a camera lower to the ground, it can typically get better shots but you run the risk of people walking through the shot. It’s important to capture diverse angles. It’s always key to know the music before you get in the room. This helps to anticipate key moments in each song for shot transitions. Knowing your service flow is essential for effective directing.
video Camera Placement | Analyzing Your Cut

Camera Placement | Analyzing Your Cut

In part one of this three part series, Rusty Anderson and Addie Wanner from Bayside Church, discuss camera placement. They explore strategic camera placement, and how it reveals the directorial choices that contribute to a dynamic worship experience. The discussion also shows how these choices create an immersive worship experience, emphasizing the balance between technical execution and creative vision. Key Points: Bayside Church uses a mixture of RED Komodo Cameras and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras, mounted in different ways. This allows for diverse shot types and angles. The set up includes a variety of camera positions. Some are center line tripods, dollies, handheld rigs, pedestals, and stage roamers. This diversity in camera positions allows for coverage ranging from wide shots of the stage to some, more intimate, close-ups of the worship leaders and musicians. Rusty and Addie’s discussion highlights the importance of incorporating audience shots. This enhances the feeling of community and participation. Doing so aims to make online viewers feel as if they are part of the congregation. Rusty and Addie also discuss challenges faced when establishing camera placements. For example, if there’s an on stage roamer, it’s important to note that their movement may be distracting. Finding effective use for certain cameras during worship maintains the desired cinematic feel. Addie talks through her preference for capturing crowd engagement. She values the spontaneous moments that arise during worship, which add depth and authenticity to the viewing experience. The use of different lenses and camera controls to achieve desired shots is important. Strategic decisions behind camera movements and cuts helps to maintain visual interest.
video Planned vs. On-The-Fly Directing

Planned vs. On-The-Fly Directing

Hear from Rusty Anderson as he shares his experience on effectively video directing in worship, focusing on the balance between pre-planned shots and real-time decision making.
video Point of View (POV) Cameras

Point of View (POV) Cameras

Delve into why Point of View (POV) cameras are becoming more and more popular due to their affordability and versatility, allowing for placement in tight spots like drum cages or on your keys rig.
video Continual Training For Camera Ops

Continual Training For Camera Ops

Training is a huge component of being able to execute a service each weekend, especially for video volunteers.