Greg Atkinson

We’ve all been there: from time to time, we need to convert a video piece from one format to another. I was helping our youth ministry last week convert a video they had created in Final Cut Pro to an AVI and/or MPEG1 so they could play it in PowerPoint. I told them to download the Xilisoft Video Converter, which is what I use. I also suggested they upgrade their QuickTime to QuickTime Pro.

My friend, Brian Davis (of Worship Tech Online), told me about a piece of software that he uses. Terry Storch actually told Brian and he was passing the tip on to me. It’s a software called Visual Hub and it allows you to import MPEG1 (and other formats) into Final Cut Pro for editing. I thought it was a pretty cool piece of software.

So, I ask you: What software package can you not live without? What have you found that works great for your situation?

UPDATE:

Remember my presentation software poll? It’s interesting that the 3 software companies that I stand behind/endorse and list on my “Charter Sponsors” page are the top 3 in the poll. If you haven’t voted yet, vote HERE.

Wednesday night, our top candidate for the Audio Coordinator position flew in. I was with him and in several meetings all day yesterday. He’ll be here all weekend and run Front of House on Sunday. Pray that God would give us wisdom and discernment.

EXTRA:

One of my favorite producers, SermonVideos.com, has a new and improved website. Check it out HERE!

BONUS:

If you or creative people you know are into video production, you might be interested in this…

WorshipMusic.com is hosting an “I Will Remember - Music Video” Contest

They are looking for a fresh and well done music video to go along with song track “I Will Remember”. The entry who wins gets a $500 shopping spree at WorshipMusic.com. All those creatives and filmmakers at your church can get the details and info HERE.

The contest runs during the month of Sept., so its “go time” if you’re interested.

EXTRA, EXTRA:

Collide Magazine ships today. This is THE new magazine for those involved in ministry and media. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can HERE.

I’m always on the look out for good resources. Videomaker might be of help to you and your work. Check out their FREE tip sheet HERE.

In meeting with the folks at MediaShout the other week, they mentioned that out of the list of the Top 25 Most Innovative Churches in the US, 19 of them used MediaShout. I found that interesting. I’m a regular user of EasyWorship, but also have a great respect for ProPresenter and MediaShout. I’m curious as to what you use at your church…SO, I created a Squidoo poll where you can vote. Please go HERE to place your vote or.

EXTRA:

Have you heard of Sermon Cinema? Might be worth checking out.

PERSONAL:

Yesterday was a great day. We did a funny drama, great music, our pastor was back from his sabbatical and we played an in-house video we did that was hilarious. Also, we had 4 people shadowing people on the Tech Arts team and watching what was going on behind the scenes. We just did a volunteer campaign called “iServe” and it produced some great new contacts.

Also, after our last service last night, I got to sneak over to Denton Bible and catch one of my favorite artists in concert: Shawn McDonald! I love him, his music and his testimony. Wow!

Some have emailed me asking what equipment we’re putting in our new worship center. I figured I’d just blog about it. Here’s a short list:

AUDIO: Meyers speakers and subs and the Digidesign Venue at FOH

LIGHTING: GrandMA full size

VIDEO: Ross Synergy 1 MD switcher and JVC’s GY-HD250U cameras (3)

EXTRA:

WorshipHouse Media’s HouseChat gave a shout out to Seth Godin’s blog (which I dig). You can check out what they had to say HERE.

BONUS:

Read my “Less is More” article on MinistryCOM’s website.

Months ago, I introduced the Church media world to Blaine Hogan - an up-and-coming filmmaker (and designer) who did the “Starving Jesus” video that went straight to the top of each website it appeared on. His newer video, “Ignorable Calling” is also rising up the Top 10 list.

Guess what? The entire “Starving Jesus” series (in downloadable form) is up on WorshipHouse and SermonSpice. Also the DVD volume is available for pre-order in the Difted store. This is the completion of a year-long series, which, by the way, is how Blaine is paying for seminary. That’s right - when you purchase Blaine’s videos, DVD or shirts, you’re supporting his education!

EXTRA:

I just wrote an article for a brand new magazine (that you really should subscribe to) called “Collide Magazine”. In the article I mentioned how important quality design is in today’s culture. Branding and design are words that should be heard and understood in all churches. It’s important how you present yourself and how others perceive you.

I bring this up because Blaine is also quite a gifted designer and is doing free-lance design work as another way to support himself through school. Above are recent projects he’s did. One is for a ministry called Project Sixty One, which is a homeless ministry in California. Blaine does mostly print, merchandise, logo work, and worship backgrounds.

If you’re looking for fresh, edgy, sharp design work for your church (t-shirts, website or print materials), then I recommend you contact Blaine and see what he can do for you. His rates are extremely flexible and he’s open to any kind of work at the moment. Blaine would like to partner with people who need creative work done…especially churches. So, the idea would be getting people who believe that art and faith can change the world, to partner with a creative kid who is working his way through seminary by using his gifts (speaking, writing, directing, design, etc.).

Bottom-line: Get to know Blaine. Here’s a link to some more of his work HERE.

This just in from the “Think, Jump, Yak” blog of Kim Gentes. He did a technology and worship resource lineup. I was honored to have my blog listed on his list, but also found out about a couple of new resources that I wasn’t aware of. I definitely think it’s worth checking out (click HERE). Speaking of resource links, I’d encourage you to click on my LINKS tab at the top of this blog.

Igniter Media Group is offering a FREE download everyday until July 21st. You’d be crazy to not hit this up.

I received a couple of video request sheets from 2 of you, but would still like to receive more. Please send me what you use at your church.

BONUS:

Check out the latest from FortyOneTwenty. 5 new stills and 1 new min-movie have just been posted to the site. Recently, they have focused on creating some backgrounds that really help your words pop off the screen - their new Brown collection does just that.

Also, be sure to check out “Enthroned”, a powerful new mini-movie illustrating the process of preparing our souls for God to take His rightful place. By the way, they’d love to get some feedback on them! Email them at support@fortyonetwenty.com.

EXTRA:

Have you heard of Virb? I think it’s a really cool site, worth checking out!

I’m in the process of coming up with a Video Request sheet for other church staff members to fill out when they have a need for us to create a video for their ministry. This sheet would have information like date project needs to be completed by, budget considerations, who it’s for, what they are trying to accomplish/communicate, storyboard, people to be involved and/or on camera, etc. I’m curious as to if any of you already have a document like this created. If so, I’d love to see it. Email it to me at gatkinson@btbf.org.

BONUS:

You (or at least your worship leader) is probably familiar with Worship Leader Magazine and their Song Discovery program, but have you heard of the new Song Discovery Community? If you’re a Song Discovery subscriber you can sign up now, if not, you can sign up in the near future. Our worship pastor, Scott Dyer, is the featured songwriter right now. His song, “Still Amazed”, is a great song that Song Discovery is featuring. I encourage you to check it out - it’s a great new arrangement of “Amazing Grace”.

Yesterday was a great day of worship at our church. We were all reminded of how we need to be encouragers to each other. Have I mentioned that “Mighty to Save” is one of my favorite songs? We also used as a great video clip from VisualScripture.com as an interlude in-between songs.

I’ve been on staff at Bent Tree for 5 months now and today I will have the toughest day/conversation to date. It is a much-needed conversation and will ultimately be best for our tech arts ministry, but it will be difficult and could potentially go bad. I’d appreciate your prayers for me throughout this day.