I have had the opportunity to work with and to know some incredibly talented people. Follow these people on Twitter or Facebook.
They are genius’s at what they do.
DAVE STAGL [Audio Director]
NORTH POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH, Atlanta, GA [23,000+ members]
Equipment Currently Being Used at North Point:
We are currently using AVID VENUE D-Show’s at FOH and Soundcraft SM20′s for monitors. Broadcast mixes are done in Pro Tools using a Control 24 controller and an Amek Media 51 as the front end.
What Advice Can You Give Audio Engineers?
Calm down, stay cool. Audio requires a serving mentality. Work WITH your music team and pastor(s) to figure out what they are trying to communicate. Then figure out how you can help facilitate that communication.
Dave’s Top Twitter Stalks:
@jasoncole and @mikesessler
Dave’s Resources For You:
Ownthemix.com is a great resource for churches looking to equip their audio volunteers.
My blog -www.goingto11.com – can be another resource for more intermediate and advanced engineers.
Follow Dave on Twitter: @fohdave
MIKE HADLEY [Creative Director]
EAGLE BROOK CHURCH, Mpls/St. Paul, MN [17,000+ members]
Where Do You Draw Inspiration From For Media Projects?
I definitely do the classic watching, listening, absorbing from all forms of media (TV, movies, music, internet, art). In that way, I’m always picking at things for an idea, and when something strikes me…when I feel that “aha!” or “hmmm?” I try to make sure I collect it (I rely heavily on Evernote.com these days to collect ideas). All of that said, I think I draw the most inspiration from people. I love talking to people about THEIR ideas. I love brainstorming, improvising, role playing, laughing, dreaming and listening to people.
What Advice Can You Give Other Artists and Leaders of Media Producers
The best gift you can give to a creative professional is CLARITY. Clear vision, clear expectations, clear boundaries. I think that deep down inside, we all want this, even if we don’t say it. The natural impulse as a leader of creatives is to back off and “let them have their freedom.” This is the wrong way to think. If you can set clear boundaries, then the creative person knows where and how far they can run. They can be more creative and excellent when they know what’s expected.
Mike’s Top Twitter Stalks:
Blaine Hogan (@blainehogan), Stephen Brewster (@b_rewster), and Conan O’Brien (@conanobrien).
Mike’s Resources For You:
http://insidenorthpoint.org/media/
http://www.collidemagazine.com/
and then I just scour www.vimeo.com
Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikehadley
NATE NOHLING [Lighting Programmer for Intelligent Lighting Creations-Programmer for various special events all around the Chicagoland area.]
What Tips Do You Have For Lighting Designers?
Less is more when it comes to the amount of colors. You see a lot of lighting guys who think that the only way to bring out some energy with their lighting rigs is to add more color. Stick to creating looks that utilize a 2 colors max. It will force you to work on using angles and intensities of lights to create different looks rather than just having a rainbow look all the time. It will also bring much more of an intentional, focused look to your designs rather than just throwing some colors around.
What Are Some Websites That Are Great Resources?
To stay up-to date on the ever changing Production/Lighting industry, I would recommend: PLSN.com, Prolightingspace.com, Isquint.com, and always check out manufacturers websites to stay up to date on product information.
Follow Nate on Twitter: @LightingNate
AMY ANDERSON [Executive Director of Weekend Services]
EAGLE BROOK CHURCH, Mpls/St. Paul, MN [17,000+ members]
Where Do You Draw Inspiration For Service Elements?
I’m always watching and observing the world around me, but most of my inspiration comes from having the right people around the table. People who bring energy, ideas, and bring life to a discussion versus being people who suck the life out of a conversation!
What Is A ‘Purple Cow’ Moment at Eagle Brook?
The term Purple Cow comes from Seth Godin’s book, “The Purple Cow”. It represents something ‘remarkable’. While we strive to create services that are always remarkable, I still think we need to surprise people now and again. Keep them out of the church rut. A few weeks ago we had a “Purple Cow” service called “Ask Anything”. We had our attenders text in questions to a panel and they answered them live. It was great – the excellence was predictable, but the experience was unexpected. Sometimes we have Purple Cow moments.
Words Of Wisdom from Amy:
Improvement is a value. Another value is feedback. I can’t believe how many churches go week after week, year after year, without a solid feedback process. That’s the key to improvement! Too many church people are nice. At EBC, feedback is part of our culture and it starts at the top. After our first service, our Sr. Pastor gets feedback form 2-3 of us on his message. Likewise, so do the technical and worship teams. We make sure our leaders know what went well, and what needs improvement. The last thing I’d mention is longevity. Longevity of great people. Hire great people and keep them. A word to churches with smaller incomes…everyone can get better. Feedback costs nothing. I would focus on improving your teaching, then your music, and then your kids programming. If those 3 areas are excellent – you’re gonna grow.
Amy’s Resources for You:
I look at the work of other churches like Church on the Move, Northpoint, and LifeChurch.
SINEAD BARRY-LUKAS [Executive Weekend Producer]
EAGLE BROOK CHURCH, Mpls/St. Paul, MN [17,000+ members]
What Do You Think Is Most Important For Producers To Know In Regards To Producing A Service?
Know your leaders vision and pay attention. Make sure the service is what it is supposed to be and ELIMINATE distractions.
What Advice Can You Give Other Producers?
Most important – Knowledge. You must know the details. Be present & available and have an answer when people need it. Also, be adaptable : provide leadership : serve your team : speak up! : pay attention.
Sinead’s Top Twitter Stalks:
Willow, Lifechurch, Elevation, Church on the Move. I follow a number of various church staff, but I find the church’s actual facebook or twitter more helpful. There you will find the most inspiration into what other churches are doing.
Sinead’s Resources For You:
I recently started a facebook group called Church Producer Round Table and invited church producers from other large, multi-site churches to join. It’s a great platform for sharing ideas and best practices.I also spend a lot of time watching other church’s services and worship when it’s available.
Follow Sinead on Twitter: @sinead_lukas
SARA EMMERSON [Weekend Service Producer]
CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, St. Charles, IL [7,000+ members]
What Is Most Important For Weekend Producers to Know?
It is important to know that the The Spirit can guide you any day of the week. So, the planning and communication of service details in advance is important and Godly.
Proverbs 24:3-4 Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts
Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5 If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
Sara’s Top Twitter Stalks:
@kemmeyer
@stanendicott
Sara’s Resources For You:
IBlaine Hogan – www.blainehogan.com
Dewitt Jones – www.dewittjones.com
Follow Sara on Twitter: @saraemmerson
