live streaming & production OF GATHERINGS
We use digital technology to enable more people the opportunity to engage with what God is doing at The Well. It’s a fantastic way to enable many people to experience our impactful training and teaching in living a Godly-life, and to welcome anyone into a journey with Jesus.
Below we’ve outlined some common questions and welcome your feedback on our approach so we can continually improve and serve everyone as best we can.
video communications
What is Video Streaming?
Video streaming is like ‘live TV’ broadcast through the internet. The Well have invested in camera and computer equipment that allows streaming to platforms such as YouTube. These social media accounts are managed by specific staff members at The Well.
video shorts
What will be filmed?
We have Live Streaming, Filmed Events (talks that are filmed but not live streamed) and Pre-planned filming.
Live Streaming
At present we have one permanent camera in the Sanctuary (main part of The Well) which films the 7pm Gathering, with an occasional second camera for bigger events like baptisms or Carols by Candlelight.
We avoid directly filming the attendees, instead focusing solely on the person(s) on stage. If this changes we will let you know. We never film ministry/response time at the front of church.
Training Events
From time to time we film training sessions (such as Deeper and evening courses). The vast majority of time the camera will be focused on the speaker(s). We’ll make it clear when we’re filming.
Video shorts:
The Creative Team at The Well will also produce other video content from time to time. Everyone appearing will have given their permission to feature in these productions.
Why is the well using video?
There are lots of reasons why we are taking advantage of this technology:
It allows people who regularly attend The Well to watch back talks in their own time.
Live streaming allows those who would like to attend, but can’t maybe because they’re ill, away or caring for others join in and engage in realtime, including through the comments.
The video content allows us to share the message for anyone to watch, learn and be blessed by. These can be shared widely with people who are interested. The Well has many friends around the world who really appreciate this.
The ‘digital revolution’ has meant that people can access virtually anything via their internet-enabled device(s). Amongst that ‘noise’ we want to make sure the opportunity is presented for people to engage with the word of God. We serve Sheffield, and we’re particularly keen for the message of Jesus to be heard here in this city both in-person (by attending a gathering) and in a digital context.
How will we use it?
Sunday evening gatherings are live-streamed to The Well’s YouTube. The published livestream then remains publicly available on the Well’s YouTube channel so it can also be viewed in the future.
Recordings of training sessions are usually stored on YouTube and made available to Well members via a non-public link.
Will I appear on video?
You may appear on the video if you were to walk onto the stage. Aside from these times there will be very little chance of your face appearing on video.
We will never film children without guardian/parental consent.
During response times (after a talk) the filming will cropped down or even terminated (depending on the nature of the response, and a judgment call will be made by leadership). We’re aware this can be a sensitive time for people, and the filming will naturally draw to close around this time anyway.
The back of your head, or raised hands may feature as the camera faces the stage, but most commonly the camera shot is cropped to film the person speaking on stage directly (see image below).
Whilst we are focusing solely on what is happening on the stage, to guarantee that you won’t appear on film please see the image below that highlights completely safe areas that will not feature on any videos. In some instances such as special occasions we may use additional cameras around the building.
filming area
a Typical camera crop
A viewer would usually see an image like this.
What other media do we use?
From time to time we take photographs of gatherings for use on social media networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Images are also used in brochures, booklets and The Well’s website. In all of these instances we request permission of use if you feature in the picture and are fully compliant of GDPR guidelines.
How to watch and subscribe
To view the Well’s YouTube you can search ‘The Well Sheffield’ or follow the link by clicking the button below. Once on the page you can click ‘subscribe’. You can also choose to turn your notifications ‘on’ which means you will be notified when a new video is published or the live stream is active.
Feedback and questions
We welcome feedback and questions. We’re keen to have dialogue so please let us know if this is useful to you and also present constructive feedback so we can improve this service to The Well, Sheffield and the world.