#177 - It's OK to Get Scrappy: Value Engineering for Smaller Budgets
Aug 12, 2024
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Drake Kelch, an MxU Ambassador, dives into creative strategies for churches on a budget. He emphasizes the power of value engineering, showcasing how even the simplest tools, like the camera on your phone, can enhance worship experiences. The discussion highlights the importance of practical solutions and optimizing existing resources. Drake also shares insights on balancing church production with personal life, and the evolution of audio-visual setups in worship settings, proving that innovation often thrives in constraint.
Utilizing existing technology, like smartphones, empowers churches to produce quality content without the need for expensive equipment upgrades.
Value engineering in church production emphasizes prioritizing resources based on the church's mission and true needs rather than chasing trends.
Consultation with experts can provide smaller churches tailored insights to optimize their current resources instead of investing in full-service integrators.
Deep dives
Navigating Gear Choices
The conversation emphasizes the balance between using smartphone technology, such as iPhones, for video production in churches versus relying on high-end professional equipment. It acknowledges that many churches operate on budgets and may not have access to expensive gear, suggesting that using available technology can still yield quality results. The example of Apple using iPhones for their productions serves to illustrate that effective production is achievable without the latest equipment. This approach encourages churches to utilize what they already have to create impactful content, rather than feeling pressured to continuously upgrade to more sophisticated systems.
The Importance of Practical Production Solutions
The discussion reflects on the tension between churches utilizing complex setups for audio-visual production and the practicality of simpler methods. It outlines the concerns of institutions that favor ultra-redundant systems, often at the cost of functionality for more basic needs. The idea presented is that smaller churches can achieve significant results through innovative yet straightforward production techniques, rather than relying solely on high-cost solutions. It promotes the understanding that effective production doesn't always require advanced technology and that many achievable alternatives exist.
Value Engineering in Production
Value engineering is framed not merely as cost-cutting, but as a strategic approach to maximize contributions toward the church's values and mission. This perspective urges churches to invest resources where they will yield the most significant benefit while addressing actual needs. For instance, focusing budgetary considerations based on leadership’s specific vision for the church, such as audio quality over visual elements, can guide better decisions for equipment purchases. This shift in mindset highlights the necessity of evaluating and prioritizing true value rather than succumbing to the latest trends in audio-visual equipment.
Consultation as a Strategic Investment
The importance of consulting as a viable alternative to hiring an integrator is emphasized for smaller churches or those with limited budgets. Engaging an expert for consultation can provide tailored advice that caters to specific challenges faced by these spaces, without the heavy investment that hiring a full-service integrator would entail. This strategy can ultimately help identify pain points that may not be visible to the church leadership due to their routine focus. By employing an outside expert, churches can receive detailed insight on optimizing their existing resources, thus making more informed expenditure decisions.
Challenges of Upgrading Equipment
As churches look to refresh their production capabilities, attention is drawn to the need for a thorough understanding of current equipment and its longevity. Decisions might need to evolve as existing equipment approaches the end of its effective service life, creating dilemmas about whether to upgrade or replace. The conversation also addresses the notion that maintaining the integrity of existing systems might be equally or more critical than investing in new technologies. This calls for a thoughtful evaluation of the current production setup to ensure continuous improvement in the church's AV capabilities.
This is episode 177 of the MxU Podcast. Jeff and Spencer are joined by a familiar face and one of our MxU Ambassadors, Drake Kelch. Stemming from previous discussions and a post that was a tad controversial about Apple events and iPhones... the guys chat about value engineering in church and why sometimes, it's OK to get scrappy.
Service Review (13:57 - 22:59) The guys review a service from Calvary Chapel in Knoxville, TN. From lighting to audio and the service as a whole, they offer feedback on how minor tweaks can make a significant impact on the overall worship experience. Spoiler: It's not about having the newest gear, it's about getting the most out of what you've got.
Submit your service for review to support@getmxu.com or reach out to us on any of our social media platforms.
Upcoming Content (23:00 - 25:34) Tomorrow, we're releasing "Media Manipulation with Resolume" as the third course on MxU all about Resolume. From slice transforms to generators, advanced outputs, and more... this course takes things deeper into the entire feature set that Resolume has to offer.
Stay tuned in to our social accounts and be on the lookout for an email with the course release!
Value Engineering for Smaller Budgets (25:35 - 55:34) Creativity can be your greatest asset when budgets are tight. Drake shares his insight on how churches can make the most of what they already own and yes, the camera in your pocket might just be enough. It's about finding practical solutions that work for your church and fit in with your church's vision without breaking the bank. Links Drake Kelch MxU MxU Pop-Ups
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