Filming a Christmas community or parish programme

Start by deciding which parts are performances and which are worship. Performances such as carols, a nativity play or a choir item are usually easy to plan for. Worship moments need your church leaders’ guidance on whether, where and how to film.

What does your Christmas programme include?

Programmes differ between churches and community groups. Some have a carol night, a children’s nativity play, a choir, a candlelight service, a community meal or a home visit by carollers. Others have only one or two of these. Write down what is real for your event, in order.

The must-capture moments checklist helps you write this down with your committee.

Where can the crew stand?

Ask the church leaders and the venue early. A fixed camera at the back or side usually disturbs the congregation least. Moving around the aisles during prayer is something to avoid unless leaders say it is fine.

Tell us if there are areas that are off limits, such as the altar area or a prayer space. We keep to the positions you agree. Our venue filming questions checklist lists what to ask the venue.

How do we respect children and families?

Christmas programmes often feature children. Before the day:

1. Ask parents or guardians if their child may be filmed.
2. Ask separately whether the video may be shared online or only with the congregation.
3. Give the crew a short list of children who should not appear, and who will tell them on the day.

Our guide to permissions and responsible publication explains how to think about this. If your programme involves people in difficult circumstances, read the guide on video involving vulnerable people.

What about music and sharing?

Carols and recorded tracks raise rights questions once the video goes online. A music licence does not automatically prevent takedowns where other rights or platform rules are unresolved. Ask the church office what it already has in place before posting, and plan a version with the original sound only if you are unsure.

Decide too who owns the video and who may post it. The private and public video version planner helps you plan one version for the congregation and another for public sharing.

What to put in your brief

Keep it short and in running order. For example, a one-page note could list the venue and date, the order of items, which items are performances, which parts need leader approval, the children who should not appear, and one named person who speaks to the crew on the day. This is an illustration, not a required format.

If the programme is repeated every year, keep the note. Next year you only update what changed, and the leaders’ guidance stays on record.

What we confirm for your programme

• How choir and congregation singing is recorded clearly.
• A fixed camera, if your leaders prefer no movement.
• A plan if the programme runs late or moves indoors.
• Which films you receive: full recordings, a highlight film, or both?

For the bigger picture of how we work with congregations and groups, see community event videography.