Hollywood Expertise Meets Church Production: Award-Winning Filmmaker Jody Eldred Shares Essential Tips for Church Media Leaders on a Budget

The Church Production Podcast

In this episode of the Church Production Podcast, host Joseph Cottle sits down with Jody Eldred, an award-winning filmmaker and producer with over 40 years of experience working in Hollywood. From directing, cinematography, and editing to color grading and camera work, Jody has worn many hats across a diverse range of productions for major television networks. Now, as a committed Christian, Jody is using his vast expertise to support and guide church media leaders in producing high-quality content that meets today's media-savvy expectations.

The conversation kicks off with Jody sharing how his career and faith intersect, leading him to volunteer his talents for churches over the years. Whether working with large churches that have established television ministries or smaller congregations just starting out, Jody sees it as part of his spiritual responsibility to give back through his production skills. He highlights the importance of finding your strengths, recognizing your God-given talents, and using them to serve your church community effectively.

Jody and Joseph dive into practical advice for churches looking to begin or enhance their media presence, particularly in the realm of live streaming and video production. Jody emphasizes that while technology today is incredibly affordable—far more so than in the early days of church broadcasting—having the right person in charge is critical. He explains that churches need a media leader with at least a basic understanding of production, rather than relying on untrained volunteers. Without this key leadership, even the best equipment will not yield the desired results.

From discussing entry-level gear like PTZ cameras and Blackmagic Design products to offering guidance on cost-effective editing tools like DaVinci Resolve, Jody outlines a pathway for churches to create professional-level content without breaking the bank. He stresses that, even though budgets may be small, the quality of church media should meet a "minimum threshold of quality" to engage audiences who are used to polished productions on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Poorly produced content, he argues, can detract from the message and turn potential viewers away.

Jody also addresses the importance of intentional post-production work. Whether it's testimony videos or promotional material, proper lighting, sound, and editing can make a world of difference in how effectively a church communicates its message. He encourages churches to seek out individuals who have an understanding of these elements and not settle for subpar efforts simply because it's “for the church.”

Through this engaging discussion, Jody Eldred offers valuable insights that any church production leader—whether working with a small or large budget—can use to improve their media presence. The episode serves as a resourceful guide for those looking to navigate the challenges of church media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.