What to think about
Visual storytelling is incredibly important, not just for social media, but also for parish profiles, websites and any church marketing. What are you saying about your church and church community through your photography?
Here are some resources that might help.
Prepare ahead for filming in church
Communicate
Tell your community your plans for filming and send out the photo release forms to your email list, WhatsApp groups, or Facebook groups – anywhere your community can see it – so they are ready. Have spare copies with you on the day for anyone who has not yet signed. Remember, your regular attendees only need to sign this once every three years. Simple signage to tell people the service will be recorded and where it will be broadcast will remind them on the day.
Create film free area
Those who do not give their consent to be in a video or photo do not need to sign the consent form. Create a film free area within your church building where they may sit. This could be a side aisle, or a few rows at the back. Simple signs will help identify where this space is, and make sure that those who are filming or taking photos are aware. At the beginning of the service, those leading the service can remind people and give them opportunity to move.
New privacy notice
You should add your church’s details and display the privacy notice somewhere with your church building and on your website so that it can be read before the consent form is signed.
Read the Safer Environments for Churches guidance from the National Safeguarding Team which covers more on GDPR and safeguarding.
What to do if someone wants to film in your church
Sometimes a church may be approached by a TV or film company for filming. Sometimes film students or music groups might get in touch who want to use the church as a backdrop.
It is up to the PCC and Incumbent to decide if they want to go ahead or not.
Please do contact the Communications Team in the first instance to talk through the details and whether it is appropriate or not.