Our Quest for Quiet Locations
A call for locations to film readings of the Psalms in nature.
The Psalms 23 project aims to film high-quality readings of the Psalms in nature, with the peaceful sounds of creation.
For this project it is important that we minimize the amount of unnatural sounds during filming.
When we refer to "unnatural sounds", generally, we mean non-nature sounds in the background that would distract someone from listening to and enjoying the Psalm readings.
Unnatural sounds include: loud road noise, people talking, machinery, dogs barking, electronic buzz, and airplanes. Lawnmowers or vehicles running nearby could also delay or prevent us from recording.
Acceptable natural sounds would be: birds, normal insect noise, and farm animals.
If you are not sure if your location is quiet enough for what we need, please still feel free to contact us. We have made locations near busy roads work by filming between the traffic before, so we may be able to make your location work too. :)
Location requirements / The ideal location
The ideal location is private country property with suitable natural places to film a good distance away from a highway, busy road, train, or airport. Must be in the continental United States (the lower 48) or Alaska.
When submitting your location, please include pictures and/or videos of places on your property that you think could possibly be used.
Your questions answered
Would you like to help us make the Psalms 23 Project possible by allowing us to film on your property? Or, do you know someone else that may have a location we could use? Here are some answers to questions you may have:
Q: What locations are you in need of?
A: See what Psalm readings and locations we're planning by clicking here.
Q: What gear do you use?
A: We are a very small production with minimal gear and a small footprint. We don't use external flash, reflectors, stands, lights, or any heavy equipment. Our equipment is small and portable. Except for our regular-size, aluminum tripod, all of our gear that we need for filming can fit inside of a normal school backpack!
For those who are interested, the following is the list of our gear:
- ZVE-10 camera + lens and necessary cables (a small camera)
- DJI portable wireless mic set (small enough to fit in your pocket)
- 2 lav mics
- portable camera tripod
- a pair of over-the-ear headphones
Q: How long would you need to film?
A: Including setup, each Psalm reading takes between 1-3 hours to film. The precise timing depends on the length of the Psalm and external factors like whether we are hindered by noise. We are flexible to adjust to your schedule. If that means only filming a single Psalm reading for an hour, that is alright.
Q: Are you able to compensate for your use of the property?
A: Unfortunately, since this is a low budget, not-for-a-profit ministry project, we cannot afford to pay for our use of your property. That said, we will always treat you and your property with respect. If you'd like to help out or watch as we film the reading(s) you are welcome to.
Q: Will we sign a contract?
A: We certainly can if you would like. Either way, we want to be completely upfront with you on what we expect from you and what you should expect from us. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know. Before filming on your property, we may ask you (the property owner) to sign the Location Release form to grant us the permissions in writing to 1) bring what we need on to your property to film 2) to film the Psalm reading(s) on your property, and 3) to display (or choose not to display) the final Psalm reading(s) that were filmed on your property in any form we choose.
Q: Do you have insurance?
A: Yes, our filming is insured under a general liability insurance policy with Full Frame Insurance. We haven't had any issues in the past, but we want to give you peace of mind should something go awry.
How to submit your potential location
You can either fill out the form below or email us with your hello and pictures/videos of places that you think could possibly be used on your property at emailthepsalms23project@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!