Creating a Video Card

The NextSteps platform, developed by the Jesus Film Project, is designed to help you create impactful digital journeys centered around video content. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a video card using the final scene from the 1979 "Jesus" movie, which is a powerful gospel presentation inviting viewers to connect with Christ personally.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Video Card

Step 1: Access the Journey Builder

1. Log in to your NextSteps account.
2. Navigate to the journey builder interface where you can create and edit your journey.

Step 2: Create a New Card

1. To add a new card to your journey, you can:
   • Drag a connector from the previous card to create a new card.
   • Or, click on the "add step" button located in the top right corner of the journey builder.
2. Once the new card is created, click on it to begin editing.

Step 3: Select the Video Card Template

1. In the card editor, choose the "video card" template.
2. This will automatically load a placeholder video onto the card.

Step 4: Replace the Placeholder Video

1. Click on the placeholder video to select it.
2. Hit the delete icon to remove the placeholder video.

Step 5: Add the Desired Video from the Jesus Film Library

1. Click on the "select video" button to open the video selection menu.
2. In the Jesus Film (JF) library search bar, type "Invitation to Know Jesus Personally."
3. Locate the video with the thumbnail showing the three crosses. This is the final scene from the 1979 "Jesus" movie, a 5-minute and 41-second clip.
4. Select the correct language for your audience. For this demonstration, keep it in English.
5. Click "select" to add the video to your card.

Step 6: Adjust the Video Start and Stop Times

1. Below the video source dropdown, you will see two time code fields: the start time and the stop time.
2. To remove the credits at the end of the video, change the stop time from 5:41 to 5:33.
3. Leave the start time as is unless you want to trim the beginning of the video.

Step 7: Set the Aspect Ratio

1. The aspect ratio determines how the video will be displayed on different devices.
2. Since this is a 16:9 widescreen video, set the aspect ratio to "Fit." This ensures the entire video is visible on all devices.
3. If you are using a vertical video, consider setting the aspect ratio to "Fill" to optimize the display for mobile devices.
4. The "Crop" option is a middle ground between "Fit" and "Fill," but it may cut off parts of the video.

Step 8: Save and Preview Your Card

1. Once you have made all the adjustments, save your changes.
2. Preview the card to ensure the video displays correctly and plays as intended.

Best Practices for Video Cards

• Choose Relevant Content: Select videos that align with your journey's message and resonate with your target audience.
• Language Selection: Always ensure the video is in the correct language for your audience. The Jesus Film library supports over 2,000 languages, making it accessible to diverse groups.
• Trim Unnecessary Sections: Use the start and stop time fields to remove any unnecessary parts of the video, such as credits, to keep the content concise and engaging.
• Optimize for Devices: Set the aspect ratio based on the type of video and the devices your audience is likely to use. For widescreen videos, "Fit" is ideal, while vertical videos may benefit from the "Fill" setting.

By following these steps, you can create a compelling video card that effectively communicates the gospel message and engages your audience.For more detailed information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page. Additionally, explore the Jesus Film Project Tools for more resources to enhance your digital ministry efforts.