To film or not to film?

Photography has always been and always will be a must at all Weddings, but how about Video?

There is still a misconception that Videography is no better than Uncle Bob turning up on the day with his new snazzy hand held camcorder. When in fact, today’s Videographers are creative professionals using high spec filming equipment and editing software. It has become a highly skilled trade and is just as important as Photography to a lot of couples.

Not everyone is aware of just how much work goes into a Wedding production. Not only do you have Videographers filming all day, but they will have done a lot of preparation beforehand to ensure the day’s filming runs as smoothly as possible. This will include visiting the Venues, speaking with Vicars and Wedding Coordinators, not forgetting the Wedding couple, capturing all of their preferences and details. Following the day’s filming, the footage has to be uploaded to computer and the editing process begins – this on average, could be as much as 60 hours work. DVD media needs designing and printing for that ‘wow’ presentation look. It is a lengthy, creative process and is a delight to work on !

It’s all about capturing those special moments forever – family – friends. There is never a better time to capture all of your family and friends together in the same place. You set the stage, costumes, make up and drama and people like ourselves film it in all it’s glory.

Choosing a Videographer Start by searching locally via the internet. Finding Videographers with a good, well presented website and up to date showreels is a good indication that they are busy and in demand. Different styles show that they are not using the same format for every Wedding. No Wedding is the same and each should be treated in its own right. For instance, black and white is nice for some colour schemes but not all. Look at the way the footage goes with the music, it should be comfortable to watch and enjoyable. Testimonials are a must, so long as they are recent. Ideally Videographers should meet with you twice, once, upon booking to get a feel for day and then second, within the month prior the Wedding Date to capture all the final details. You want Videographers who are unobtrusive and film considerately around people. Having discretion on such a special day is very important. Ideally you would have two Videographers filming on the day. This provides two angles of interest for editing – it also allows the Videographers to cut out those unfortunate moments such as; when Auntie decides to get up in Church and go to the toilet half way through the service, blocking the view of one of the cameras. If you like their work, pricing is right and you can imagine what they can do for you, take a step further and contact them for a chat and check availability.

Music plays a big part in your final production. Your Videographers will ask you to supply a list of music to cherry pick from. Ideally this should consist of upbeat tunes, the odd slow slushy number is OK, but remember it’s supposed to be a happy day, you want your footage to portray this. Your Videographers are responsible for purchasing music licenses to legally cover the use of music that is dubbed on your production and any music that is recorded via Church Choir or Band for example. These are PPL and MCPS Licenses. Be aware that some Churches are charging couples to film in Church, so be sure to discuss it with your Vicar or Priest. If having a Civil Wedding, make sure it is mentioned to the Registrars in advance of the day also.

Like with most things you choose to buy for your Wedding, you will have a good feeling about the people you book. So go with your gut feeling.

A couple of months on, when you are settled back into normal life again, you will get that call to say that your Wedding Movie is ready. Just when it becomes a part of the distant past you can relive the day all over again, and get to see those moments you missed while you were busy seeing to your guests and taking it all in.

Enjoy Your Movie !!

Article by Christine Melvin
ALC Create

Web: www.alc-create.com
Email: christine@alc-create.com