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Wedding Magazine -
Miscellaneous
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 Funding a Wedding has always been known to be a financial strain, particularly in the present economic climate. We asked a leadin Wedding Videographer a few questions that Brides to be may be currently thinking...
Wedding films are a bit sad and cheesy, aren't they?You're thinking what we were thinking when we looked for a wedding film. Soft focus, revolving hearts and flowers, cheesy music? The truth is that this is very much the exception nowadays. Most wedding film makers are up with modern television trends and make films that match what you want. The watchword is research. Look through a variety of filmmakers on the internet or go and see your local providers. Know what you want and find the people who will do it for you - they are out there...
 I am having a photographer, why do I need a video?
Photographs are still, silent images. They are great for the purpose they are intended, however they don't come close to the reality of moving, talking images. You are amassing a group of friends, relatives and loved ones that will never again be gathered in the same room. You want to hear them talk, to live and to be alive on film so that you can always touch the spirit of their personality. Nothing captures a personality like a well shot film.
My Uncle Phil has a camera - can't he film it?Yes he can. But then again, doesn't Aunty Susan make clothes? Why hasn't she made your wedding dress? Why hasn't the cake been made by your Nephew? Why isn't your wedding organised in-house by the people you know? Because you want everything to be just the way you want it, that's why. A wedding film maker is a specialist in creating a memorable document of your day, in many cases they use thousands of pounds worth of equipment and then spend days editing your film together in a dedicated studio. This will become one of the most important films in your collection - you need an experienced professional to make it for you. We have many stories of people who have thought that they could do it themselves, only to be thoroughly gutted and begging for help afterwards when the whole film is too quiet, or over-exposed, or just so shaky that it looks like it was filmed from on a trampoline.
 How do I choose a film maker?
You must sample a few people's work and look at their websites. Talk to them on the phone and get a feel for who these people are. You will automatically be drawn to some people, and this is important as they will be with you all day. Look into their backgrounds - are they a member of a professional organisation like 'The IOV'? How long will they be there on the day? How long will their finished film be? Do you want to choose your own music or go with copyright free tunes chosen by the company? How many copies will you get? Is it DVD or VHS? Ask some of your friends for their recommendations as well as looking around yourself. Shop around and get a feel for different styles and approaches. Go with who you feel is right, and don't simply go by price alone - if someone is cheaper than the others, why is this so?
Why does it seem so expensive?A wedding film is a big undertaking. Not only is all of the specialist equipment required quite expensive, but you are also purchasing a large amount of somebody's time. An average wedding film for us would include a stay over the night before the wedding, filming from about 9am until 10.30pm (13ish hours!!) with about 40 minutes break and then at least 3-4 full days editing your film together. Add into that the research that goes into a film, the forms we fill out to buy music licences, the travel and the creation of menus, chapters and DVD sleeves. If your film is being produced to the high standard that you want, it is likely that the film maker will work longer on your day than any other service you employ. Besides, once the day is over and all you have is memories, your wedding film will become priceless to you.
 What are the 'music licences' you are talking about?
If you want your wedding film to be produced using your favourite music, be it classical or current chart hits, then your videographer will have to buy licences in order to use the music. If he/she does not have the licences, then they are breaking copyright law.
How far in advance do I need to book?It's up to you, but the sooner you book, the more chance you have of securing the film maker that you want. Some dates are booked up up to 2 or 3 years in advance in some company's diaries, and most bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis. |
Wedding Magazine 
