July 10, 2011

In our 2008 post, The 10 REAL questions you should ask your videographer, I not only offered advice to clients looking for a videographer, but I also offered the list up for any wedding and event filmmaker to repost the list to help educate their clients.  Looking back, we realize how important this list is.  I think it’s important enough to dissect and really delve into each question.  This week, I’ll discuss #7, “May I see other clients’ movies and read what they had to say about you?”.

One of the best parts of wedding and event filmmaking is the ability to show prospective clients what they will be getting.  Almost everyone has access to a high speed internet connection and a myriad of handheld devices.  However, you must be careful to look at the final deliverable production, not just samples, recaps, and short “coming soon” movie trailers.  If the company you are considering cannot or will not show you full productions, move on.  It’s pretty simple for anyone to put together a bunch of eye-candy shots, but without looking at several full films, how can you make a wise decision?  So don’t be afraid to ask for a full production as it was delivered to the client.

Of course, it would be great to know what clients thought of their productions, too.  If a company makes clients happy consistently, they should be receiving calls, notes, emails, or even video messages from their clients from time to time.  Ask to read these letters or ask for references you can call.  In the end, a film should make clients happy about their decision to have their events documented and their stories told in a fun, creative way.

Tags: CinemaCake Client Testimonials - Philadelphia Wedding Video - Wedding and Event Production News | Permalink

July 01, 2011

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June 18, 2011

This morning, we had a prospective client meeting that went extremely well.  About 10 minutes into the meeting, I was asked what kind of cameras we used.  The boys were in, getting ready for the day, so I told Jimmy over the intercom to bring a camera up from the studio.  When I showed her one of the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras we have been shooting with exclusively since 2008, she was pleasantly surprised.  She said, “That really is small!”  She was very happy.  I could see on her face that all fears of the big cameras and bright lights melted away.

It really made me realize that after ten years in this business and two and a half years shooting with DSLRs, we should not take for granted what we do and why we do it.  More and more videographers are now turning to the DSLR cameras.  Some are even sticking the words “Wedding Films” in their company names to reflect their new-found appreciation for this wonderful tool and all of the possibilities it opens up to wedding and event filmmakers.

What this means for the consumer is that in the right hands, beautiful films can be made now without obnoxious lighting and big obtrusive cameras.  To us, it’s old news, but I must never forget that there are still companies doing things the old way and it would be a huge disservice to not educate each and every new client.

Tags: HD Weddings - Philadelphia Wedding Video - Video Production Training - Wedding and Event Production News | Permalink

June 04, 2011

Tags: Corporate Event Video Productions - Non-Profits - Wedding and Event Production News | Permalink

June 02, 2011

The IVA Filmmakers Expo will be offering an industry first; a live camera/production workshop featuring a mock wedding in an actual church.

Industry leading Filmmakers, Dave Williams, Steve Fowler, Jj Kim, Steve Zugelter and Keith Anderson will show you the techniques they use to create international award winning films. They will also conduct bridal preps at the hotel and post-ceremony coverage at a local park. This will be an interactive workshop where the attendees will be participate in the demonstration.

The church session will include three segments. First, the Filmmakers will take us through the pre-production phase where they will scout the location, set up the video and audio gear and take you through their thought processes as they plan out the production. Then they will film the live event uninterrupted as if it were a real wedding. Then we will re-enact the event and the filmmakers will explain the shots and techniques, step by step. During this final phase, the attendees will be able to openly ask questions and try out the equipment and techniques as time permits.

There will also be a two hour editing workshop where the filmmakers will show you how they would edit the footage in a SDE setting. This optional second day program will elevate your skills to new heights!

Learn from the best in a real world scenario!

It’s essential to learn and be inspired—even more so in these tough economic times, so not only can your business survive, but thrive in any market.  The IVA Filmmakers Expo is the perfect fit for affordable, top-rate education, that is sure to give your business and your creativity a huge boost.  Take advantage of this stellar line-up, and reserve your seat today!

Chris Chibucos, President,
Illinois Videographers Association

Tags: Video Production Training | Permalink