August 19, 2011

Sticking with my recent wedding video myth-busting theme, I was reminded of the importance of multiple cameras as I watched a recent film we just delivered.  In this segment of the film, Marianna’s sister sings a song she wrote for the couple.

Watch their entire full length film HERE

As you can see, the reactions are just as important as the action itself.  With one camera, the instant reactions would have been impossible to cover, making this a very different film.

The myths:

One Camera is Enough
Many wedding videographers shoot with only one camera.  If they offer a second camera, it is often un-manned.  As you can see in the example above, multiple manned cameras are necessary to get the action and the reaction, be it during the vows, a speech, or a toast.  Recently, I watched a clip from a videographer who posted online.  He was complaining about guests getting in the way with their point and shoot cameras.  His unmanned second camera in the back of the church was blocked by a guest, so he missed the kiss and other important moments.  With one camera, this is very likely to happen again and again.  A human being must be in control over the camera because with so many snap-happy guests, it is almost guaranteed that a locked off, unmanned shot will be blocked.  You can’t get that back.

More than One Camera is Obtrusive
Some videographers will tell you that fewer cameras are less obtrusive, but the fact is, the more cameras you have, the less those cameras have to move.  Two or three cameras at a ceremony, for example, can get two or three angles at the same time, without having to move.  One person with one camera has to run around to get all those angles, and can never shoot more than one angle at a time.  This means that precious moments and emotional reactions are gone forever.

Speaking of ‘obtrusive’, I can’t gloss over the fact that being unobtrusive has a lot to do with how wedding cinematographers handle themselves.  One video guy with a video light on top of his camera moving around the dance floor with a big tripod on wheels is ten times more obtrusive than three stealthy cinematographers dressed like guests and blending in.  While the number of cameras is important, it is just as important to understand how your filmmaker operates.

Here are other examples of how important it is to have more than one camera:
Holly and Bill
Mallory and Will
Rini and Wayne

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

July 28, 2011

Enjoy the blog at Style Me Pretty where you will see some images and a short film of Dana and Ed at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ.  This is their Coming Soon Trailer.

Cinematographers: Jimmy Shelton, John M. White, Steve Rudick
Audio Engineer: Steve Rudick
Editor: Josh Gold
Planning: Styled Creative
Venue/Catering: Congress Hall
Event Design: Beautiful Blooms Events
Photography: Laura Novak Photography

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

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

May 17, 2011

Looking back on our 10 Real Questions to Ask Your Videographer post in 2008, I feel they are all still relevant and worthy of revisiting.  Here’s #5, “How long will it take to get my finished movie?” 

We regularly communicate with wedding videographers through various networks and forums.  Often I learn about videographers who regularly have a final delivery time of 8-12 months, sometimes even longer.  Their clients are understandably concerned that the editing is taking too long.  They worry that something may be wrong, especially when calls and emails about the status of their productions go unanswered as promised delivery dates are missed.

With a relatively quick delivery time (usually less than 12 weeks), CinemaCake clients have input every step of the way.  Each client gets a passcode that allows access to their online portal.:

Through this portal, our clients can be as involved as they want to be.  Our online questionnaires help us communicate with and get to know every client better.  Each project is assigned an online editor who values the input because it allows us to create a film that is more meaningful.

CinemaCake also updates a list of productions being edited so clients can follow along with the progress.  As their names float closer to the top each week, clients also have the option to view their Coming Soon Trailer.  Note: Clients who prefer complete privacy will not be listed here, nor will their Coming Soon Trailer be public.

At CinemaCake, we know that our clients’ films will be the only lasting documentary of the motion and sound of their big day.  That is why we work so hard to make it special for each client.  Clear and professional communication with our clients is critical in creating a beautiful film that can be enjoyed over and over again.

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

May 12, 2011

What is it about New York?  More and more, New York wedding and event video clients are reaching out to Philadelphia, our city of brotherly love, to bring in CinemaCake.  Why?  First, Manhattan is a short two-hour drive for our Philly-based cinematographers and Long Island is just a little farther.  This means it is easy for our teams to get in and many times we don’t event have to charge travel fees.  Secondly, there are a LOT of New Yorkers and we’re finding that the top local filmmakers get gobbled up pretty quickly.  There is just more demand for our type of films than there is supply.

Because of this new demand, we are developing our local New York team of filmmakers, putting CinemaCake wedding films within reach of even more clients.

Camille and Jim’s Coming Soon Trailer, filmed at Bridgewaters, New York City

We don’t ‘Pay to Play.’  When New Yorkers hire CinemaCake, they don’t have to worry about the higher fees and aggravation that come along with the locals who sometimes must pay a percentage to the venue or a particular planner.  CinemaCake does not ‘pay to play’ and is proud to be a strong opponent to the payola nonsense that is common in New York.  Sure, this means that certain venues may not put us on their published lists, but the folks who do refer us appreciate the honesty of referring a company by merit.  It’s a win-win.

Courtney and Evan’s Coming Soon Trailer.  (See their entire film below)

As CinemaCake celebrates its tenth year in business, we realize our New York and New Jersey relationships are stronger than ever, so much so that I have gotten more involved in their local New York Videographers and New Jersey Videographers professional association, the NJVA.  I joined the NJVA because it has long been known as a leader in education and networking for the videographers and filmmakers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.  In fact, the International Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA) is holding a conference there next week!

Our CinemaCake teams are just as “at home” in your city as we are in ours, so CONTACT US and order your own CinemaCake.

Tags: HD Weddings - New York Wedding Video - Wedding Movie Trailers | Permalink