August 29, 2011

Every once in a while, we have the opportunity to record the reactions of our clients watching their Same Day Edit at the reception.  The other night we presented Caroline and Chris’ Same Day Edit at the Four Season Philadelphia Hotel.  We created a split screen so you can see how they and other guests reacted as the film played in the ballroom.  Why does making people cry make us so happy?

Cinematographers: Dave Williams, Jimmy Shelton, Tom Connors
Editor: Jordan Oplinger
Planner: Uncommon Events
Designer: Evantine
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
Photographer: Barnaby Draper
Entertainment: EBE L.A. Starz

Tags: Philadelphia Wedding Video - Same Day Edit - Wedding Highlights and Recaps | Permalink

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

August 11, 2011

On Friday, August 19th, 2011, at 5 PM (NOTE TIME CHANGE), Dave Williams and his team will give an interactive presentation at the Walnut Street Apple Store in Center City, Philadelphia.  They’ll cover DSLR Workflow, including pre-production, shooting, and editing with Final Cut 7.  They’ll also review some of the tools used to manage multiple projects.

This event is being hosted by the Business Team at Walnut Street Apple Store, 1607 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 861-6400 (press 3)

THIS EVENT IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED - PLEASE RSVP .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

See you there!

Tags: HD and Film productions - Philadelphia Wedding Video - Video Production Training | 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

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