Lights, Camera, Love it!
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If you plan on starring in your own wedding video, read this scoop on the latest tips and trends.
Nowadays, most couples plan on starring in their own wedding video. But are all wedding videos the same? To find out, GetMarried talked to Justin Ferar, Executive Producer Weddings on Film, a video production company based in Marin County, California.
GM: What are the hottest trends in wedding videography right now? Are there any trends you would recommend not following?
JF: Without a doubt the hottest trends have to be High Definition video and the use of Super 8 film. HD is simply the biggest thing that has happened to television since the conversion to color. With HD we are recording at least four times the amount of information as standard definition, in a 16:9 format as opposed to 4:3. Watching the footage is like looking through a window.
In stark contrast to HD, Super 8 is grainy, contrasty, not sharp, has gate weave, and judder. Sometimes the odd scratch or visible hair makes its way in which is why we love it! It's just so retro! Weddings on Film shoots exclusively in HD and incorporates retro-chic Super 8 film.
The term "cinematography" is being thrown out there fairly loosely in our industry as companies attempt to distinguish themselves from one another. This is particularly true of those using 16 mm and Super 8 film in their productions. What's confusing is that those who do not use film also use this term to distinguish themselves to the ire of film purists. My opinion is that the term should remain in the realm of professional cinematographers who work on big budget productions destined for the big screen or broadcast television. In the wedding video industry the term has become too relative to really mean anything.
GM: How can a couple spot quality if they’ve never worked with a videographer before? Are there questions they can ask to help them make the right decision?
JF: My advice for couples is to request a demo reel and watch it on their own equipment. That way they have a reference point and are able to judge image quality on equipment they know. Also, be sure to get a sample of a finished product. Often the demo reel contains shorter highlight videos, which is fine, but couples will want to see an example of what they would receive as a client.
Spotting the quality is the easy part–they'll know it when they see it. Note that larger companies tend to have some turnover. Couples should ask exactly who shot and edited the demo they liked and whether or not those people will be shooting and editing their video. Nothing's worse than finding out that your video was shot and edited by first year trainees and that all the demos were the work of the experienced employees. Unfortunately this is all too common.
GM: What are couples most surprised about when working with a videographer? That it’s easier than they thought? That it’s more time consuming than they thought – or not?
JF: Couples are definitely most surprised by the amount of time and labor that goes into the work. We put everything we have into each wedding and charge accordingly. There is always a bit of "sticker shock". Ultimately they realize that if they want a video that is as sophisticated as they are, they are willing to spend more for what we do.
GM: How much does the location of the wedding impact the quality of the video?
JF: A lot! Specifically, theatrical lighting makes a huge difference. We have been fortunate enough to work with the most incredibly talented (wedding/event) designers in our industry. Their work is truly inspiring. Sometimes I get nervous in that I want to make sure we are doing our best to capture the ambiance and details the designers have created.
GM: If there’s a still photographer covering the wedding as well, how does the videographer work with the photographer?
JF: It is extremely important that the videographer and photographer work together. It's always been our policy to let the photographer know that they have total priority and the freedom to direct us if needed. Eye contact and communication are key, I want to make sure we are not disrupting their creative flow.
GM: How long is the entire process, from first appointment to final delivery of the finished product?
JF: Our clients receive the finished product within six months of the wedding date. It's in the contract.
GM: How can a couple speed up the process? Are there ways they can work with the videographer to make the whole process easier, smoother, etc.?
JF: Clients can insure on-time delivery by providing materials as soon as they get situated after the honeymoon. In our case we need the invitation, ceremony program, specific editing notes, and a CD of requested music tracks.
Photography by Anna Kuperberg.
