FAQQuestions you may have
Service
Q: What are the options for style in taping the events of my wedding?
A: Style can be Documentary vs. Cinematic. The documentary style ensures that all of the activities of the day are captured (documented) for your consideration during the editing; once the day is over it is gone forever! The other style is cinematic which offers a more artistic, "film" presentation. We suggest a combination of both, and having at least two cameras and two operators available to get complete coverage does this and candid "cut" shots. We also provide a full-length documentary version and a cinematic style highlight version on separate DVDs.
Q: What are the benefits of using additional videographers?
A: With at least two cameras and operators we can shoot more angles, more subjects, and overall capture more footage of the day's events and the people present. One cameraperson documents the "ceremonial" activities uninterrupted and the other shoots the more spontaneous, intimate, creative shots of the bride and groom, family, guests and settings. It is always better to have TWO CAMERAS AND TWO OPERATORS. Some may suggest two cameras with one operator but remember "Murphy's Law" regarding a camera running by itself!
Q: When does your staff arrive and when does the shooting time begin?
A: We arrive at least one hour before the shoot. Since we give a free hour for each of the Bride and Groom during their preparation we will arrive at the time you designate for the "getting dressed" session. Also since we give the couple a complimentary "engagement" session we will arrange that months before the event.
Q: How many other weddings do you schedule to shoot on the day of my wedding?
A: We only schedule one wedding event per day.
Q: What are the qualifications of your staff?
A: Our staff has attended the Art Institute of Washington, DC, Morgan State University and The Hollywood Film Institute. They have a combined experience of 75 plus years of photography, videography, graphics and NLE (non-liner-editing) experience. In addition, the Creative Director has 25 years experience in executive advertising, marketing and public relations.
Q: How do you co-ordinate with a photographer that is not from your company?
A: We do have our own photographers that shoot film and digital. If, however the client has another photographer we will make every effort to meet with them before the event to discuss working together.
Q: Do you do a site survey before the day's events?
A: We always visit the church or place of the ceremony and the reception facility to ensure that we "know" the territory. We look for the best possible places for videotaping and alternatives, examine lighting conditions, and sound facilities. By visiting inside and outside we can better prepare for the timing of movements of our staff and the avoidance of potential obstacles. This is done well in advance of the event.
Q: What will be the format and length of my final video and how many do I receive?
A: The format is DVD for standard definition (SD) and Blue Ray for (HD). The length depends on the hours of the event normally a 3-6 hour event will be 30-45 minutes and 1-11/2 hours for a 6-8 hour event. You will also receive a "Highlight " version of 15 minutes. You will receive 5 of each version. Additional copies are available for a small production fee.
Q: Do I receive the unedited raw footage" or must it be edited.
A: You can chose a package that allows for a "rough-cut" of all of the footage on DVD and later pay for an editing session when you can afford it. The fee for the consulting and the editing will be determined at that later time.
Q: Do the people I speak with during the consultation do the work?
A: You will always speak with the creative director and he will be at every wedding to be in charge of the production. If possible the second video camera operator will be present. In the case where you hire us for the photography the main videographer (creative director) and the photographer will be there.
Q: Can my wedding be put on my cell phone or other communication device?
A: Yes! Most "state of the art" communication devices can play video. For a fee we can provide you a file to download to your compatible cell phone or Blackberry but that is why with our complete packages we will give you a FREE iPod with your wedding video on it.
Technical:
Q: What type of equipment do you use?
A: We use Sony SD and HD cameras with 3CCD sensors, Sennheiser and Shure mics, and Frezzi on camera lighting. For editing we utilize Apple Studio Pro and Final Cut Pro NLE systems. We use Bogen Manfratto Tripods and a ProMax Crane.
Q: Do you use artificial lighting?
A: Since light is the heart of exposure, "natural" light is the best lighting source. Sony 3 CCD digital cameras are known for their outstanding ability to capture images in "low light'. Sometimes it is necessary to use additional artificial lighting and we will do so sparingly. We use "soft" on camera lighting when necessary to highlight the image. This is why an onsite survey is necessary to evaluate the light at the time of the day that your event takes place.
Q: What is Same Day Editing (SDE)?
A: SDE is the editing and presentation of the highlights of your wedding at the reception. The footage shot at the wedding is mixed with a prepared short sequence of footage previously shot and edited and then presented via a projector or on a large screen Flat Panel TV at the reception. It is quite impressive and exciting for the Bride and Groom with their guests to see the actual wedding ceremony shot only hours before shown at the reception!
Q: Is shooting the event in HD (High Definition) worth the additional cost?
A: The resolution of the new HD is much clearer in picture quality, at least by 50%. The final version will be delivered on "Blue Ray" discs. Visit your local Electronics Store and compare the two for yourself. We can shoot your event on HD and deliver it on SD and provide the HD version later. Ask us how this works.
Rates
Q: What is the basic difference between "hourly rates and a package price?
A: Normally when you compare hourly verses package pricing it is like comparing a la carte with a complete dinner. A full package is usually a better value as it includes a lot more for the investment. Pricing a la carte will "add up" to more money than getting complete coverage in a package; most people want pretty much the same thing so we price accordingly and include what most of our clients over the years have asked for. We give you 4 free hours, as well as will adding your childhood pictures in a montage, honeymoon pictures, music, interviews, graphics, etc. in our complete packages.
Q: What does you typical full coverage package include?
A: We include 2 Digital Video cameras with operators, coverage from the "getting dressed stage" through end of the reception. Also we will have spent one hour each with the bride and the groom weeks before the wedding during an "engagement shoot" to lay the basis for the "love story" script. We will do onsite visits of the church or place of the wedding and discuss any special needs with the officiating person and visit the place of the reception. We will meet with the Bride and Groom (or coordinator) before the wedding to discuss the program and the flow of the day's events. After the wedding our editor will meet to review the first "rough cut" of the footage and design together the final version of the full and highlight version. These include music, subtitles, graphics, etc. We will deliver the final DVDs or Blue Ray discs in 6 to 8 weeks from the editing meeting.