Lights, Camera,
Video
Want an Oscar-worthy wedding video? Then follow these steps
to hire an Oscar-level videographer.
Before they hit the big screen, all movies go through a
certain process: the budgeting, the crew hiring, the equipment
selection, the shooting, the editing. The same holds true
for your wedding video. Though it's not a Hollywood blockbuster,
your big-day film will undoubtedly make it onto your own personal
top ten list. So make sure it's created with the same attention
to detail as a multiplex masterpiece.
Couples are often tempted to enlist a friend or relative
with a camcorder to tape their wedding. While an amateur video
is better than no video at all, it's usually way below the
quality that a professional can deliver. "Just because someone
has a kitchen doesn't mean they can bake a wedding cake. If
you'd like a professional-looking video, you're going to have
to go with a pro.
Act One: The Search
To find a videgrapher, start by asking friends and family for
recommendations. You can also contact a professional videographers'
organization. And don't forget to search UWD's Local Services
section.
After you've identified a few candidates, meet with them
in person so you can see examples of their work. We recommends
that you take a look at a full-length wedding video in addition
to demo tapes. "Trust your eyes and your ears" when selecting
a videographer. "If you don't like the look or the sound of
a video you're being shown, or if you are bored watching it,
that's not the fault of the wedding. It's up to the videographer
to produce a high-quality video that's entertaining to watch."
Act Two: The Selection
Make sure you ask questions about the videographer's professional
background (such as the number of weddings they've shot and
any special training they've received). The most important thing
to look for when choosing a videographer is experience: "A seasoned
professional will be technically and artistically proficient.
He will know how to gather the right footage, how to properly
frame and focus shots, how to discreetly and properly light
a scene and take care of audio considerations." Since videographic
technology is changing quickly, find out if the person is
up to speed with the latest equipment and techniques. "The
best format to tape with today is digital video," Slitor says.
Videos recorded digitally can be transferred to a VHS tape
or to a DVD, an increasingly popular option. DVDs make it
much easier to edit the video, meaning your pro can, "manipulate
images, rearrange scenes, add tasteful special effects, change
colors or backgrounds and improve picture quality."
We suggests that you also ask how many cameras the videographer
will use. "This comes down to budget, but it's really preferable
to have at least two cameras; you're limited with one." (we
also recommends checking with your clergy member to be sure
that at least one camera will be allowed up front in the altar
area.) Also, find out how the videographer records sound.
A new audio advancement is tiny, wireless microphones that
"can be clipped to a lapel and that are almost invisible.
This lets you have nice, clear uninterrupted sound."
Learn what type of editing the videographer uses. Some videographers
use in-camera editing (which is basically just the footage
as it was shot, with little or no editing afterwards), which
is the least costly but most limited method of editing. Others
may spend up to 20 hours editing your video and making it
television quality."
When it comes to video style, you've got a range of options.
The "love story production" or the "relationship segment"
is increasingly popular. "These videos are the story behind
the story, how the couple came together. It's important family
history," "Sometimes these segments are produced in the relaxed
style of A&E's Biography or a high-energy TV special.
The videographer might take the couple to some of their favorite
spots, interview them about their relationship or get reactions
from friends and family. On the wedding video, the love story
segment usually appears as a prelude to the actual ceremony."
Another emerging trend is videos shot in an MTV, music-video
style.
How to make a good style match? "Tell the videographer what
your television viewing preferences are," Chapman advises.
Finally, if you're dealing with a videography studio, be
sure to indicate in your contract the specific person you
want to shoot your wedding. Often, studios will employ more
than one videographer, and it's important to make it clear
which one you want to work with.
Act Three: The Wedding Day
You can make the videographer's experience a little easier by
supplying a schedule of the day's events. Be sure to introduce
the videographer to the key players in your wedding—for
example, your parents—to ensure that these VIPs are featured
appropriately. You might want to pay extra to have the videographer
shoot the rehearsal dinner. This will familiarize him or her
with your ceremony, and allow for prenuptial mingling with the
important folks.
And remember: Your videographer needs to eat! Supply a meal—and
if there's an assistant, feed them too.
Post-Production: The Final Cut
Some wedding videos take months to complete, so when you sign
your contract make sure you get an idea of when you can expect
to see the finished product. And find out exactly what you'll
get: Discuss with your videographer whether you will receive
just an edited copy of the wedding video, or if you will also
receive the raw footage, i.e., all the material that was shot
over the course of the day. Some videographers include the raw
footage, some don't. If you have a preference, hire accordingly.
Once your video's in, make a party of it: Invite over the
video's stars, whip up some popcorn, and wait for the applause
for your big film debut.
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