2011 EDITING SCHEDULE
Quality is my top priority -- As a result, our delivery times may not be ordinary. We are not able to complete a project in just a few weeks, and our brides tell us that their movie was well worth the wait. Think of it this way -- 20 years from now, what's going to be more important to you -- How fast you got the video? Or its quality and how much you enjoy watching it?
Let me assure you that we work very hard to deliver your video within the time indicated to you, but I won't allow the quality of your movie to be compromised in order to speed through the process and move on to the next one. I truly want the final product to exceed your expectations, and I appreciate your patience.
OUR EDITING SCHEDULE:
Where are you on the list?
The order of weddings to be edited are listed from top to bottom: (Please note that names with a preceeding dash (-) the wedding has been filmed but not yet in production.
2011 Weddings
Lisa & Michael - Delivered
Brenda & Isaac - Delivered
Charissa & Adam - Delivered
Sarah & Kurt - Delivered
Michelle & Ryan - Delivered
Lori & Chris - Delivered
Alison & Brent - Delivered
Colleen & Scott - Delivered
Kayleigh & Michael - Delivered
La Tissha & Adrian - Completed
TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR WEDDING VIDEO
The quality of your video picture is only as good as the lighting. In general, the video will look brighter and clearer if the lights in the church or reception hall aren't turned down too low. We don't like to use our camera lights during the ceremony because they are too distracting, therefore, we are dependent on the lighting in the church.
We understand that this is YOUR wedding day, and you may have always dreamed of having a dark, candlelit wedding. We want you to have your perfect wedding. But we also want you to have your perfect video. If possible, consider having the lights raised for the processional and recessional, as well as key moments of the reception, such as introductions, cake cutting, bouquet and garter tosses, toasts, etc. Lights can then be turned down for the ceremony and for the dancing hours of your reception. We don't need the lights to be at their brightest level -- just not as dark as some venue managers like to make it. Talk with the venue manager and let them know your lighting preferences. Lighting is your choice. Don't hesitate to inform the venue manager and your wedding planner how you want the lighting for your event.
It is important that your photographer and videographer work cooperatively together. Inform your photographer that we will be present. If time is not too limited, its a good idea to request that extra time be allotted in the timeline of your photoshoot for some of our shots. We don't need alot of time, perhaps an extra thirty minutes set aside for videography purposes.
Wedding videography is a unique profession in that the hours are long with few breaks. While at the reception, we need to be able to eat when your guests are served. It's also important that we be seated in the main room with you and your guests, or in as close proximity as possible. If the vendor seats us out of sight and earshot, it's possible that we could miss an important moment that should be included on your video.
It sounds silly, but it is important to remember that video shows movement. Chewing looks bad on video. While we make it a policy to not film you or your guests while eating (except to pan the room during dinner), it's hard for us to do anything about chewing gum. Chewing gum looks especially bad when slow motion is applied to the video. It's really best if you and wedding party members use mints rather than gum. (Your photographer will appreciate this, too!)
Don't be afraid to react to the presence of the camera. This is especially true during key moments of your wedding day. Turning away from the camera typically renders the footage unusable. For example: your first dance will be captured much better if you don't spend most of the dance with your back to our camera. We don't want you to "pose" for us, but try to be aware that we are trying to capture the key moments of your wedding day with your faces, not the backs of your heads. We want you to be natural and act as you would normally act even though you may have a camera pointed at you. And it's only normal sometimes to be a little camera shy. Just be aware that this is your wedding video, and we want it to be the best possible video it can be.
Provide us with a timeline of events. We attend your rehearsal so we'll know how your wedding will "look", and to prepare a plan for where cameras should be placed for optimal coverage. We also attend the rehearsal to hopefully minimize any "surprises", such as an unexpected reader or point in a ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle. For this reason, it is very helpful if we have your schedule for the day and a timeline of the events at your reception.
It is also very helpful to know when toasts are going to be made and where they will physically take place. This will help us be where we need to be for optimal coverage and help us prepare for audio clarity. If possible, we prefer that everyone make their toasts from a podium or central point of the room rather than passing the microphone around the room. Some reception venues have a "high echo effect", and knowing where the toasts will take place so we can place a mic/recorder will improve the audio clarity of your video.
Does your wedding planner know your video is important to you? Most planners and venue managers realize that you wouldn't have hired a professional videographer unless it is important to you -- But, unfortunately, there are also many who don't understand. Please let the people who are helping you plan your wedding know that you want your videographer included when anything important happens. For instance, if you and your groom see each other before the ceremony, we need to coordinate with the photographer the best setting for this and where our cameras should be in order to catch this once in a lifetime moment.
It's your wedding day -- have fun!!! Let it show.
Don't be afraid to show public displays of affection or emotions. In other words, don't hold back just because people are watching and cameras are focused on you. Enjoy your day. All the emotions of the day will come across on your video, and you'll be glad you did.
It's best if your DJ or emcee doesn't invite guests to a "photo opportunity" when announcing key events such as cake cutting and bouquet or garter tosses. While intentions are good, it is very easy for a guest to unknowingly step in front of the camera, blocking us or the photographer.
Provide us with one of your invitations and any other printed items, such as save-the-date cards, ceremony programs, etc. that you would like incorporated into the video.
© Copyright 2009 By Morton Video Production, St. Louis, MO USA.
All rights reserved.
