In the next month, I will be taking my video production business into the oh-so-much-money business, wedding videography.

As before I always do something I have never done before, I am very curious to see what advice others have. Who out there at Studentfilms has been apart of this business?

What suggestions do you guys have for putting together a video? Interviews, baby picture slideshows, banquet, etc!
What kind of camera setups? 2 enough for A-roll and B-roll? Shotgun Mic to pickup the vows?

If you have anything to say, I would like to hear it. Or if you have any links for suggestions or tips for wedding videography!

Thanks!

quote:

---

Originally posted by monodynamic:
If you have anything to say, I would like to hear it.

---

Run. Wedding videos are torture.

hey I've done weding videos for the past three years with my boss at a small video productions company. E-mail me with any questions...

infinitie00@hotmail.com

HOODIE PRODUCTIONS......"making it happen"

Filming weddings is a dangerous business. I'm with what Joren said

-TacoWagonProductions

I've been shooting weddings for the past 4 years. Although it can be torturous, it can be very rewarding if you do it right.

Basically, my only advice is to totally cater to your client's needs. Do exactly what they want, and don't make guidelines for them to follow. You must conform to them, not the other way around. Do this, and they'll not only love you, but their video will be pretty close to (if not exactly) what they wanted.

_________________________
http://www.jswfilms.com/

Weddings can be the worst thing that's ever happened to you, or the best. It all depends on a few key things, the most important being ORGANIZATION!

The first wedding I had recorded was with my video production teacher last year when I was a Junior in HS.

I could go on for hours about all the mistakes that this guy made, but I won't...
I will say this...
-write down all important information
(date/place of wedding, basically..the who/what/when/where/how much and you will be fine.
-make sure you periodically check in with the couple. i think it would be wise to sit down with the couple, and see what they would like to see in the video...(e.g. what shots are important to them, etc.)
-make sure that your crew (if any) is informed about the event, and has an understanding of how much funds they are going to recieve for the helping of this production)

Just remember to keep everything organized, and be on top of your game.
That's the differents between amateur and professional.

As far as setup...
I think it depends on the couple's budget...
It's wise to create packages, but it is also common for you to ask the couple what they want, and then give them a quote...
I would almost always go with 2 camera setup...
EVEN if they are only paying for one...think about your demo reel that you will show to other "possible" clients...
you want the final product in your demo reel to look as good as possible, and what happens if the couple finds out that they CAN afford another camera at their wedding...
In short, it is always good to be prepared, and expect the worst ALWAYS...
Bring extra batteries, and use equipment you KNOW will work...
It would suck if you wanted to test out that used lavalier mic that you got off of ebay the day of the wedding, only to find when you get home that there is no sound...

DRESS APPROPRIATLEY! KHAKIS WONT DO IT! Black pants, tie, the works...
If you come looking like trash, then they won't take you seriously...

STAY OUT OF THE WAY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!!!
the bride doesn't want some amateur asking her questions on her wedding day...she has enough to worry about...

Sorry all, my brain is gone right now, thats why everything is out of order, but those are some quick tips to get you up and going!

REMEMBER TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF IT, because the experience will be what you make out of it...

PLAY ON PLAYA

3 camera set up. Make sure everyone knows how to use their camera. Work with the wedding planner well ahead of time so you can position your crew without interfering. Coordinate each camera so you don't all decide to reposition your camera at the same time and thus have nothing to cut to.

I edited a wedding where none of these conditions took place and it was pretty frustrating.

Oh yeah, and I wouldn't trust a shotgun mike to pic up the ceremony.

quote:

---

Originally posted by actionranger:
I wouldn't trust a shotgun mike to pic up the ceremony.

---

Yeah. Always put a wireless lavalier on the groom if you can.

_________________________