Not too long ago, we unleashed our first wedding prequel video...
Photographer Brett Gundlock, of Brett Gundlock Wedding Photography, captured some great stills during the shoot, and we just wanted to share them here. You can see them by visiting Brett's blog here.
Showing posts with label wedding video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding video. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
8 Things You Should Know Before You Hire A Wedding Videographer
I wrote this article a long time ago, but it's still one of my most popular posts and I think worth re-publishing (I've updated some of the parts regarding technology... hey, it's been a while!). Plus, I feel it's a necessary refresher since I still get questions as to why I charge more than other vendors who claim they "get the same results for a fraction of the cost" (yeah, right). So without further ado... 8 Things You Should Know Before You Hire A Wedding Videographer:
1. Are they really pros?
Recent advancements in technology have made camera equipment and editing software very affordable. The downside of this is that now there are a lot of wannabes calling themselves "cameramen" and "editors" when really they are just "guys with a camera and some software."
How do you tell the difference? Experience. The ideal cameraman has experience shooting not only weddings but documentaries and live television. These are the people who really understand the art of "anticipate and respond," which what you want because when it comes to your wedding, there are no second takes.
A lot of wedding cameramen edit their own work, but editing is a craft in itself so a truly professional crew might have a separate person who edits. In professional video, cameramen tend to be outgoing and animated people whereas editors tend to be introverted, detail-oriented and prefer the solitude of a dark editing room. These are two separate art forms that demand different skill sets. Make sure that the company you hire to do your video is good at both shooting and editing.
2. What kind of cameras do they use?
Consumer camcorders you see at your local electronics store are typically "single chip" cameras. These are small and lightweight and great for home videos and vacations but are entirely inappropriate for shooting weddings. You want someone with a "three chip camera" (sometimes called "three CCD") which is bigger and several thousand dollars more expensive.
Three chips produce much clearer and more accurate colours (even in low light) than one chip.
You also want someone who has all the bells and whistles: a wireless lavaliere microphone, a camera-mounted light, a tripod and/or monopod and some extra lights just in case.
Pretty much everyone is shooting digitally these days so they can edit digitally as well and output digitally onto DVD. The benefit of keeping the capture, edit and output process in the digital domain is that the footage experiences little to no quality loss. You should definitely hire someone who is up-to-date with technology.
3. What kind of lights do they use?
You probably won't like it if your videographer mounts glaring hot lights on an elaborate scaffolding. After all, this is your wedding, not a film set. The camera equipment should absolutely not compromise the décor and ambiance of the wedding.
An adjustable camera-mounted light works really well. It moves around with the cameraman (who moves around with the couple) and it should be used only when necessary. It should be soft and subtle, and its intensity can be adjusted so it is not overly bright. The way to find out if the cameraman understands this is to look at his footage and watch for any "deer caught in headlights" reactions from his subjects. The people in the video should not even realize he's there: they should be enjoying the wedding!
4. What do the cameramen wear?
It's tough, physical work, but they should be dressed nicely. Asking them not to wear running shoes, jeans, etc. is not unreasonable.
5. Can they do multiple camera shoots?
You will benefit from a two camera shoot if you have a lot going on. Your coverage will be a lot more complete and then your editor can cut between the two cameras for a dynamic and entertaining wedding video.
Strongly consider having a second camera, at least for the ceremony portion of the day. You'll want to get both the bride's and groom's reactions and close-ups of the rings going on, etc. and everything happens very quickly and 2 cameras will catch a lot more than just one.
Just make sure that BOTH cameras are the same quality (three chip) and both cameras are manned by separate qualified cameramen; do not let them leave a camera unattended on a tripod.
6. What is their sound quality like?
It is easy to forget about sound when you are thinking of video, but please do not make this mistake. Insist on a videographer that uses a wireless microphone: they are small and unnoticeable and amazing at recording vows or people coming up to you to congratulate you, etc.
7. What is their editing style?
This is a very important question! Make sure their style suits your taste. Don't be seduced by a lot of dazzling animation and special effects - it might not be the look you want. And it might look cheesy in the years to come. Classic simplicity never goes out of style.
8. Do they have a demo DVD?
They had better! Don't fall for a "music video" or a series of carefully chosen shots timed to music, because anyone can look good that way. Ask to see actual, sequential clips from a wedding (or even an entire wedding) incorporating recorded natural sound mixed with music.
When you are watching the demo DVD, be sure to look for:
· clear, bright picture, even in low light
· clean natural sound
· audible, consistent audio levels
· smooth, non-jerky camera movement
· artistic camera composition
· seamless and dynamic editing
· relaxed bridal party and guests who hardly notice they are being taped?
Most importantly, ask yourself, "Is a story being told? Do you feel the emotion of that magical day?" Because after all, you want a video that becomes more valuable as time goes by, something that is true to your personalities and tastes and not some form of torture on your unsuspecting dinner guests in the years to come! A good wedding video will enable you to relive one of the best days of your life.
1. Are they really pros?
Recent advancements in technology have made camera equipment and editing software very affordable. The downside of this is that now there are a lot of wannabes calling themselves "cameramen" and "editors" when really they are just "guys with a camera and some software."
How do you tell the difference? Experience. The ideal cameraman has experience shooting not only weddings but documentaries and live television. These are the people who really understand the art of "anticipate and respond," which what you want because when it comes to your wedding, there are no second takes.
A lot of wedding cameramen edit their own work, but editing is a craft in itself so a truly professional crew might have a separate person who edits. In professional video, cameramen tend to be outgoing and animated people whereas editors tend to be introverted, detail-oriented and prefer the solitude of a dark editing room. These are two separate art forms that demand different skill sets. Make sure that the company you hire to do your video is good at both shooting and editing.
2. What kind of cameras do they use?
Consumer camcorders you see at your local electronics store are typically "single chip" cameras. These are small and lightweight and great for home videos and vacations but are entirely inappropriate for shooting weddings. You want someone with a "three chip camera" (sometimes called "three CCD") which is bigger and several thousand dollars more expensive.
Three chips produce much clearer and more accurate colours (even in low light) than one chip.
You also want someone who has all the bells and whistles: a wireless lavaliere microphone, a camera-mounted light, a tripod and/or monopod and some extra lights just in case.
Pretty much everyone is shooting digitally these days so they can edit digitally as well and output digitally onto DVD. The benefit of keeping the capture, edit and output process in the digital domain is that the footage experiences little to no quality loss. You should definitely hire someone who is up-to-date with technology.
3. What kind of lights do they use?
You probably won't like it if your videographer mounts glaring hot lights on an elaborate scaffolding. After all, this is your wedding, not a film set. The camera equipment should absolutely not compromise the décor and ambiance of the wedding.
An adjustable camera-mounted light works really well. It moves around with the cameraman (who moves around with the couple) and it should be used only when necessary. It should be soft and subtle, and its intensity can be adjusted so it is not overly bright. The way to find out if the cameraman understands this is to look at his footage and watch for any "deer caught in headlights" reactions from his subjects. The people in the video should not even realize he's there: they should be enjoying the wedding!
4. What do the cameramen wear?
It's tough, physical work, but they should be dressed nicely. Asking them not to wear running shoes, jeans, etc. is not unreasonable.
5. Can they do multiple camera shoots?
You will benefit from a two camera shoot if you have a lot going on. Your coverage will be a lot more complete and then your editor can cut between the two cameras for a dynamic and entertaining wedding video.
Strongly consider having a second camera, at least for the ceremony portion of the day. You'll want to get both the bride's and groom's reactions and close-ups of the rings going on, etc. and everything happens very quickly and 2 cameras will catch a lot more than just one.
Just make sure that BOTH cameras are the same quality (three chip) and both cameras are manned by separate qualified cameramen; do not let them leave a camera unattended on a tripod.
6. What is their sound quality like?
It is easy to forget about sound when you are thinking of video, but please do not make this mistake. Insist on a videographer that uses a wireless microphone: they are small and unnoticeable and amazing at recording vows or people coming up to you to congratulate you, etc.
7. What is their editing style?
This is a very important question! Make sure their style suits your taste. Don't be seduced by a lot of dazzling animation and special effects - it might not be the look you want. And it might look cheesy in the years to come. Classic simplicity never goes out of style.
8. Do they have a demo DVD?
They had better! Don't fall for a "music video" or a series of carefully chosen shots timed to music, because anyone can look good that way. Ask to see actual, sequential clips from a wedding (or even an entire wedding) incorporating recorded natural sound mixed with music.
When you are watching the demo DVD, be sure to look for:
· clear, bright picture, even in low light
· clean natural sound
· audible, consistent audio levels
· smooth, non-jerky camera movement
· artistic camera composition
· seamless and dynamic editing
· relaxed bridal party and guests who hardly notice they are being taped?
Most importantly, ask yourself, "Is a story being told? Do you feel the emotion of that magical day?" Because after all, you want a video that becomes more valuable as time goes by, something that is true to your personalities and tastes and not some form of torture on your unsuspecting dinner guests in the years to come! A good wedding video will enable you to relive one of the best days of your life.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Why Hire a Day Of Coordinator?
Wondering if youshould hire a Day Of Coordinator for your wedding? Check out this video we created for LaFete Weddings (www.LaFete.ca)
DOC from Nishi Dias on Vimeo.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Convertible Bridesmaid Dress Video
Check out this video we did for Gown Go Round; they sell a bridesmaid dress that can be worn more than once!
07 overview from Nishi Dias on Vimeo.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Night Day Wins "Bride's Choice": WeddingWire
Toronto, Ontario – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Night Day Productions has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Videography!
Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.
Night Day Productions stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.
“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Night Day Productions for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”
We are happy to announce that Night Day Productions is among the very best Videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/night-day-productions-toronto/112b1e56acf7bfd0.html
For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire.com, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).
Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.
Night Day Productions stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.
“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Night Day Productions for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”
We are happy to announce that Night Day Productions is among the very best Videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/night-day-productions-toronto/112b1e56acf7bfd0.html
For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire.com, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wedding Videography Prices Going Up Oct 31!
Book your wedding video now and save $400 before our 2010 rates turn into a pumpkin! Our 2011 rates kick in October 31, 2010. Details
Thursday, August 5, 2010
5 Reasons to Book Your Wedding Vendors EARLY
It’s summer! This time of year, I get a lot of last minute calls and emails regarding our wedding videography services. As much as I’d love to accommodate everyone, I’m sad to say that it’s often impossible to help these poor brides and grooms, simply because they waited too long to contact me.
To avoid frustration and disappointment, it is important that you book your wedding vendors early: for example, I recommend booking your wedding videography at least 9-12 months prior to your event. If you find yourself dragging your feet, keep in mind these reasons to book early:
1. Availability – The good ones get booked early. Most wedding vendors are small businesses and they can only do a certain number of weddings per weekend without compromising the quality of their services. If you want someone good, book early.
2. Cost – Generally speaking, pricing goes up the longer you wait, not down. Why not benefit from 2010 pricing even though your wedding is not until 2011?
3. Affordability - If you give yourself more time to save and plan your budget, you might be able to afford that vendor you REALLY want, instead of settling for the cheaper, less desirable alternative.
4. Practicality – If you book early, you’ll likely have the option of spreading out your deposits so they won’t hurt as much. For instance, at Night Day Productions, we take 1/3 deposit to hold a date for you, 1/3 a month before the event and then a 1/3 two months after the event. If you leave your booking to the last minute, you’ll be faced with fewer and larger deposits with less time to pay them off. Why not spread out your payments and make things easier for yourself?
5. Sanity – It’s tough enough making an informed decision with all the hoopla out there! Give yourself time to find the vendor that is right for YOU. Read articles about what to look for in a wedding vendor, research web sites and online demo reels and portfolios, do price comparisons. You can find lots of helpful articles here.
Planning your wedding should be fun, not an ordeal! Booking early means less stress in the long run. And we can all do with less stress, right?
Happy planning!
Yours Truly,
Nishi @ Night Day Productions
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions, a Toronto-based Videography and Photography studio. Night Day Productions specializes in event coverage, including: weddings, seminars, workshops, funerals, theatre and musical performances.
Nishi Dias, Producer
Night Day Productions
416.821.8669
Nishi@NightDay.ca
www.NightDayWeddings.com
www.NightDay.ca
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Win Award-Winning Wedding Videography by Entering Our Contest!
Getting married in 2010 in Toronto? How would you like to win a wedding video from Night Day Productions, winner of the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Videography (WeddingWire.com)?
The Prize
Four hours of continuous 1-camera video coverage by Night Day Productions. Includes: 3CCD camera, lighting, wireless lavaliere microphone, digital edit (music, titling, chapter menu, effects), one copy of uncut footage on DVD, 5 copies of edited wedding on DVD, online streaming on your own web page (for proofing and sharing with friends and family), and a highlights montage.
Here’s how to enter the contest:
STEP 1
Become a fan of our Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/NightDayProductions
STEP 2
Post your entry on our wall: tell us in 150 words or less, or in a photo or in a video (1 minute or less) WHY you want Night Day Productions to shoot and edit your wedding video. Be sure to mention your wedding date and location(s). You can be as creative as you want!
STEP 3
Get votes! Get your friends to be fans and post comments (comments = votes) on your contest entry. The entry that gets the most votes/comments by March 31, 2010 wins. Please note, a fan can only vote for you ONCE. They can comment as often as they want but their vote only counts as 1 vote. Fans can vote for more than 1 entry, but they can only vote for each entry once.
EARLY BIRD BONUS! Post your entry by February 28 and get 5 free bonus votes!
EARLY BIRD BONUS! Twitter this tweet and get 5 free bonus votes!
WIN award-winning wedding video by Night Day Productions http://tinyurl.com/yhbg64u 5 bonus votes if you RT #NightDay
Thanks for playing! Good luck!
Sincerely,
Nishi @ Night Day Productions
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Night Day Productions awarded 2010 Bride's Choice Award for Videography (WeddingWire)
 |
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Toronto - Ontario – January 20, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Night Day Productions has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Videography!
The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.
Night Day Productions is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.
“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”
We are happy to announce that Night Day Productions is among the very best Videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today.
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Wedding Videography 101: Editing versus Raw Footage
When it comes to videography, don’t make the common mistake of thinking you are paying for just one day of service. A lot of prep time goes into any production, and after the shoot, as much as 50 or 60 hours might go into editing and refining your footage. Or not. It depends on the production company. So ask what your videographer puts into their editing process, and expect to pay accordingly for their time and efforts.
Your videographer might simply offer the raw (unedited) footage; in which case, a tape or hard drive to DVD transfer and some packaging is all that is required after the shoot. This is by far the cheapest option when scouting for video packages, but it is important that your expectations for this option are realistic.
There is a lot of software out there that can enable anyone to edit their own footage, but even if an amateur has the time, patience, and creativity to finish their own video, a professional editor is likely going to see more potential in the same batch of raw footage. If you don’t plan on editing your own footage and just want to leave it unedited, understand that everything is going to be left in, audio levels may be inconsistent, and without the benefit of chapters you won’t be able to skip to precise points of interest.
Your videographer might offer light editing; a “clean-up,” if you will, where some of the rougher, darker, uneventful footage is taken out, and dissolves are put into to soften the transitions between scenes. DVD chapters might be added. Some music might be added. A light edit will cost more than no edit (obviously), but it will give you a nicer finished product that is more entertaining to watch.
Of course, if you really want to dazzle your friends and family, you might opt for a full-on edit: which includes effects, titling, colour-correction, evening out of audio levels, montages where video is edited to music, etc. This edit takes the most time and so it will cost more.
Other factors to take into consideration: are you able to screen the first edit and have input on the final product (will your editor re-edit?). Does the editor upload your video to a website so you can proof your edit and share it with friends and family? How many copies of the finished product do you get? All these perks take more time and resources, so they will add to the cost of your wedding video.
When shopping around for a wedding videographer, you are going to encounter a lot of different packages and a lot of different price points. Hopefully this article will help you understand the amount of time that goes or doesn’t go into a wedding video production, so you’ll know why some videographers charge what they charge.
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company. If you'd like to publish this article, please credit, link-back and contact Nishi at:
Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
Nishi@NightDay.ca
© 2009 Night Day Productions
Your videographer might simply offer the raw (unedited) footage; in which case, a tape or hard drive to DVD transfer and some packaging is all that is required after the shoot. This is by far the cheapest option when scouting for video packages, but it is important that your expectations for this option are realistic.
There is a lot of software out there that can enable anyone to edit their own footage, but even if an amateur has the time, patience, and creativity to finish their own video, a professional editor is likely going to see more potential in the same batch of raw footage. If you don’t plan on editing your own footage and just want to leave it unedited, understand that everything is going to be left in, audio levels may be inconsistent, and without the benefit of chapters you won’t be able to skip to precise points of interest.
Your videographer might offer light editing; a “clean-up,” if you will, where some of the rougher, darker, uneventful footage is taken out, and dissolves are put into to soften the transitions between scenes. DVD chapters might be added. Some music might be added. A light edit will cost more than no edit (obviously), but it will give you a nicer finished product that is more entertaining to watch.
Of course, if you really want to dazzle your friends and family, you might opt for a full-on edit: which includes effects, titling, colour-correction, evening out of audio levels, montages where video is edited to music, etc. This edit takes the most time and so it will cost more.
Other factors to take into consideration: are you able to screen the first edit and have input on the final product (will your editor re-edit?). Does the editor upload your video to a website so you can proof your edit and share it with friends and family? How many copies of the finished product do you get? All these perks take more time and resources, so they will add to the cost of your wedding video.
When shopping around for a wedding videographer, you are going to encounter a lot of different packages and a lot of different price points. Hopefully this article will help you understand the amount of time that goes or doesn’t go into a wedding video production, so you’ll know why some videographers charge what they charge.
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company. If you'd like to publish this article, please credit, link-back and contact Nishi at:
Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
Nishi@NightDay.ca
© 2009 Night Day Productions
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Wedding Videography 101: Single-Camera versus Multi-Camera
If you’re in the market for a wedding videographer, you’ve probably noticed by now that most wedding video companies will offer either one or two cameras with their packages. Some higher-end companies might offer even more than two cameras.
So how many cameras are too many? Or how many cameras are not enough?
Single-Camera Shoot (Pros and Cons)
If you opt for a single-camera shoot, and your shooter needs to zoom in or out or re-locate for a better angle, your editor will not have alternative footage to cut to in order to mask the “bumps.” This is why your edit will be smoother and more polished if you opt for a multi-camera shoot.
The fewer cameras you have, the less coverage you’ll get, and the less angles you’ll have to edit between. However, a single-camera shoot is definitely less costly and also less obtrusive.
That said, if you are having a smallish wedding (less than 50 guests) in an intimate venue, consider having just one videographer. Because once you throw your photographer into the mix, you and your guests might start to feel a little outnumbered by the “paparazzi.”
Multi-Camera Shoot (Pros and Cons)
The more cameras you have, the more angles (close-ups, wide shots, etc.) and coverage you’ll have, and the more dynamic an edited finished product you’ll end up with.
You’ll also be able to cover two separate locations at once. For instance, after your ceremony, when you and the bridal party go to a park to get your photos done, one camera can come with you while the other camera hangs back at the reception venue and gets footage of the guests during cocktails.
The only drawback of adding cameras is the increased cost. Obviously, more cameras mean more people and more equipment, so higher costs.
Another thing to consider: adding a camera means adding several more hours of footage, which means even more hours in the edit suite. See how it all quickly adds up?
Ready for your close-up?
Bottom line, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to produce a wedding video, because we all – vendors and clients alike – have our different sets of priorities. Decide what is important to you, and budget accordingly. A wedding video is a tremendous keepsake of your special day; so choose wisely.
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company. If you'd like to publish this article, please credit, link-back and contact Nishi at:
Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
NightDayPro@aol.com
© 2009 Night Day Productions
So how many cameras are too many? Or how many cameras are not enough?
Single-Camera Shoot (Pros and Cons)
If you opt for a single-camera shoot, and your shooter needs to zoom in or out or re-locate for a better angle, your editor will not have alternative footage to cut to in order to mask the “bumps.” This is why your edit will be smoother and more polished if you opt for a multi-camera shoot.
The fewer cameras you have, the less coverage you’ll get, and the less angles you’ll have to edit between. However, a single-camera shoot is definitely less costly and also less obtrusive.
That said, if you are having a smallish wedding (less than 50 guests) in an intimate venue, consider having just one videographer. Because once you throw your photographer into the mix, you and your guests might start to feel a little outnumbered by the “paparazzi.”
Multi-Camera Shoot (Pros and Cons)
The more cameras you have, the more angles (close-ups, wide shots, etc.) and coverage you’ll have, and the more dynamic an edited finished product you’ll end up with.
You’ll also be able to cover two separate locations at once. For instance, after your ceremony, when you and the bridal party go to a park to get your photos done, one camera can come with you while the other camera hangs back at the reception venue and gets footage of the guests during cocktails.
The only drawback of adding cameras is the increased cost. Obviously, more cameras mean more people and more equipment, so higher costs.
Another thing to consider: adding a camera means adding several more hours of footage, which means even more hours in the edit suite. See how it all quickly adds up?
Ready for your close-up?
Bottom line, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to produce a wedding video, because we all – vendors and clients alike – have our different sets of priorities. Decide what is important to you, and budget accordingly. A wedding video is a tremendous keepsake of your special day; so choose wisely.
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company. If you'd like to publish this article, please credit, link-back and contact Nishi at:
Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
NightDayPro@aol.com
© 2009 Night Day Productions
Monday, November 16, 2009
How to Choose Music for Your Wedding Video
So your wedding was fantastic, you hired a great videographer who did an excellent job capturing the day and you’re anxiously waiting to see the final edited product so together, you can relive the most wonderful day of your lives.
First, your video editor wants to know what music you’d like for the montage sections of your wedding video. Suddenly, you feel immense pressure having to pick music for this important document. You’ll have to live with the decisions you make today for the rest of your lives. Maybe picking that trendy dance track will seem like a mistake five, ten, twenty, forty years down the road when you’re sharing your wedding video with your children, grandchildren, long lost aunties, and new and old friends?
Don’t stress! Here are a couple of tips to help you with your choices:
Choose something that means something to YOU, not something that fits the “wedding music mould.”
Do you remember the song that was playing the first time you danced together? The first time you kissed? When he proposed? Do you remember that song you couldn’t get out of your heads that summer you traveled together? Do you and your new husband or wife have an anthem? A private “joke” song?
Choose something you’re going to love forever.
Your video is going to last forever, and it’s going to be passed down generation to generation. Don’t think so? Ask yourself this: if you had the opportunity to watch footage of your grandparents getting married, would you want to see it? So pick music that is going to withstand the test of time, not something trendy that you’re going to get tired of in a couple of months.
Your wedding video soundtrack should reflect the tone of your wedding.
Was your wedding fun and quirky? Elegant and jazzy? Retro chic? The music should complement the visuals and the overall vibe you created for your wedding. Think of it as the soundtrack to the movie that is your wedding day.
Think of the soundtrack as a whole, not its individual parts.
It’s not as complicated as “the art of making a mix tape” according to the John Cusack movie, High Fidelity but do put thought into the soundtrack as a whole: start it off with a bang, build up to something, then bring it down a notch. The music pieces don’t all have to all be the same genre or from the same era, but they should fit together, maybe even tell a story. Otherwise the transitions might seem abrupt: unexpected is alright, but abrupt is not.
Don’t pick something that reminds you of something (or someone) else.
Is there a tune that always reminds you of that famous scene of that famous actor drowning in the ocean while the love of his life cries and looks beautiful? You know the one. EVERYONE does. Is that really the imagery you want to conjure up when you watch your wedding video? Worse, what if your wedding video doesn’t measure up to that other, more famous scene with that actor you kind of had a thing for in grade nine? Be as original as possible and you can’t go wrong.
Instrumental music is better if you’re layering in natural sound.
If your video editor is talented enough to mix source/natural sound with music, consider instrumental music over vocals. For instance, I always include a highlights montage with my packages and bring in the natural sound of the vows, ring exchange, some applause to add emotional impact to the piece.
If you pick a music piece with heavy vocals, your vows are going to have to battle with the singer’s voice and so will have less presence. Instrumental music will back you up and empower your voices. See an example here:
I hope you found these tips useful. Most of all, have fun. It shouldn’t feel like homework!
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company.
Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
NightDayPro@aol.com
© 2009 Night Day Productions
First, your video editor wants to know what music you’d like for the montage sections of your wedding video. Suddenly, you feel immense pressure having to pick music for this important document. You’ll have to live with the decisions you make today for the rest of your lives. Maybe picking that trendy dance track will seem like a mistake five, ten, twenty, forty years down the road when you’re sharing your wedding video with your children, grandchildren, long lost aunties, and new and old friends?
Don’t stress! Here are a couple of tips to help you with your choices:
Choose something that means something to YOU, not something that fits the “wedding music mould.”
Do you remember the song that was playing the first time you danced together? The first time you kissed? When he proposed? Do you remember that song you couldn’t get out of your heads that summer you traveled together? Do you and your new husband or wife have an anthem? A private “joke” song?
Choose something you’re going to love forever.
Your video is going to last forever, and it’s going to be passed down generation to generation. Don’t think so? Ask yourself this: if you had the opportunity to watch footage of your grandparents getting married, would you want to see it? So pick music that is going to withstand the test of time, not something trendy that you’re going to get tired of in a couple of months.
Your wedding video soundtrack should reflect the tone of your wedding.
Was your wedding fun and quirky? Elegant and jazzy? Retro chic? The music should complement the visuals and the overall vibe you created for your wedding. Think of it as the soundtrack to the movie that is your wedding day.
Think of the soundtrack as a whole, not its individual parts.
It’s not as complicated as “the art of making a mix tape” according to the John Cusack movie, High Fidelity but do put thought into the soundtrack as a whole: start it off with a bang, build up to something, then bring it down a notch. The music pieces don’t all have to all be the same genre or from the same era, but they should fit together, maybe even tell a story. Otherwise the transitions might seem abrupt: unexpected is alright, but abrupt is not.
Don’t pick something that reminds you of something (or someone) else.
Is there a tune that always reminds you of that famous scene of that famous actor drowning in the ocean while the love of his life cries and looks beautiful? You know the one. EVERYONE does. Is that really the imagery you want to conjure up when you watch your wedding video? Worse, what if your wedding video doesn’t measure up to that other, more famous scene with that actor you kind of had a thing for in grade nine? Be as original as possible and you can’t go wrong.
Instrumental music is better if you’re layering in natural sound.
If your video editor is talented enough to mix source/natural sound with music, consider instrumental music over vocals. For instance, I always include a highlights montage with my packages and bring in the natural sound of the vows, ring exchange, some applause to add emotional impact to the piece.
If you pick a music piece with heavy vocals, your vows are going to have to battle with the singer’s voice and so will have less presence. Instrumental music will back you up and empower your voices. See an example here:
I hope you found these tips useful. Most of all, have fun. It shouldn’t feel like homework!
This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company.
Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
NightDayPro@aol.com
© 2009 Night Day Productions
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Greek/Persian Wedding
This wedding was a day full of culture and heritage: it was a double ceremony, embracing both the Greek and Persian faiths. But when it came time for the first dance, I think it's safe to say this sparkling couple forged their OWN path... check out the wicked awesome dance moves at 2:37... definitley a highlight of my 2009 season.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Glencairn Golf Club Wedding
A fantastic wedding that took place in the modern yet gothic Queen of Peace Church in Norval, followed by a reception at Glencairn Golf Club:
On top of everything, the newlyweds made my week with this email:
Hello Nishi,
I have to say that you and Kwoi [and Dave] have done an amazing job! Kwoi did a great job capturing significant moments, and you've done an incredible job in putting it together with music to make it so meaningful. I especially love how you've put together the highlights section of the video, the scenes match perfectly with the song! Thanks again.
On top of everything, the newlyweds made my week with this email:
Hello Nishi,
I have to say that you and Kwoi [and Dave] have done an amazing job! Kwoi did a great job capturing significant moments, and you've done an incredible job in putting it together with music to make it so meaningful. I especially love how you've put together the highlights section of the video, the scenes match perfectly with the song! Thanks again.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Shangri-la Wedding & Chinese Banquet Highlights
Tip: send out a wedding highlights "music video" with your Thank You cards... your guests will get a kick out of the keepsake!
We already include a highlights montage edit with our wedding packages (so there is no extra charge for the edit). It is an overview of the best parts of the wedding day and resembles a music video or movie trailer. We can then burn copies ($3 per disc if you are a wedding video client) with your full-colour photo on the cover (inkjet printed directly on the disc, no cheesy labels!). Or, if you'd rather save some bucks and DIY, we can hand over the master DVD to you and you can burn and print your own copies :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Video Blowout Sale
Wedding video sale on all remaining 2009 dates...
Includes: 6 hours of coverage, two 3CCD cameras, lighting, wireless lavaliere microphone, digital edit (music, titling, chapter menu, effects), one copy of uncut footage on DVD, 5 copies of edited wedding on DVD, online streaming on your own web page (for proofing and sharing with friends and family), highlights montage and unlimited locations.
$1,400 + tax
Get in touch if you would like to see a sample link to a complete wedding.
Have an awesome day,
Nishi
NightDayPro@aol.com
416.821.8669
EDIT: Sale is now over, thanks all!
Includes: 6 hours of coverage, two 3CCD cameras, lighting, wireless lavaliere microphone, digital edit (music, titling, chapter menu, effects), one copy of uncut footage on DVD, 5 copies of edited wedding on DVD, online streaming on your own web page (for proofing and sharing with friends and family), highlights montage and unlimited locations.
$1,400 + tax
Get in touch if you would like to see a sample link to a complete wedding.
Have an awesome day,
Nishi
NightDayPro@aol.com
416.821.8669
EDIT: Sale is now over, thanks all!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"Why Don't All Wedding Videographers Cost the Same?"
Professional wedding videographers can range in price from $500 to over $5,000. What gives? As long as they’re professionally trained, properly equipped and experienced, why the drastic difference in price?
First of all, it’s important to understand that videographers (this goes for photographers and other artists too), assign a value to their work based on their time, effort, equipment, expertise, and a whole lot of factors that can vary from artist to artist, depending on their approach and demand for their product.
That said here are a couple of factors for you, the engaged couple, to consider when picking a wedding videographer. Rather than making a decision based solely on price, this information will hopefully help you compare “apples to apples” and cut costs only where you really want to cut costs, and spend where your money is being put to good use, according to your priorities.
Filmic versus Documentary
The terms, “filmic” and “documentary” get thrown around a lot, and can mean different things to different people. Often times, a videographer won’t strictly belong to one category or the other. If you’re not sure where a certain videographer fits in, just ask to see a sample of a complete wedding they have shot and edited… then decide if you like it. Then, who cares what it’s called? If you like it, you like it.
Usually, a “filmic” look implies that a video has been shot widescreen or 16:9 (with the growing popularity of widescreen TVs, most videographers shoot widescreen these days anyway), with saturated colours, and some dramatic slow motion effects. It can also mean very stable moving shots created with the help of cranes or jib arms, steadicam apparatus, etc.
The advantages to going with a filmic videographer, is that you literally get a chance to star in your own professionally shot movie. You will be beautifully lit, and captured from the right angles, and only the best, most glamorous shots will make the final cut. You may never look better!
The drawback, of course, is the cost. It takes a lot of people to put a production like this together, not to mention a lot of high end equipment. And finally, there is editing time: for a truly filmic experience, several hours in an editing suite is required to synch up footage from multiple cameras, mix sound and music, create transition effects and titles, etc.
Another drawback, depending on your point of view, is it is not an ideal setup for the camera-shy. You will be surrounded by a crew, lights, and equipment. You will likely be aware of the cameras. You may occasionally have to wait for the cameras to get in place or re-enact for the cameras if necessary.
A “documentary” approach implies that your video is shot with less bulky equipment, and you might only get one or two cameramen with this approach.
The drawback of a documentary approach is it’s going to have a grittier look than the filmic approach. How gritty? Again, this is going to vary from shooter to shooter, so ask to see a sample DVD to come to your own conclusion.
The major advantage of a documentary approach is that because the equipment is lighter, the shooters have more flexibility, so they can move and capture spontaneous moments as they happen naturally. The approach is less obtrusive, and when done correctly, you shouldn’t feel the cameras around you a whole lot. The cost for a documentary approach should be less: the equipment isn’t as high end or cumbersome and you can get away with less people on set. How smooth the final DVD looks depends on the amount of time allocated to editing, and this can vary from production house to production house.
Editing versus Raw
When it comes to videography, don’t make the common mistake of thinking you are paying for just one day of service. A lot of prep time goes into any production, and after the shoot, as much as 50 or 60 hours might go into editing and refining your footage. Or not. It depends on the production company. So ask what your videographer puts into their editing process, and expect to pay accordingly for their time and efforts.
Your videographer might simply offer the raw (unedited) footage; in which case, a tape or hard drive to DVD transfer and some packaging is all that is required after the shoot. This is by far the cheapest option when scouting for video packages, but it is important that your expectations for this option are realistic.
There is a lot of software out there that can enable anyone to edit their own footage, but even if an amateur has the time, patience, and creativity to finish their own video, a professional editor is likely going to see more potential in the same batch of raw footage. If you don’t plan on editing your own footage and just want to leave it unedited, understand that everything is going to be left in, audio levels may be inconsistent, and without the benefit of chapters you won’t be able to skip to precise points of interest.
Your videographer might offer light editing; a “clean-up,” if you will, where some of the rougher, darker, uneventful footage is taken out, and dissolves are put into to soften the transitions between scenes. DVD chapters might be added. Some music might be added. A light edit will cost more than no edit (obviously), but it will give you a nicer finished product that is more entertaining to watch.
Of course, if you really want to dazzle your friends and family, you might opt for a full-on edit: which includes effects, titling, colour-correction, evening out of audio levels, montages where video is edited to music, etc. This edit takes the most time and so it will cost more.
Other factors to take into consideration: are you able to screen the first cut and have input on the final product (will your editor re-cut?). Does the editor upload your video to a website so you can proof your edit and share it with friends and family? How many copies of the finished product do you get? All these perks take more time and resources, so they will add to the cost of your wedding video.
Single Camera versus Multi Camera
Most wedding video companies will offer either one or two cameras with their packages. Some higher end companies offer more than 2 cameras.
The more cameras you have, the more angles (close-ups, etc.) and coverage you’ll have, and the more dynamic an edited finished product you’ll end up with. Obviously, more cameras mean more people and more equipment, so higher costs.
The fewer cameras you have, the less coverage you’ll get, the less angles you’ll have to edit between, but it will definitely be less costly and also less obtrusive.
Another thing to consider: adding a camera means adding several more hours of footage, which means even more hours in the edit suite. See how it all quickly adds up?
Ready for your close-up?
Hopefully, this article has shed some light on the costs and time and expertise involved with putting together a wedding production, so as to demystify the various packages and price points out there.
Bottom line, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to produce a wedding video, because we all – vendors and clients alike – have our different sets of priorities. Decide what is important to you, and budget accordingly. A wedding video is a tremendous keepsake of your special day; so choose wisely.
© 2009 Night Day Productions
If you are an event planner or wedding vendor and wish to publish this article on your website, please give credit to Nishi Dias, Night Day Productions and link back to www.NightDay.ca and notify us at NightDayPro@aol.com
First of all, it’s important to understand that videographers (this goes for photographers and other artists too), assign a value to their work based on their time, effort, equipment, expertise, and a whole lot of factors that can vary from artist to artist, depending on their approach and demand for their product.
That said here are a couple of factors for you, the engaged couple, to consider when picking a wedding videographer. Rather than making a decision based solely on price, this information will hopefully help you compare “apples to apples” and cut costs only where you really want to cut costs, and spend where your money is being put to good use, according to your priorities.
Filmic versus Documentary
The terms, “filmic” and “documentary” get thrown around a lot, and can mean different things to different people. Often times, a videographer won’t strictly belong to one category or the other. If you’re not sure where a certain videographer fits in, just ask to see a sample of a complete wedding they have shot and edited… then decide if you like it. Then, who cares what it’s called? If you like it, you like it.
Usually, a “filmic” look implies that a video has been shot widescreen or 16:9 (with the growing popularity of widescreen TVs, most videographers shoot widescreen these days anyway), with saturated colours, and some dramatic slow motion effects. It can also mean very stable moving shots created with the help of cranes or jib arms, steadicam apparatus, etc.
The advantages to going with a filmic videographer, is that you literally get a chance to star in your own professionally shot movie. You will be beautifully lit, and captured from the right angles, and only the best, most glamorous shots will make the final cut. You may never look better!
The drawback, of course, is the cost. It takes a lot of people to put a production like this together, not to mention a lot of high end equipment. And finally, there is editing time: for a truly filmic experience, several hours in an editing suite is required to synch up footage from multiple cameras, mix sound and music, create transition effects and titles, etc.
Another drawback, depending on your point of view, is it is not an ideal setup for the camera-shy. You will be surrounded by a crew, lights, and equipment. You will likely be aware of the cameras. You may occasionally have to wait for the cameras to get in place or re-enact for the cameras if necessary.
A “documentary” approach implies that your video is shot with less bulky equipment, and you might only get one or two cameramen with this approach.
The drawback of a documentary approach is it’s going to have a grittier look than the filmic approach. How gritty? Again, this is going to vary from shooter to shooter, so ask to see a sample DVD to come to your own conclusion.
The major advantage of a documentary approach is that because the equipment is lighter, the shooters have more flexibility, so they can move and capture spontaneous moments as they happen naturally. The approach is less obtrusive, and when done correctly, you shouldn’t feel the cameras around you a whole lot. The cost for a documentary approach should be less: the equipment isn’t as high end or cumbersome and you can get away with less people on set. How smooth the final DVD looks depends on the amount of time allocated to editing, and this can vary from production house to production house.
Editing versus Raw
When it comes to videography, don’t make the common mistake of thinking you are paying for just one day of service. A lot of prep time goes into any production, and after the shoot, as much as 50 or 60 hours might go into editing and refining your footage. Or not. It depends on the production company. So ask what your videographer puts into their editing process, and expect to pay accordingly for their time and efforts.
Your videographer might simply offer the raw (unedited) footage; in which case, a tape or hard drive to DVD transfer and some packaging is all that is required after the shoot. This is by far the cheapest option when scouting for video packages, but it is important that your expectations for this option are realistic.
There is a lot of software out there that can enable anyone to edit their own footage, but even if an amateur has the time, patience, and creativity to finish their own video, a professional editor is likely going to see more potential in the same batch of raw footage. If you don’t plan on editing your own footage and just want to leave it unedited, understand that everything is going to be left in, audio levels may be inconsistent, and without the benefit of chapters you won’t be able to skip to precise points of interest.
Your videographer might offer light editing; a “clean-up,” if you will, where some of the rougher, darker, uneventful footage is taken out, and dissolves are put into to soften the transitions between scenes. DVD chapters might be added. Some music might be added. A light edit will cost more than no edit (obviously), but it will give you a nicer finished product that is more entertaining to watch.
Of course, if you really want to dazzle your friends and family, you might opt for a full-on edit: which includes effects, titling, colour-correction, evening out of audio levels, montages where video is edited to music, etc. This edit takes the most time and so it will cost more.
Other factors to take into consideration: are you able to screen the first cut and have input on the final product (will your editor re-cut?). Does the editor upload your video to a website so you can proof your edit and share it with friends and family? How many copies of the finished product do you get? All these perks take more time and resources, so they will add to the cost of your wedding video.
Single Camera versus Multi Camera
Most wedding video companies will offer either one or two cameras with their packages. Some higher end companies offer more than 2 cameras.
The more cameras you have, the more angles (close-ups, etc.) and coverage you’ll have, and the more dynamic an edited finished product you’ll end up with. Obviously, more cameras mean more people and more equipment, so higher costs.
The fewer cameras you have, the less coverage you’ll get, the less angles you’ll have to edit between, but it will definitely be less costly and also less obtrusive.
Another thing to consider: adding a camera means adding several more hours of footage, which means even more hours in the edit suite. See how it all quickly adds up?
Ready for your close-up?
Hopefully, this article has shed some light on the costs and time and expertise involved with putting together a wedding production, so as to demystify the various packages and price points out there.
Bottom line, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to produce a wedding video, because we all – vendors and clients alike – have our different sets of priorities. Decide what is important to you, and budget accordingly. A wedding video is a tremendous keepsake of your special day; so choose wisely.
© 2009 Night Day Productions
If you are an event planner or wedding vendor and wish to publish this article on your website, please give credit to Nishi Dias, Night Day Productions and link back to www.NightDay.ca and notify us at NightDayPro@aol.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
See us at Staples!
If you happen to be browsing through the Staples Business Depot at St. Clair and Keele this month (hint: they have a ton of new DIY wedding stuff), stop over at our display at the store entrance; Night Day Productions is Staples' "recognized small business" of the month!
Thanks, Staples, for the shout-out and for helping small businesses.
Nishi
Thanks, Staples, for the shout-out and for helping small businesses.
Nishi
Friday, January 16, 2009
"How do you light a church?"
Question: What's the best way to light a church?
Our Answer: Don't! If you don't want lights set up in your church (they're often prohibited) we usually make do with natural light.
See results:
Keep in mind that video quality is even brighter and clearer on DVD, as clips here are compressed for easy viewing on the web.
Wedding: Jenny and Samuel's elegant church ceremony
Videographers: Kwoi and Alannah
Editor: Nishi
Our Answer: Don't! If you don't want lights set up in your church (they're often prohibited) we usually make do with natural light.
See results:
Keep in mind that video quality is even brighter and clearer on DVD, as clips here are compressed for easy viewing on the web.
Wedding: Jenny and Samuel's elegant church ceremony
Videographers: Kwoi and Alannah
Editor: Nishi
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