Don’t leave it to
chance, use a qualified Professional APV Videomaker.
Couples
often say their wedding day passed by in a blur; a flurry of fleeting
conversations, photo sessions, meeting new people and having to be in many places
at once. A well made wedding film can therefore provide an invaluable lasting memento of
the occasion, recording many of the amusing incidents you missed and capturing the planned
events, as well as those spontaneous moments that are unique to every wedding. It can provide a vivid record of; all your
guests, the venue, the speeches and of course, the ceremony and your vows. A
copy of your wedding film on DVD or video also makes a great gift for friends
and relatives especially those who were unable to attend.
By hiring a professional wedding videomaker to produce
your film, you're recognising and honouring the importance of your wedding day.
Only an experienced wedding videomaker is properly prepared to capture the important
details of your special day; from the rush of the bride’s preparations at the
beginning of the day, through the emotional moments of the ceremony and the
excitement of the reception, to the romance of the First Dance and sometimes
beyond into the evening. For a high-quality professional
standard wedding film, be prepared to pay anything from around £850 upwards. “A good
professional videomaker using proper professional equipment and having all the
relevant insurance and licenses certainly shouldn't be charging any less”
said Stephen Crawford, a wedding video expert who is the Director of the Association of
Professional Videomakers (The Professional Video Industry Trade Association). He also warns not to take chances, but select your
wedding videomaker very carefully. His ‘Top Tips’ are shown below.
Though
many people opt for a family member or friend to ‘do the video’ this is
not really a viable alternative to a professional as you simply cannot expect
anything like the same results. Most professionals nowadays use the kind of equipment
and have the experience and expertise to ensure your finished film will be of a similar
quality to a TV programme and unlike amateurs (even enthusiastic ones), your
finished film should not be full of shaky camerawork, zooming shots, poor sound
or blurred out-of-focus footage. If they hold the relevant music licences (as
professionals should), they will usually be able to incorporate your musical
selections into your finished film.
- Use a professional videomaker. Book a qualified member of
a professional trade association such as the Association of Professional
Videomakers (www.apv.org.uk). All qualified
members of the APV are professionals and have to pass an assessment before
they can be recommended. They also follow a clear code-of-conduct. which will give all those that hire them peace of mind. Just
because someone hasn’t joined the Association doesn’t necessarily mean
they are no good, but by joining a professional association and becoming qualified, they demonstrate that they are running a serious and
professional business and care about what they do.
- Ask to see previous work
samples.
This will allow you to assess whether you like the videomakers ‘style’ of
production. Some professionals will have video examples on their website
or linked into the APV’s ‘Find a Videomaker’ search engine, others will send out
DVDs, arrange for you to see examples at their studios or perhaps even visit
you in your own home.
- Personal Recommendation. One way to find a
videomaker is by personal recommendation. However, it is still a good idea
to ask to see their work. There are many different styles and what suited
your friends may not suit you.
- Insurance & Licences. Make sure they have professional
insurance and licences to film wedding videos. Whilst it’s not a legal
requirement, Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurances should
be held by professional videomakers and will help to cover you in case of any mishap; if you are in any doubt ask to see
proof of current cover. If you want commercial music on your DVD/Film, the videomaker should also have the
relevant MCPS and PPL Licences.
- Avoid cheap and ‘freebie’ wedding
video ‘offers’ at all costs. There will usually be a good reason it is so cheap
and the videomaker will most likely be an amateur, inexperienced and just starting up and/or
using low-quality sub-standard equipment. This might be what you are expecting, but good quality work generally costs more; you will usually
get what you pay for. Why take a risk, would you use an amateur photographer or cake/dress maker?
- Communicate clearly. Discuss your ideas and
requests with the videomaker and make sure they know what you want and
have noted your requests and suggestions. Let the videomaker
know if there are any special moments you want to have captured, such as
the moment the bride's parents see her in her dress for the first time. or Great Aunt Lou who has come from New Zealand to be with you. If
there are certain people (such as Great Aunt Lou) that you want included in the video, assign a
bridesmaid or usher to point them out to the videomaker on the day.
Remember it’s your wedding; make
sure to get what you want filmed. Also make sure if you're having a toastmaster he knows the video is important to you and that he ensures the videomaker is in place and ready before announcing the speeches etc.
- Book well in advance. All the best videomakers
get booked up very early, especially for the busiest times of the year.
Ideally you should book as soon as your date and venue have been
confirmed. Many couples realising the importance of a good video are booking
the videomaker long before any of the other services.
- A wedding video is not a
luxury.
Budget to include making a wedding film. Nowadays it is not something to be considered at the end of your plans if you have sufficient
budget left, but the only way you can bring back and re-live all the memories of your
day for years to come.
Remember, you have only one chance to be sure your
wedding day is professionally captured...
Just one chance to be sure all
of the emotions, the love, happiness and laughter are preserved for you
and your loved ones to share again and again. So don't leave your 'happy-ever-after' to chance, book a qualified APV member to record your wedding day.
