FAQ
Why do I need a video?
As you’ll discover, or ask any bride, the wedding day goes by in a big, fast blur! Also, a film allows you to discover things about the day that you didn’t even know about! Plus, you get to see how things went not just through your own eyes but through various vantage points. And most importantly, you’ll have a permanent souvenir to share with family and friends around the world and with your future children and grandchildren. Priceless. Share online and on DVD. You’ll just have to explain to your kids why mommy and daddy looked so different back then…
What makes AV Artisan unique?
These productions are designed to look like professional films, yet it’s actually YOU in it on your wedding day! Not just videos or slideshows but films. Your story told in an artistic style, packed with emotion. Various high production values, like sophisticated shooting gear are used to elevate these films into a class of their own. And most of the time clients don’t even notice we’re there. Point is, after all the wedding dust has settled we’re able to provide you with your own priceless film, which consistently makes clients cry and laugh and rave.
And the reason why we do this is because of the incredible passion we have for crafting amazing films. It’s literally a dream job!
I’ve seen other videos that have bad sound and are shaky. Are yours?
First off all, sorry about your experience. Our work speaks for itself. Instead of just using the microphone on the camera, we actually take the time to mic the speakers and music properly. We know that half of video is audio and poor sound ruins the video. Also, stable, smooth, and steady shots need to consistently match our high quality standards. We simply can’t have poor camera work distract away from the viewing experience. Plus we don’t just use great video cameras, we actually use revolutionary, powerful new cinema cameras which offers you that stunning, clear, colourful image.
What makes these films so powerful?
Emotion, power, beauty, and clarity. It starts with a unique shooting style, using a variety of shooting techniques, always scanning for those little moments as they unfold. Vibrant image and sound quality brings the experience to life. Later, a ridiculous amount of attention to detail is given in post-production in order to hand craft you the perfect wedding story, all timed to a musical underscore.
A video is just not in our budget.
Of course, sometimes tight budgets are just a reality. However, the painful regret of having missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity really hurts too. And finances can be fixed after. Lost memories can’t. Ultimately, it largely comes down to priority and asking oneself what your wedding experience with your partner is really worth.
I’m not interested in videography.
This idea is usually based on what people have seen in the past – traditional, straight forward, often really long and drawn out. The camera operator simply presses record from a tripod and documents what happens. AV Artisan takes a completely new and fresh approach that goes so much deeper, designed to elicit the most excitement and emotions possible using modern, creative techniques.
In a recent online poll, the biggest regret couples have after their wedding day is finished is not having a good video or having hired a good videographer.
We’re already getting photos.
Perfect, you do need them. The major limitation with pictures is you can’t hear the emotion in the speeches (let alone what was said!), see the dancing, feel the ambiance, hear the voices and laughter of everyone there, watch the bloopers, or relive those vows or first dances. A well-crafted video is simply charged with energy and life! We’ve had feedback where the couples afterwards would have actually gone with just the video over photo (which we don’t recommend either).
“I’m not photogenic,” “I feel awkward/geeky, etc.” “I don’t like seeing myself”
These are some comments I hear before filming. You can image their reactions AFTER watching their films! (Super impressed.) Even many of the “staged” looking shots are actually spontaneously captured live action or semi-staged. I manage to pull the best out of couples and with proper editing, create magic!
Actually, we didn’t even consider videography.
People just don’t know the incredible quality that’s become available in the last several years. These are not traditional videos like you’ve seen in the past. It’s a time of re-education for the masses in the field of wedding cinema. Many regions aren’t yet conscious of videography as a staple of the wedding experience.
Do you work alone or do you have an assistant?
Usually couples get a second cinematographer to most effectively capture everything and to take advantage of the creative cinematic techniques and gear unless you opt for more basic coverage with just Greg. Other assistants and editors help with the productions as needed.
How long will it take to produce our film?
Depending on when in the season your wedding takes place, anywhere up to 6 months. Each wedding film is custom hand crafted and works of art do take time. If you’ve known anybody who has ever edited video, they’ll agree there’s no other wedding profession that takes longer than this! There are numerous stages to producing a high-caliber wedding film. I appreciate your patience. But it’s always so worth it! In the meantime, as a solution to offset all the anticipation, the Movie Trailer is offered as a super well-crafted preview provided for viewing online just days after your wedding!
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How do I secure my wedding date with you?
After a meeting (in person or on the phone), we set up an agreement to be signed accompanied with a 50% non-refundable retainer deposit to hold your wedding date. The balance is due a week before the wedding.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cheque, cash, email money transfer, PayPal (credit card through PayPal add 2.9%).
Do you offer photography as well?
No, in order to provide the highest quality cinematic productions, we focus only on the massive film component which is a complex specialty by itself. This includes audio recording, setting up lighting, orchestrating synchronized multi-cam shoots, extensive production in the editing room using pro editing suites, selecting and timing to soundtracks, DVD authoring and packaging, etc. Good filmmaking is a specialty service.
Who chooses the music for the soundtrack?
I invite couples to provide me with at least a dozen of their suggested song choices. I then pick and choose a few of the most appropriate ones to fit the various scenes in their edited film. In addition, I incorporate some cinematic soundtracks to create the perfect moods to accentuate what’s happening.
Do you need a ride during the day?
It’s very thoughtful of people to ask but I usually do require my own vehicle to transport my portable studio and gear wherever I go.
Do we need to feed you at the reception?
Let’s just say that a hungry videographer doesn’t make for an effective videographer. Yes, please.
Do you film out of town?
Yes, we’re quite willing to travel just about anywhere people really want an awesome wedding film souvenir. I simply ask to cover travel and accommodation expenses.
AV Artisan Wedding Films - Best Wedding Videography 