There has been a huge shift in the wedding industry over the past couple of years as cinema-quality wedding films started to be seen. It started with a revolution in technology. 35mm Sensor cameras (like the ones photographers use) we're now able to shoot motion pictures. This sensor, combined with the superb quality lenses available, allowed for imagery to be captured that looks straight from a hollywood feature.
What occurred is that producers became inspired to start storytelling with their wedding films and this is what has delivered what you see today. Its not all about picture quality, but more importantly the story told. Much like when you see a movie at the cinema. If the film was not interesting, it doesn’t matter if it was a $100 million dollar budget. Its the people, stories and plot that grab people.
What do these now allow couples to look forward to when it comes to their wedding memories?
Now not only do people have a record of their wedding day, but they are able to have a film that tells the story of who they are. Its very special. If a producer doesn’t have sensitivity to listen to a couple’s story and what makes them tick, I believe you can’t do them justice. It is always great to meet the couple, have a coffee or lunch and just really start to get to know them on a personal level. Its fantastic for quashing the business-client relationship and helping our couples feel more at ease in front of the camera. It's at those meetings where little details start to emerge of their passions, beliefs and interests.
What do you think is going to be the “next big thing” in wedding cinematography?
3D wedding cinematography has been explored since 2010, although it may be too early for 3D. People have not fully embraced this technology, and currently the imagery doesn’t have the cinematic feel that people currently love about films. And as mentioned earlier, its the storytelling nature of our films that people really love.
Future developments are rise of pre shooting, filming much more than the wedding day for couples. Where not only the wedding is filmed, but the week leading up to the event.. the dress fittings, final dance lessons, family dinners etc.. All this combined into a real film about this couple and their family. It becomes much more than just a wedding film.
How far has wedding video come in the last 3 years?
It has now become much more of a “must have” service than it used to be. This new rise of “cinematography” has seen it become as important as a professional photographer. There are now dedicated studios that specialise in wedding film making and the demand is stronger than ever.
What are your tips for choosing a wedding cinematographer?
Firstly work as much from referral as you can. As with many services, the top quality people always are heavily in demand from word of mouth. Also go and visit the studio in person.. meet the team and get a feel for how they operate. And ask to see many real life weddings.. a top studio should have many different films to show.. not just the showcase shoots.
What are the different styles of cinematography?
Today, videography (as opposed to cinematography) is still a popular option. The more traditional wedding option can be much more affordable for couples who just want to get a record of the day. Cinematography should be seen as a separate craft where a high level of technical filmmaking and storytelling techniques meet. Cinematographers are people who understand and work with light and make many decisions on how to shoot a scene. This involves everything from what lenses to choose and how to move the camera. These decisions stem from what is being captured and how best to tell the story.
If couples really want to indulge in cutting edge/luxury cinematography, what types of services are available to them?
Some of the more luxurious options include pre shooting events leading up to a wedding (as explained previously, Same Day Edits or exotic options like helicams.
Same Day edits are an exciting new option for brides who wish to have an unforgettable experience for their guests at their wedding reception.
Moments filmed on the wedding day are edited over a short time period (usually just several hours) and screened to the delight of friends and family. Sometimes pre wedding footage is combined with wedding day scenes to create a more complete film of the wedding lead-up.
Some weddings are now including the use of a specialist remote controlled helicam operator. This “eye-in-the-skye” enable the couples to have a shot from above to give that extra production value. Specialist tools like this help take the films to the next level.
Its lovely to have recognition in the form of awards, however it may sound cliché but most videographers/ cinematographers honestly get their fulfilment from the positive feedback from the couples’ themselves.
It is really what makes all the hard work so worthwhile!
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