Wedding videos and the like tips & advice sought

[Xendar]

Hi all,
I'm looking to start a small part-time side-line business making wedding, sports, training videos etc. I've got the gear (NLE system, camera), and I've done a HND in Media Production. So I'm pretty clued up on the production side of things, but I know you don't really learn something until you've actually done it. Obviously I want all my productions to look as professional as possible.
So, can anyone offer me any useful tips or advice. This won't be a half-hearted attempt. I have the enthusiasm and commitment to make this work.
Cheers



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Mark Smith
Neon Films - Low / No budget films in West Yorkshire
www.neonfilms.freeserve.co.uk

[marti-c]

hi again mark
A good idea is to simply look at pro videos that have been done for other people. Then just make a storyboard and shot list. Ok so its copying but these things have already been invented so it would be foolish to try and re invent it.
Once you have got the swing of it you could start to experiment, but at least you would have the basic video shots so it wouldnt be a disaster(this would be very unpopular with the happy couple).
I actually have a book somewhere that has a shot list for weddings. I will try to dig it out the abyss that is my wardrobe!

[Ruthie]

Mark,

Don't forget details like close ups of flower arrangements, the brides dress and the wedding cake. It always impresses the bride.

Also, a great program to watch on TLC is "A wedding Story". It definately is a different angle on wedding videos.

[miker]

You will face the problems of any client facing business - keeping the client happy, losing the ability to take risks.

I did one wedding video. Never again. Too much like working in a sausage factory.

[Greco]

Just remember: THE BRIDE IS BOSS!
Keep her and the groom happy above all else. Get alot of good close-ups, especially during formal photots at the park. Many times these shots make up a great ending montage. Believe me, this is a great feature to add. Some times I would just make a 3 minute montage (for free) using black and white, slow mo, and na few other suttle but effective effects. The bride will be so surprised, and you'll be a hero. And if you make them cry, it's even better.

[Jon Taylor]

I was best man at a friend's wedding, and he had a "professional" video production company shoot his video. The cameraman arrived with an assistant, redhead kit and a full-size 3-chip dockable back Sony camera. They looked the part.

The video was the 4 hour "highlights" of an 8 hour day! 4 hours! Then to add insult to injury, a slide show of still frames bordered by pink soft focus hearts, to Whitney Houston's - "I will always love you" It was truly painful - 4 hours!

Jon.