frequently asked ?'sHow long do you have to wait to get your films?
Couples can expect trailer films to arrive online 1-2 weeks after the wedding. Feature films generally arrive online 6-8 weeks after the wedding. All online films are initially at private links until a couple approves the edits and wants to open it to the public to share with friends and family. We desire to respect people’s privacy.
How do we capture professional audio?
We use professional, wireless, lapel microphones on the groom and the officiant during the ceremony. The mic transmitter is the size of a deck of cards and sits in an inside jacket pocket. This microphone picks up the bride as well because of the proximity to the groom during the ceremony. The microphone goes on the groom & officiant just before the ceremony begins and is taken off shortly after the ceremony concludes. It is closed circuit and the signal is only going into our portable recording device so it’s never being broadcast to your guests. We also never include anything in the film that a groom says while wearing the microphone that is not relevant or wouldn’t help support a narrative to your film.
If there is a sound system for the ceremony, and we have the permission, we will also plug into that to record the audio feed.
During the reception, to capture toasts, we get a line out signal from the band or dj’s sound mixer. This makes it very easy to record the speeches and doesn’t require any additional equipment or microphone clutter from our end.
We always capture additional backup sound recordings.
Drone Coverage? Should you get it?
I don’t think we have to convince anyone of how much drone video adds to your wedding film’s production value. Although, it’s completely up to you on whether or not you want to add it, we do encourage it ;)
Here are a few things we always note: We do have our Part 107 Drone License. We always use caution with the environment we are flying in and are always mindful of any situation, especially with people around. We only fly where we are legally able and sometimes these variables can change (like, say, when the President is in town). We also use caution in inclement weather or high winds. Our drones are small and do not make a lot of noise so as not to be distracting in situations such as an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour. We will capture drone footage during photo tours.
How do we choose music?
We always ask for style suggestions and try to get a feel for people’s taste in music or a vision that they have in mind for their film. Although, most people ultimately leave this up to us. We are intentional about crafting a careful selection of licensed music. After we provide an edited version of a film, couples can say yes or no to any music included and we can always make changes. Regarding legal issues, it is illegal to use music in a film without licensing the music first. We would love to include popular music in our films, but it can be a very difficult process, not to mention expensive, taking months sometimes to secure licensing permissions. Generally, we stick to music licensing websites that exist specifically to make it easier for filmmakers to license songs, which is where most of the music in our films comes from. Sometimes we even send links to these playlists to couples and they can go through the catalogues and collaborate with us on the pre-selections. We have often heard that this is one of the most fun ways our couples have been able to get involved with the crafting of their video.
Do we use lights?
We may use a small light on a stand during receptions if the conditions are too dark to film in. We would use a light namely during the moments of importance, i.e. first dance, speeches, etc. The light is turned off afterwards and we are always respectful if we notice that it is bothering anyone. We do understand couples are trying to create ambiance with lighting during their reception.
A few more notable items:
We work with all couples no matter their race, religion, or orientation.
We do have backup equipment.
We do have cameras that capture the same data on dual memory cards simultaneously, so there is always a backup recording in case of card failure.
All travel fees are built in to custom destination offerings outside of Chicago.
We do ask to be fed for a short break during dinner time.
We will comply with any venue’s COI requirements.
We look good at your wedding (florists have mistaken us for the groom).
What about you?