Development: encore

Another issue to be dealt with was how to make this accessible for everyone.

As both bride and groom pointed to me, some guests are not strictly Internet-literate, some of the older generations is not even keen on using computers.

Now, given it would be easy to burn a couple of autorun cds for everyone, I had to change the plan a bit.

As such I had to go back to the possibility how the only medium in which the movie would be accessed is through a domestic DVD player.

For this reason I went through a short course on DVD authoring (notably it was on a Mac so must have been either iDVD or DVD Studio Pro).

As it turned out (a valuable fact, or so it seems), the domestic dvd players cannot handle HD files.

So I had to go back to my project and render another version with lower settings applicable to PAL dvd players.

Adobe Encore allows for full DVD authoring, so I designed an intro splash screen (well, designed might seem a bit big, given that it was a rather not promising screengrab of the final product) and made a quick menu which would allow for playing on a loop.

Initial idea I had was to have subsequent chapters/dividers but in after consulting with the couple we decided not to include them as the content is relatively short and the breaks in between one sequence can get in the way more rather than help navigate.

Development: all together now

So, updated with two more sessions and the titles, here it is.

Development: next chapter + titles

We had  two more sessions to gather more footage.
The final length of the sequence was not important at all as it was aimed at the closest friend and family who would watch the entire full length feature as long as it featured the people so close to them.

As a result it did not shorten the song, more over added further sequence which was meant to summarize all the information in case it was missed during the message display thing in the chorus. In this way the information would appear for way longer than in the short music sequences.
As the invitation will also be sent to non-english speakers, I have to design it in a way so it is understandable for them as well.

Researching for more audio backgrounds, I came across a song written specifically for the Desigual clothing line

This track has been used throughout the Desigual campaign in 2011.

The track composed by Maia Vidal (also known as Your Kid Sister) has several language version and has been used in several videos advertising the clothing company.

Due to the 'light and emotional' aesthetic of the song I decided it would be a great addition to the invitation.

Development: first sequence

So we did shoot the first sequence.

Unfortunately I could not dig up the very first version with no film burns and raw edits but I have a hunch it looked awful.

This one was compiled after the first session:

Development: structure

As we accepted the model of displaying the information via the means of messages on paper, I decided to adapt this structure to the couple's song of choice.

In this case I would divide the song into segments featuring ordinary footage (verses) and then proceed to the informative messages over the chorus.

Development: something worth reading

After picking the locations to shoot we proceeded with the filming.

This was a relatively easy task, all I had to do from my perspective was to follow the couple, make stops at the more  charming corners of the parks, rotate the camera to have the couple either with or against the light etc.

To give the picture further warmth I tried to shoot using the warm white balances. Given that we shot in September/October the days were still long and sunny.

To further enhance the warmth (positive energy, hah) of the sequence, I got a set of film-burns.
I remember what a discovery this was to me to realize how 'these funky colours like flashing into the reel and stuff' were made.
The film burns are not only a perfect tool for raising the emotional value of a sequence (this is probably written very wrong, but you might have an idea what I mean), but also help blending the footage together so that the cuts don't appear so... violent?
Either way, a good addition to just about any footage (given it's not monochrome. Or maybe?) which helps the sequence raise at least one step away from the amateur. It surely helped me, as back when I was shooting it I had hardly any knowledge on resolutions etc.
Anyway.

The couple decided to pick Foster the Kids - Pumped up Kicks.
The lyrics might not be the strongest asset of the video, unless the couple are planning a violent divorce, yet the tune of the song has some charm to it.

was meant to be rings, and funny, hah

Besides, in personal projects such as these, I am not really meant to make suggestions. The couple are sending this as a message 'that's us, that's who we are, that's what we like, join us, be happy'. So especially if the song has some secret meaning to them or they simply like it, that's ok.
This makes me especially happy that I don't have to justify this decission.

Sweet.

Case study: fairytale wedding - wow!

From technical point of view - opens with a time-lapse.
Food for thought: would a stand-alone camera operator have time to stand about for 20-30 minutes while his camera is taking pictures for the timelapse?
If I would want to get one, I would have to be at the wedding beforehand and record a certain details as an important part of the wedding ceremony might be omitted.

Anyway, back to the video.
I loved how this one was put together, especially the second part.
The first sequence is an ordinary coverage of the ceremony, but the session in the part two is an amazing movie. Loved the contrast between the ruined abandoned building and the bride with all her make-up.
This video also seemed a bit more with character, I think because it had a bit more emotion than just people hugging and smiling.
Final sequences have been very nicely edited to the music (4:47 -4:50).
Food for thought for the videographers - don't just shoot them, shoot them in some creative way!

Case study: adding motion graphics

Another example of video wedding invitation.

This time the film is a combination of DSLR footage, a slideshow and opening with motion graphic/titles.
The sequence well focuses around the couple, providing a lot of details of their time together. In my opinion it could have been a little more dynamic, but that again is entirely up to the client's preference.

The video does what it has to do - portrays two happy people who are even happier to be together and is aimed for people who will be happy to witness their happiness.
Or something like that.

More tips

A bit off the main topic, my research takes me more often to shooting the actual wedding.

Here is more sequences with general tips on what matters the most during the wedding and how a videographer should relate to it:

(caution this one is cheesy...)

Tips

I came across this website which features tips for the couples who are willing to hire a videographer for their wedding.

As the couple I work with have recently decided they would like me to shoot the actual wedding, this is something I could relate to as well and take it as personal tips on what clients would expect and what they want to avoid completely during their special day.

(from theweddingcentral.com)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER?

…FROM A VIDEOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE!

Experience

When I was looking for a doctor, a good friend of mine, who is an excellent surgeon, told me: ”If you have to select a doctor, would you go with the one that does one or two operations a month, or the one that does three surgeries a week?” I did not have to think twice. The answer was obvious, the one who does three operations a week. Why is that? That doctor who does more surgeries is obviously more experienced.

When you look for a wedding videographer, that same remains true. On average, a busy wedding videographer will record about 20-35 weddings per year. Above 35 weddings could be overkill.

First of all, make sure that your wedding videographer has done more than thirty weddings. A wedding videographer that has done more than fifty wedding could be easily considered an experienced videographer.

I wouldn’t really put much weight if the wedding videographer says that he or she has two, three or five years of experience. It does not really matter.  What matters is how many wedding he or she has done. The more the merrier.

Why is experience so important to me ? Because in DSLR video, focusing is extremely important and difficult, and practice makes master. Unless your taste is for video that goes in and out of focus, you should look for a videographer what will keep your video in focus.

One vs Multiple videographers

Ask if the videographer can show you videos that he or she has done alone in a wedding. And then work that they have done with 2 or 3 videographers. This is really important.

Depending on your budget you may want to go with only one wedding videographer instead of multiple wedding videographers. Watch samples of his or her work while shooting a wedding video alone. Ask what is the best position he or she adopts during the ceremony and the reception.

Ask to see work while working with several videographers as well. How they position each camera during the ceremony and reception.

Ask to watch excerpts of a wedding video more than a highlight. Many wedding videographers emphasize in the highlight more than the wedding video itself. I have seen wedding videographers missing important parts of the ceremony because they are working to get an exotic angle down from the aisle floor or with the slider. They do this just to create more production value to their highlight to show future clients.

DSLR

Another important matter to discuss is their equipment. If you are paying a wedding videographer, let say more than 2000 dollars, check that they are using DSLR cameras, preferably canon cameras.

There are many, but many wedding videographers still using regular HD cameras, which give you acceptable image, but not cinematic look like DSLR cameras would give you.

Lights

Ask about lighting. Discuss about the lighting at the ceremony. Churches usually have good lighting, but if the church it not well illuminated, ask the wedding videographer how they deal with low light situations.

It’s really important to ask about lighting for the reception. How do they plan to use them and what type of lighting equipment they use?

Reception halls are usually very dark, which makes wedding videography very challenging because you have to manage good lighting while not killing the mood. Confirm that your wedding videographer will have enough lighting for introductions, first dance, dance with parents, speeches, cutting the cake – the all the important moments of the reception.

Ask about lighting while dancing. Check that they do not use too much lighting that could kill the mood of the reception, or the lighting the dj or lighting specialist are using for your wedding. But, make sure they use a good source of lighting to illuminate your guests dancing.

Sound

Image quality is just half of your wedding video, sound is the other half.

A wedding video with bad sound could damage the quality of the video.

Ask the wedding videographer how they capture sound during the ceremony and reception, specially if you are getting married at a church, which has a lot a reverberation. Just make sure your wedding videographer mics the officiant or officiants, the groom and podium. They should be able to capture good sound from anywhere people will be talking or singing.

Make certain that they put a microphone on the singer, or at least put a recording equipment close to them if they do not have more lavaliere microphones or there are more than one singer.

Sound at the reception hall:

The reception is very noisy. People cheering, talking, etc. Talk to your wedding videographer and make sure they get the sound from different sources like plugging their recording device right from the dj or band. Wedding videographers must also capture ambiance sound (ambience sound is important to get reactions from your guests)

Being unobtrusive

One important matter to discuss is how they work. I have seen videographers who are very obtrusive, so much, that they have 2 or 3 videographers very close to the bride and groom while doing the first dance or when they are dancing with their parents. They are very obtrusive in a way that it is impossible for the wedding photographers to capture a decent picture of the couple. Many videographers, trying to capture exotic angles or images for their highlights, become noisy and noticeable during the wedding ceremony and during the reception. Make sure they are respectful, unobtrusive and share a good working relationship with the photographers or any other vendor.

Video Length

Ask how long your wedding video will be. I have heard of wedding videographers that charge a great amount of money for their service, but only provide a 5 minute highlight and unedited raw footage. If you pay a couple thousands more, they give you 20 to 30 minutes wedding video. They reason that a video of more than 30 minutes could be boring and people would not enjoy it. I am one of those wedding videographers, who does not believe that. I think that the client could get a nicely edited wedding video of the entire wedding without being boring. If you would like to jump to certain part of the video, there are always the chapters. Just go to the scene selection on your dvd or blu ray and select whatever you would like to watch. Don’t take me wrong, a shorter version of your wedding video is awesome, and we do offer it. In fact, we were one of the first studios to introduce this concept, but I just don’t think that it should replace a long version of your complete wedding video.

Turnaround

Ask about the turnaround of the work. There are many wedding videographers that promise a first draft of your wedding video in five or six months. In my opinion that is too long. I provide a first draft of a wedding video within 2 months from the wedding day, so I can’t really comprehend six months.

Check how the final product is delivered. There are many wedding videographers that are still providing their clients with dvd only, and what good is it to record something in hd if it will be delivered in standard definition. Other wedding videographers will charge extra for blu rays. So make sure you know the final format. Even if you don’t have Blu-ray, make sure you get Blu-rays.

Ask if they provide unlimited access to the video online or the digital copies for your mobile device.

Check if they allow changes to your wedding video and how the terms are for these changes.

A wedding video is one of the best memories you will have from your wedding day. You need to make sure that you will get the best possible wedding video.

Have a happy wedding!

Personal thoughts: I like how author says 'make sure they use a DSLR'. Seems that my reasonable doubt if it was right to invest in high quality DSLR has been solved, partly at least.

Case study: more paper-messages

The idea we agreed on with having the details and information displayed on paper instead of just insterting the captions in post production seems to be quite popular.

I managed to find a couple more examples of this:

This is a good sign, it means it is generally accepted to provide the event details in this form and there is no reason why we would not be able to use it.

Case study: stop-motion

A creative way of producing the wedding invitation.

This is combined of still images taken within short time-gaps into a movie. Creative approach, decent movie length, good craft put into the production, simple but effective.

As the author described on youtube, this was sent to the guests as a form of a note with the hyperlink to the website which then featured all the further details.

I would consider this a good solution for the majority of the guests. However, the issue the couple advised me on is that several of the guests might be not too keen on using the Internet so this would not entirely work for us.

Case study: same day shooting

If this is really the same day edit as it says, well done.

From the technical point of view extremely well done, appropriate use of dollies (there were some moments where a slightly more creative transition would fit more, but that's just random thoughts).
Very good sense of atmosphere - this 4 minute edit managed to capture an entire day in one sequence: the preparation and the ceremony. It gives away all the emotions associated with the wedding both the happiness and stress alike. It is very traditional in the structure, joyful although not too funny. The music is on the bandwagon as well - a classic tearjerker.
I believe this is a part of a bigger production, but does the trick of video-documentation. Thumbs up again.

In my work I intend to have something on a similar level. I would not keep it classy and romantic only though, so the humorous sequences are as important. Then again, it all depends on the client. If the couple is just staring at each other during the meeting and whispering poems.. well, you probably wouldn't want sequences of someone telling nasty jokes during the afterparty.
Again, random thoughts.
Overall well executed, if it fulfils the client requirements, way to go.

Case study: a bigger hit

And now for something completely different...

I have no ideas if it was one of them behind the concept and the editing process but this is just too good to be true.
The whole movie displays an amazing knowledge of contemporary blockbusters both music-wise and with the visuals (the indiana jones logotype for instance). It's a good fun and has this romantic edge to it as well (which is something to be very careful with - there's a very thin line between 'cute' and 'cheesy').
Put together very nicely, I liked how it featured the mixture of casual and dynamic footage, much like the popular form of a movie trailer which it was supposed to mock.
This production is a good example how someone educated in contemporary arts (or at least someone going to the theatre every now and then) has a great advantage over a casual video-maker. The ability to paraphrase some iconic and memorable scenes gives a nice angle to a production as well as makes the viewer laugh. This is accompanied with a selection of music from several big productions, it just all fits well. Thumbs up, very high.
After all I am just a part of random audience and I still enjoyed it. I surely can imagine all the laugh their guests have had.

Research: why?

Well this is going to be visually less interesting than any other project I was involved in.
I'm not sure what is the decissive factor behind the quality of an average video of this kind. Is it the market? Well could be.
The sport/freestyle videos are in general made by this next guy who enjoys performing as much as the actor for the sole purpose of documenting an event with their own point of view. It doesn't seem like much cash-related thing, more of a hobby.

This is a picture I took in Barcelona last summer and I imagine most of the stuff is made in a similar fashion (taking aside the promotional videos like the one for Levis bmx I featured some time ago)

So with sports - it's all about fun (or it's about money, but we'll get back to this).

The wedding market is completely different. It is a long known fact : people who get married tend to flush their money wherever it is humanly possible: orchestra, outfits wore once in a lifetime, expensive food, open bars and so and so. This is where the media specialists kick in: if the happy couple is willing to spent several hundred on little things like tissues with their names, why wouldn't they want to spent something extra for good quality photo/video coverage?
And yes, they do. For this reason alone a whole different category under photography has been listed: the wedding photography. This tends to have its own prizes and awards and is advertised as a completely different thing. It is right to certain extent: after all the whole process combines in equal measures studio and photojournalism.

Anyway, back to invitations. So for every happy couple there's a few even happier fotographers and camera operators who are ripping them off with a grin on their faces. Some husbands and wives decide to take a less traditional approach and rather than send beautiful papeterie, they would rather video their invitation and send it over to people. And since a professional would charge them dearly, there is another alternative - video it yourself...
Well, there is a reason why they are called professionals....

The 'not your average video invitation' to me seems... well, nothing but 'not average'.
A domestic camcorder produces less than satisfactory results even in such controlled environment as your living-room sofa. The unscripted footage might or may not work, here topped up with really poor sense of humour it just gets even more... well, average.

More research to come!

Where to shoot?

One of the challenges was to get a list of decent locations in Aberdeen.
In order to avoid the video being boring we had to focus on shooting in several locations.

The list we made up consisted of:

1. Duthie Park (+ the gardens)
2. University of Aberdeen's square
3. Art Gallery/city centre
4. The beach (weather permitting)
5. Passage over St. Nicholas centre - a mixture of urban and floral elements
6. Some indoor footage

Equipment limitations

As this was the first project I shot this year, I relied on my own equipment only.
Of course this was educational for trying to get the best results out of budget kit, but there were several issues I have to give up on or try to deal with.

1. Lack of external lighting:
try shooting during the day, it is still sunny, get as much natural light as possible

2. Poor sound quality (Canon d500)/Lack of a sound recorder
Try conveying the wedding message in other forms - writing on paper (no voice-overs - keeps it more towards a music video),

3. Stabilization
Stick to tripod shots/avoid dynamic sequences for the hand shakes etc.

Shooting preparations

Before we went on to shoot the first sequences I thought through the process and took some key notes on what the shooting would look like.

1. What to shoot?

-Casual moments/everyday-life situations

-Capture some smiles/funny moments!

-Emotions - how to describe emotions best? Close-ups, body movement, 

-Keep it freestyle - have the camera switched on at all times/random footage

Background further

Clients: Asia Badura/Bartek Bieniek

Task: To design a  HD video wedding invitation to be sent to the wedding guests instead of/along the invitation card.

The clients have specified they want to avoid the stereotypical wedding image (smart dresses, rings, mellow-moody-romantic music etc.)
They want to make it romantic to certain extent but keep it funny at the same time.

Research items//

www.pieknydzien.pl




This is a polish company specialized in providing photographic and video coverage of wedding events. The couple pointed me to this website as they were aiming for similar results.

Project Background

In September I was asked by a couple planning to be married to design a video invitation for their wedding.


The output of this would be to produce a several minute long sequence featuring them and the key information on the venue, key dates etc.


This gave me some ideas later on as if the market for such is right and if there would be some further opportunity for business, but long before that I had to start with the obvious, (not so fun, as it turned out) part: the research.