Wedding Video FAQ
To help you commission your wedding film, we have prepared answers to a number of important questions clients ask us. We hope you find these useful!
How long will the finished wedding video last?
Like any good film, a wedding video should hold your attention by showing the most interesting and significant moments without trailing off into less gripping details. This requires good storytelling skills and careful judgment by the editor. Generally a finished wedding video will last between 45-120 mins, depending upon the length of the shoot and type of ceremony. As a bonus, we also provide highlights of the day set to music (worth £300) and an individual scene selection on your DVD.
What area do you cover?
We generally market our services in London and the South East as we like to be close to our clients to discuss and plan things easily. However, if a client’s wedding is scheduled to take place in another part of the country, or even abroad, we are happy to provide a service subject to additional charges (see optional extras).
Will the wedding videography be discreet?
Yes absolutely. Our cameramen are very experienced in documentary and events coverage and use professional lenses and equipment to capture stunning shots from a distance. During the ceremony they will find a discreet vantage point and remain there the whole time. For the rest of the day you will hardly notice our team working away to record the best possible images for you. Unlike a wedding photographer, we do not usually engage with the client setting up shots, but focus on capturing the spontaneity and spirit of the day.
How soon will the wedding video be ready?
The studio editing, sound mixing and DVD production process takes at least 3 months (longer during peak season). We will keep you updated on progress and notify you as soon as it is ready. Upon delivery you have 7 days to notify us of any changes required, for which our normal studio rates apply.
What will the sound quality be like?
Too often wedding videographers neglect the sound quality on wedding videos, especially during the ceremony and speeches. On all our productions we avoid this problem by using a combination of tie-clip radio microphones and professional studio microphones to ensure cleaner sound. Before the wedding video shoot, we will liaise with your venue concerning technical matters.
Can I choose the music?
Yes of course, we actively encourage input from our clients. Our aim is to make the finished video as relevant and as meaningful to you as possible. Our creative director will be delighted to discuss your preferred style of music and suggest additional tracks wherever needed.
Can we discuss our project with you beforehand?
Definitely! Our creative director will invite you for a meeting to find out exactly what sort of things you like and discuss ideas for making your video special. This usually takes place approx 4-8 weeks before the wedding, so that we have time to plan everything properly.
Who will be filming my wedding?
This depends on the package you choose. All wedding video projects are planned by our creative director who organises the shoot and supervises the post-production. If you choose the one-person crew, your wedding day will be filmed by a senior member of our crew (see team profile) who is experienced in wedding videography. If you choose a two-person crew, this will include a senior cameraman whose job it is to lead the filming and ensure that we get the best possible coverage with the multi-camera set-up. If you choose the Director's package the shoot will be personally overseen by our creative director.
Can you record anything before the wedding?
Yes and it's a nice idea. This could include anything from an engagement party to an ‘interview’ with the bride and groom just before the ceremony. We’ve done hen/stag parties, family gatherings, intimate documentaries and portraits. We’ve lots of ideas to make your wedding video fun and totally unique, so don’t hesitate to tell us what you'd like!
What equipment do you use?
We use professional Sony DVCAM and HDV broadcast cameras and a range of specialist grip equipment. Sound recording is done with Sony wireless and Sennheiser location microphones. Editing takes place using Final Cut Pro and Avid Express on Apple MacIntosh G5 computers. In addition, we use a range of specialist peripheral equipment and software.
Do you use lighting equipment?
Whilst lighting is important in any video production, we generally avoid using artificial lights where possible as they draw attention and detract from the spontaneity of the coverage. Obviously much depends on the venue and time of day (or year), but any lights we do use are after dark as we prefer to adjust the settings on our cameras to work in low light conditions.
What are the copyright issues?
Firstly, you are likely to have hymns or music played at the ceremony, as well as a DJ or live band later at the reception. These all require clearances, as does any commercial music added onto your video afterwards. For this we generally obtain a contract from European Copyright Licencing. Secondly, you will need to bear in mind the copyright for the finished wedding video will remain with the video producer, not you the client. If you require further copies you can purchase these from us, see Optional Extras. For further information on copyright, please go to: www.intellectual-property.gov.uk
What insurance cover do you have?
As a professional organisation we have full insurance cover through Aaduki Multimedia Insurance in Okehampton, Devon. This includes £2million public liability insurance, £10million employers’ liability, £75,000 professional indemnity, plus full accidental damage and equipment loss.
How do I make a wedding video booking?
To make a booking, please phone us on 0800 234 6368 or complete the online enquiry form. Upon receipt of your details we will contact you to confirm our availability. We will then hold the date open for seven days during which time you will be required to complete a formal contract and pay a deposit of £250.00. Please make cheques payable to 'Bloomsbury Films'. You will then receive a copy of the contract and the balance must be paid seven days before the wedding.
How long afterwards can we purchase copies?
We keep the masters indefinitely, however we recommend requests for copies are made within 12 months.
Is VAT included?
Yes, VAT @ 17.5% is included in all our prices.
If you have any other specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
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