WEDDING FILMS - F.A.Q. - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wedding Video, Videography, Videographer

How have you been trained?
I learned my basic skills while earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Video, completed in 1989. Since that time the company has grown into a full time business based solely on the referrals of previous clients and networking with other photo and video professionals.

Do you belong to any business or videography associations?
Yes. I co-founded the Association of Accredited Event Videographers. The AAEV is an international accreditation and mentoring organization. For more information visit www.AAEV.org. In addition, Wedding Films is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin.

Have you won any videography awards?
In 2006 Wedding Films was honored to be chosen as one of the EventDV 25. This award is designed specifically for videographers who are exerting a profound influence on the field right now.

Are you and your equipment inconspicuous when you are shooting?
Most couples remark that they didn't notice I was there and are surprised by the extensive coverage.

Do you use lighting?
It may be necessary to use a small, on-camera light during the reception because of the low available light in most halls, but lights are never used at the ceremony.

Do you have back-ups in case of equipment malfunctions?
All on-site equipment has a back-up so that any gear malfunctioning on the job can be replaced without interruption.

Is your equipment professional and up to date?
The cameras used are compact, professional quality, digital, three-chip DV video cameras. The footage is artistically blended in a computer based editing suite. The edited master is then archived in an uncompressed format, which insures that the edited master is readily adaptable to new formats, such as HD and on-demand viewing.

Will you be professional in your appearance?
Always. You can only expect a class act, both in demeanor and dress.

Do you tape other activities that are not held at the church or reception hall?
Yes. Coverage at homes or gathering places before the ceremony or between the ceremony and reception are often where many of the most memorable events occur. You may customize the hourly coverage to include any number of locations.

Do you interview guests at the reception?
If interviews are not requested they will not be done. All efforts are made to be as inconspicuous as possible, but tastefully executed interviews, if requested, will be performed with family, guests and members of the wedding party.

Do you require a retaining fee for your services?
Yes, a retainer of 1/3rd of the contracted total is standard. The second 1/3rd is due on or before the wedding day with the final balance being paid after the program has been delivered and approved. Internet access is required for credit card payments.

Can we select music for you to use in the editing process?
Yes. Songs that are special to the couple can be edited into the final program at no charge. Please bring any music with you to the rehearsal or on the wedding day. It will be returned when the editing is completed.

Can we have special photos, slides or home video edited into our wedding video?
Yes! See the "Photo Montage" prices in the brochure. The Photo Montage can be ready before the wedding day if desired.

How soon can we expect to receive our DVD(s)?
The 'return-time' of your wedding DVD should be a major consideration when choosing a videographer. There may a considerable amount of time between the date of the event and the delivery date. A decision needs to be made that weighs the wait you'll experience against the quality of the final product you will receive. To help you make that choice an estimated date of completion based on the current post-production schedule should be requested.

How long will the edited tape be?
Edited tapes can range from 45 minutes to upwards of 2 hours depending on the length of the ceremony and the amount of peripheral activity. After the event you will have the opportunity to have input into the final length of the DVD through an online customization form.

Will you attend the rehearsal?
Yes, not only to choose angles and talk to the person presenting the service, but also to meet all those involved in the most special day of two people's lives.