May 8, 2009
Over the last several months, when we’ve been covering weddings at a number of churches, I’ve noticed an increase in how difficult is was to obtain early access. This may simply an unlucky run which will return to normal soon, but it has happened.
As a general rule, we like to show up 2-3 hours before the ceremony. This allows us enough time to perform a risk assessment, liase with the church officers/ministers/priests, set up our equipement safely, double check everything is still working and obtain that vital set-up footage. Therfore, I’m sure you can imagine that it can become fustrating to only obtain access in some cases 30-45 minutes before the ceremony is due to start.
Such late access makes it impossible to cover all the above topics in a safe and professional manner, thus forcing one’s hand into making some form of sacrifice. At this point not only do we have to perform all the actions mentioned above, but we also have to film the guests & wedding party arriving and fit the groom with a radio mic to help capture quality audio during the service.
On the rare occasion, when the bride & groom have paid that little extra for a second professional cameraman, we can deploy our resources in such a manner that gets things done. However, most clients are on a budget, and the thought of that extra expense can scare many off when they have everything else to pay for.
Now taking all this into consideration, almost everyone should now see how important it is to ensure that your video production company has sufficient access time to your venue. All parties involved will benefit greatly, and all it takes is to simply inform your church that you are having your wedding filmed and that you’d like to ensure that there will be suitable access time.
If you are getting married, and having it filmed by anyone, please take my advice and ensure that your company of choice won’t be left standing until it’s pretty much too late to perform a first class job.
April 22, 2009
Well, wedding season has started off nicely and has taken us the length of the country already.
Over the last month or so, I’ve been down at a great wedding in Dryburgh Abbey and up north for an equally lovely day. I can’t say for sure if the recession has had any effect on the wedding industry, as I like to limit the number of weddings I secure each year in the name of quality control, but it certainly hasn’t effected the amazing welcome I’ve had from all my clients.
Anyway, here’s looking forward to the rest of the year……..
December 3, 2008
Now that I’m getting through my wedding backlog, I’m actually managing to turn my attention towards finishing my son’s room. Some of you may remember the image below from a previous post earlier in the year when I had just started his room.
Thankfully, most of his room is now finished (superhero memrobilia) and I only have the large mural to complete. This should still take me a while to complete, but whilst the computers are rendering footage I should be able to steal a few moments away.
I’ll post a few more images as it progresses, but in the meantime I’ll leave you with the cuddly Ben Grimm/The Thing above.
December 3, 2008
It’s reaching the end of the wedding season, and although it is somewhat sad, I also welcome the hard earned rest. Over the last few months, I’ve been out covering weddings, editing footage, meeting new & existing clients, etc. I’ve also stood in as a second camera operator for a couple of my friends, which isn’t something I normally do, but they were left shorthanded and I know they would do the same for me should I ever ask.
At present, I’m working my way through a slight backlog, which is usual for this time of year. Although it can be somewhat daunting having all these weddings needing edited, working through them one at a time is usually the best course of action. Eventually I get to see some light at the end of the tunnel, and with Christmas rapidly approaching, I’ll soon be able to enjoy some time off in the company of my friends & family.
Before I get back to the editing…..I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients of 2008 for their custom, and wish you all the best for the holiday season and 2009. 
November 4, 2008
Being the type of person who takes pride in customer service, even for those who seem to walk through life with blinkers on and expect everyone else to pick up the pieces behind them , I have to comment on the fantastic staff at the HMV store in Livingston. Whilst doing a bit of Christmas shopping today, I ventured into a few high street stores looking for a specific games console bundle for my wee lad’s present.
Although there were many deals on at the various stores, not one of them could offer what I was after in any form or manner. That was until I visited this HMV store, where not only could they supply what I was after, but they went out of their way to accomodate my requirements and did so without breaking a sweat.
Anyway, I’m sure they won’t always be able to offer what I’m looking for, but I will certainly be making them my first port of call in the future.
October 25, 2008
After a summer of filming weddings, and working on a couple of films, I went on a short break with the family to Blackpool. This was a welcome break, as my wife and myself haven’t been on holiday since honeymooning at Sandals around 7 years ago.
Needless to say we made the most out of it, and spent most of the time visiting the local attractions rather than staying at the hotel all the time. That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy the family friendly hospitality at the hotel during the evening, as many witnesses will testify to my horrid karaoke performances.
September 16, 2008
The last few weeks have been pretty busy for me. I’ve been out at weddings, editing footage, writing magazine articles, working as a DoP on Smoorns Films latest production and auditioning actors for the second episode of WIRED.
This has meant that blog updates have been pretty thin, but rest assured I’ll be back on a regular basis soon with stories of our latest shenanigins. In the meantime, here’s a few images from the recent shoot.
August 18, 2008
Episode One of our new ‘NO BUDGET’ web series is available to view for FREE over on our IPTV channel at:
WWW.THEVIDEOCOMPANY.TV
It has a slight Grindhouse feel to it, and should help set the pace for the rest of the series. Episode Two is due to start production early October, and will also be distributed to viewers for FREE.
August 13, 2008
I’ve recently been hired as the Director of Photography (cinematographer) for a horror being shot in Kilmarnock this September, which has fitted in nicely with my wedding commitments and the short break with my own production of WIRED. Unfortunately, I can’t say too much at this time, but I promise to update you all sometime in the future.
August 13, 2008
Did a great wedding last weekend up at Airth Castle, which has to be said is a fantastic venue for a wedding. I’ve been there a number of times this year, and the staff have always been very helpful, which is a bonus when capturing all those magic moments for the Bride & Groom.
During the drinks reception, I got speaking to 2 of the guests who attended David & Lisa’s wedding around a month ago, which I’m actually finishing off right now. We laughed at how small a world it is, and they also told me that they had been at around 5 weddings this year as guests.
The rain managed to hold off long enough for the guests to arrive safely, and allowed Carol & Russel to enjoy their day. Although it wouldn’t have mattered too much, as there’s plenty of space for the guests to mingle and some well stocked bars should they feel the urge for a refreshment.
