Your Questions Answered
Your Questions Answered
Q. Why have it video taped? (Also see "Still Can't Decide")
Imagine what it be like to watch the story of your parent’s, or even your grandparent’s wedding. Most couples say their wedding day went by so fast that they could hardly remember everything that happened. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest regrets couples experience after their wedding is their decision not to have professional video. A wedding is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that should be documented and relived with future generations. And while photography is able to capture singular moments, there is simply no substitute for a living, breathing account of one of the most defining events of your life in full high definition (HD).
"The only regret I have about our wedding is not having a videographer. The day goes by so quickly -- you really miss so much of it. I look back now and wish I would have spent the money for it."
Q. Why a professional Videographer?
We can’t emphasise enough what a huge difference there is between home video and a professionally-produced video. Your friend or relative may have great intentions, but it’s very unlikely they have the equipment (professional cameras, pro-microphones, digital computerised high end editing gear...) that a professional has. It’s also very unlikely they have the know-how or experience to produce a great video. Also, do they have the stamina or readiness to be on top of all the especially important moments? To make great video, you must be meticulous in searching out the best angles and experienced enough to anticipate the best moments. Your wedding story is simply too important to leave to chance
Q. Can we arrange to meet you before booking?
Yes, we are happy to meet with you We fully understand that it's not always possible to arrange this due to distance or work schedules so we do give you the opportunity to book online and have a telephone consultation. If you do decide to book with us, we will happily meet with you to arrange any extra details. We will also send a booking form to gather all the information that we will need so we don’t need to bother you on the day.
Q. Why Emerald Media Productions?
We could probably answer this question in a million different ways, be it our creative abilities, our customer service, or our unquestionable passion for what we do or the fact we started filming weddings in the late 80's so have loads of experience But what probably makes us so different is that we TELL A STORY rather than just push a record button. Being a great videographer requires a lot more than just knowing how to operate equipment. It requires attention to miniscule details, an ability to get along with just about anyone, the physical ability to get demanding shots, and the LISTENING SKILLS to be able to capture the story. Most often, we simply let our work speak for itself.
Q. What is the format and style of your videos?
We typically shoot the wedding video in “widescreen” HD format with a "Cinematic Highlight" flow. The full speeches and ceremony will be separate chapters on the DVD. This presents your wedding day with a nice flow to your chosen music and look-and-feel and plays well with newer big screen TV’s, home theatres and on your computer. We deliver the wedding video on Blu-Ray as standard for the highest quality playback but DVD is also available for people with older players.
Q. Do you interview guests?
The Video Diary is part of the RUBY package as an optional extra or part of the EMERALD package. All efforts are made to be as inconspicuous as possible. Many people to not like to be on video and we try to be sensitive to that. We will not push for an interview if someone does not want to give one. For those who do wish to say something on camera, we will be glad to record them.
Q. How do you work with photographers?
We do our best to communicate with the photographer to cooperate closely with them and other wedding vendors to smoothly capture all the events on your special day. Each of us are working in YOUR best interest and we make it a point to know what we expect from one another and how we can support your photographer throughout the day.
Q. How long will it take to finish the video?
Typically, videos will take between 6-10 weeks to complete depending on the season as it takes aday to film a wedding but when you do a three or for in a row a queue can quickly build up. It is not uncommon for us to spend upwards of 50+ hours editing a full wedding. We guarantee is that it will be worth your wait!
Q. What do we need to do before the wedding?
Initially we will send you a booking form that covers everything we will need to know. If you or we need to discuss further we can either talk on the phone or via e-mail or even call to see you. We find e-mailing works very well. Closer to your wedding date, we will contact you again to go over any new details that may help us as we work through capturing your day. Our goal is to have a thorough understanding of what to expect on your wedding day from beginning to end and with our vast experience of covering many weddings of all types we will be more than prepared.
Q. How far will you travel?
70 mile round-trips are included in the price of a video. Anything more than that and we may sometimes charge a nominal travel surcharge. If you suspect there might be travel expenses, please provide us with the address and we'll give you an estimate of the travel cost. As well as covering the whole of the UK, we have filmed in Cyprus, Turkey and Jamaica and we also travel out of the country and cover all of Ireland for example and have filmed some great weddings there, but this incurs extra charges for travel and accommodation, but it would be a pleasure to do this.
Q. What equipment do you use?
We use Panasonic Professional grade HD cameras, with radio and pro directional microphones, an n Osmo and even a Drone to capture at no extra charge some fantastic venue shots, risk assessment and weather permitting, this is carried out by a fully qualified commercial pilot registerd with the CAA (Always check with your videographer if they use a drone, that they are fully qualified and insured to do so).
Q. Do you do High Definition wedding videos?
Yes! All our weddings now come as standard on HD Blu-Ray. We will deliver your wedding to you on both 3 x Blu-Ray discs and 1 x DVD for the older players, extra Blu-Ray's can be ordered for a small charge.
Q. I’m worried about the camera being too ‘in your face’.
This is certainly a valid concern. To achieve our style we make sure that we are in the background as much as possible. Also, we won't be moving around during the ceremony. Furthermore, we will not set up shots unless you wish me to do so as the filming should be as natural as possible. See also "Your Concerns"
Q. I have something that I would like to see in the video but cannot see in your options.
No problem. Feel free to contact us and I’ll do my best to accommodate your request.
Q. Do I need to pay a deposit?
Just a non refundable booking fee of £100 is required to secure the booking of your wedding video.
Q. When do I have to make a final payment?
We ask that you make the final payment around six weeks before the wedding date. We will send you an email reminding you when the final payment is due. If you prefer, we can accept the final payment before this date.
Q. Are you insured?
Yes we have full public liability insurance.
Q. Are you licensed to film copyrighted music in the ceremonies and reception including the band.
Yes we have all the licenses PPL & MCPS licenses required for church that covers written and musical works as well as licenses for over dubbing your favourite music and songs. This also covers us picking up band and DJ music.
Q. Do you give discounts for out of season weddings?
Yes. November - March (excl. bank holidays, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve) receive a 10% discount off any wedding video package. We also give 10% discount for mid week bookings all the year round. Please contact us for availability and latest offers as we sometimes give good discounts for last mintute bookings when vacancies allow.
Q. What time do you arrive on the day?
We will arrive around two hours before the ceremony starts to set up location shots and to film the guests and groom arriving, a third cameraman will arrive at the bridal preparations if this booked.
Q. What about a photo montage, adding honeymoon photos, video of the rehearsal or extra time?
If you have any questions that are not covered on this page, or would like to add some optional items to customise your packages, please let us and we will gladly prepare a quotation for you.