Here are some of the most common questions about wedding films and videography. Let us know if you have any more questions and we will gladly answer them!!!
Why should I get a film in addition to photos? Aren’t photos enough?
We love photography and we think that hiring an artist to take your photos is very important. But photos give you a completely different experience than film. Photos freeze the moments and turn them timeless. Our films tell the complete story of your wedding day- from the opening nerves to the closing sighs. It’s so rare that one day can produce so many emotions, one after another. A film allows you to jump into a time machine and experience the emotional journey on your day for years to come.
What’s the booking process like?
We are a small boutique studio, and there’s a reason for that. For us, it’s not about booking a wedding on every single weekend of the year. Actually for us it’s quite the opposite. We only accept 10-15 weddings per year. The reason for this is because of the intimate and involved relationship we have with our clients. We want to fully dedicate ourselves to our clients. Furthermore, because of this relationship, we choose our couples just like our couples choose us. We want to make sure that it’s a perfect fit all around. So the first thing we like to do is have an in person or Skype video meeting. We want to get to know you guys and get to know your story. You’ll also get to know us as well. If after that meeting it looks like we are a good fit for each other, we will then design you a custom tailored film collection. From there we require a signed contract and retainer to officially reserve your wedding day.
Will you reserve or hold my wedding day until we are ready to book?
We have a “No Hold” Policy and unfortunately we cannot reserve or hold your wedding day. Due to the large amount of inquiries we receive, we do not notify potential clients when another person inquires about their wedding date. In addition to a Skype or in person meeting, we require a signed contract and deposit to your reserve your wedding day. So once you are ready to work with us, we suggest sending that contract and deposit as soon as you can.
I’m having a destination wedding. Do you travel?
Yes we are willing to travel and our passports are up to date!
How do I book you?
Send us an email! Let us know the date of your wedding and we will check the calendar to make sure it is still available. If it is, we’d love to meet you and your fiance!
Who is going to be filming my day?
Couture Motion is made up of Ian and Megan. Just us! So you always know who you are getting! We do not double book our wedding days. We do have a couple of assistants in case you want extra filmmakers on your wedding day.
What is it like to work with you the day of the wedding?
Our films are about capturing all of your excitement and your emotions, so the day of it is important to us to not get in your way or draw too much attention to ourselves. For the most parts we are flies on the wall. Every once in a while we will someone to move one foot to the left if necessary, but most of the time we are trying to support you and your fiance and help to create the greatest day of your lives.
When do you start and end on the wedding day?
We show up about 30 minutes prior to the bride getting into her dress. We also like to get the groom finishing his preparations. We finish during the reception. We like to stay through all of the major events of a reception and obviously capture some great dancing. You may add extra filming hours if you start extra early or you have a grand exit planned.
What kind of equipment do you use?
We film and photograph exclusively with Canon HDSLRs along with a variety of fast lenses. For audio we use Sennheiser E3 lavalieres and a Tascam DR-100 portable recorder.
Who edits my film?
It’s a joint effort between Ian and Megan.
How much control do I have in the editing phase?
Editing is part of our artistic process and, in addition to the filming the wedding day, it’s why you hire us. Since the highlight is completed so quickly there is not time to collaborate on the film. However with the feature film it is a different story. We consult with you prior to editing the feature to get a complete picture of the film you have in your mind. Then after we complete a preview cut of the highlight film you have a chance to respond and give your thoughts before the final version is edited.
Who chooses the music?
We choose the music but we choose after careful deliberation and consultation. We’ve worked hard to cultivate our music sensibility and collection so that we can be the best artists possible and edit the most moving films that we are capable of. For the highlight film we license music that artistically supports your day and your film. For the feature film we like to use music that was important on your day. Due to the complex structure of editing sequences some music may or may not be effective in context. We welcome your suggestions but ask that you trust us in the event that the music you suggested does not work for one reason or another.
Can I get the RAW footage?
We do not offer the RAW footage. We work hard to capture and present to you the absolute best footage from you wedding day. The pieces footage that ends up on the cutting room floor tends to be over exposed, out of focus, or a duplicate shot, not to mention the audio from onboard the cameras is a very poor quality and the footage is not color corrected. We view it the same as a photographer. On a typical wedding a photographer might shoot one or two thousand photos, but you only end up with the five to six hundred best photos. It is for this reason that we feel that there is no value in our RAW footage, and why we do not offer it to our clients.
