I recently had a bride ask me if I meet with the couple. It quickly dawned on me that this type of post would help explain the process the moment I am inquired about to the moment the final film(s) are delivered. I'm creating this post to shed light on what that process typically looks like.
1. Couple researches and finds a cinematographer that fits their style of film they are looking for.
2. Couple contacts me about retelling their wedding day in a cinematic styled film.
3. I explain to couple my shooting style and give them two forms to fill out.
Form 1 (general information): https://www.webstermediasolutions.com/contact-us Form 2 (wedding details): https://www.webstermediasolutions.com/form-wedding
4/5. After couple fills out both forms, contract is sent. Couple looks over contract and I will answer any questions they may have before signing. Couple signs and returns contract and pays date retention fee.
4/5. I meet with the couple (face to face, FaceTime, or Skype) and we have a conversation.
6. Couple gets a Call Sheet with all of the video shots I will capture (at least two to three weeks before wedding day).
7. Final payment is sent the week before the wedding day.
8. Wedding day shoot
9. 4 to 6 weeks later (depending on package) final film(s) are delivered (teases and trailers are usually 1 to 2 weeks after wedding day). Here is my rationale to the steps I listed above: I feel that it is very important for a couple to research cinematographers and find a style of film that they like. This is a film that will be passed on for generations and couples should choose a style that they more than like. Also, understanding the difference between a "videographer" and "cinematographer" is important.
The forms that a couple fills out allows for me to gather as much information for two purposes. The first general information form allows me to create a contract for the couples wedding day. The wedding details form gives me as much information about the big day and helps me start the planning process.
Read My Explanation on my Planning Process
Before signing the contract I am available to answer any and all questions about the film they are choosing. Once the contract is signed and the date retention fee is paid, I will meet with the couple on what I like to call "Our First Date". This gives me an opportunity to discover as much about the couple as possible. I want to learn about the couple's story leading up to their engagement. All of these details are important to me because it helps me begin the planning stages of their film. This "date" is also an opportunity for the couple to learn about myself as well as the expectations they can have of me throughout this partnership.
Read My Explanation on "Our First Date"
Between two and three weeks prior to the wedding day, couples will receive a "call sheet". This is a list of all the shots the couple can expect me to capture on their wedding day. This is also an opportunity for the couple to bring to my attention any special footage they want me to capture. One week before the wedding day final payment is made and the next time the couple will hear or see me will be on their wedding day! Unless, of course, they have questions or just simply want to call and say hello! Depending on the package the couple chooses, the final film(s) will be delivered 4 to 6 weeks after the wedding day. Leading up to the final film(s) delivery there will be a short tease film released as well as a longer trailer for the wedding film. My hopes are that this will not the end of our relationship and partnership. I would like to be included in future films with my couples. My goal is to follow my couples through their life's milestones. This would include the announcement of their children's birth, birthday's, and family firsts. Even family vacations can be captured and retold in a cinematic film. I want to be able to capture and retell these stories in a cinematic film that will be cherished from generation to generation. I hope this post sheds some light on the process of hiring me as a wedding cinematographer. If you have any questions, please shoot me an email or contact me through my website. I look forward to working with you and your fiancé.