IN[FOCUS]

Hello, fellow IN[FOCUS] patrons, Jet Kaiser here again.

As wedding filmmakers, there are many things that make us cringe while reviewing footage from a wedding. We can’t help but ask ourselves “Why didn’t they [bride and groom] know not to do that”. The answer is simple. We film weddings for a living and they do not. They can be clueless to things that drive us nuts. I’ve conducted a list of ten things that the bride and groom can do to help with the production of their wedding film. Feel free to alter it and post it on your site/blog. Include it along with your contract. Email it to the couple shortly after they book and then send it to them again 2 weeks before the wedding as a reminder.

10 ways a bride and groom can help with the production of their wedding film.

1. Warn us of upcoming events. Cake cutting, garter/bouqet, toasts, special dances.  Just a small, 5-minute warning can help us confirm that we are in the right place and the right time. Let your DJ know that he needs to make sure all your vendors are prepared for what is about to happen.
2. The Toasts. Tell your best man/maid of honor to not only talk about you as a person, but also as you both as a couple. Have them share their thoughts on you two finding each other and getting married.
3. Turn down the radio/ipod during prep. It’s common for the girls to blast a wedding mix album while doing hair and make-up, but this can easily mask a power piece of dialog that can be used to tell your story. It also creates an awkward background noise when a cinematic soundtrack is applied later.
4. Have a first look. Your photographer will tell you the same thing. Seeing each other before the ceremony helps you with your nerves and creates a wonderful opportunity for you two to say just say “hi”. We also view this as a opportunity to capture you two alone together which is actually a rarity, believe it or not, on your wedding day.
5. Tell your wedding party & parents that we’re coming. Make sure they understand that we desire that everyone behaves naturally and let them know that they need to try and ignore our presence as much as possible. We want your day to unfold the same whether we are there or not.
6. Exchange gifts. Add a special moment to your day by giving each other gifts. You can have a bridesmaid/groomsmen deliver it or exchange them during your first look. It’s always fun to see how we can tie this sequence into your film.
7. Talk. Have conversations with your family and friends. Chat about how you meet, how the proposal went, what has gone into planning this wedding, etc. Your wedding day is packed full of emotions, let everyone know how you’re feeling.
8. Don’t chew gum. We know you’re nervous and feel the need to be busy, but please refrain from the Juicy Fruit. This goes for the wedding party too.
9. Stay together. It’s not uncommon for the bride and groom to split up once the reception is underway. Grooms, get out there and dance with your new wife! Your wedding day is finally here, enjoy it together.
10. Consider your vows. When it comes time to state your vows to each other remember to relax. Take a deep breath and look into one another’s eyes and deliver your words from the heart. Slow down and think about what you are saying.

Feel free to add to this list by commenting below. I’m sure everyone won’t have a hard time adding to this list. Feel free to comment below a tell us ways to extend this list

Jet Kaiser
Jet Kaiser Films

Jet

Jet Kaiser saved up enough money to by his first camcorder at the age of 14 and he's been creating films ever since. He eventually created the Indianapolis-based, Jet Kaiser Films where he collaborates his with his lovely wife, Dani. Together they produce cinematic, story-rich, "motion pictures for those in LOVE™ "

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Ok, so you have a great shot.  the bride’s lookin’ hot, the groom’s smiling, the sun is setting.  Everything visually is STUNNING!

Problem is, one of the groomsmen belch right when your shot starts.

“Hey, just clip out the burp and go right into the beauty shot right?!” Well, not so fast.  Let’s say that the belch just is a fraction into your bride saying something prophetic.

You try to clip off one last frame but it’s a tad too much.  ”I wish I could just clip it a fraction shorter-not even a frame”

Well, I’m going to show you how.

Happy Cutting!
Jeffrey Haney
Lights in the Attic Wedding Films

Jeffrey Haney

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Hello there! It’s becoming abundantly clear that DSLR cameras are the future for wedding/event cinematography. For those that are already shooting with DSLR cameras, you don’t need me to tell you that it is TOTALLY different then shooting with your garden variety camera. And those of you who aren’t yet shooting on DSLR’s, but are having that warm, fuzzy feeling about these cameras, let me just tell you now…it’s TOTALLY different. Because of the complexities that coincide with filming on DSLR’s, it requires us as producers/cinematographers to be adequately prepared for the task that lies before us.

Today’s video is going to briefly touch on some of the ways you can better prepare yourself for shoots and help alleviate a ton of your stress going into production.

If you have a question or comment, leave it below, or send a messenger pigeon my way!

XOXO,
Epic Eric

Eric Kmetz

Eric Kmetz is the lead filmmaker for Epic Motion, based in Detroit, MI. Named one of the 2010 EventDV top 25 filmmakers, Eric has been a full-time wedding filmmaker since 2009. In his spare time he devotes himself to being as kmawesome as legally allowed. Furthermore, 83% of people agree…he's the bees knees. True story.

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