How we go about it – three camera shoot

MUSIC: Each couple is requested to select music for the video from a list supplied by us. Some prefer to supply music from their own sources. Where applicable we make use of music being played at the wedding such as a soloist, band, string quartet etc.

INTRODUCTION: Dissolve to the wording for the invitation with detail of the invitation as a backdrop. This is accompanied by suitable music. If required, your own photographs may be added for a nominal extra fee.

CHURCH: Exterior and interior shots of the church with special reference to floral arrangements and other detail. Scene then moves to the outside to show the guests, groom and best man arriving. Music will be added at the editing stage and, where possible, mixed with the original sound track. The original sound track is sometimes not usable due to off camera sounds such as barking dogs, traffic noise etc.

LAPEL MICROPHONES: The Groom and the officiant will be requested to wear small lapel microphones. This enhances the quality of sound on your video.

SERVICE: Camera 1 (Sam) & camera 3 (unmanned) will be located inside the church in positions which have been previously discussed with the officiant. As a rule, no artificial lighting will be introduced.

Camera 2 (Howard) will be waiting outside the church to capture the arrival of the bridal party.

As the bride nears the end of the aisle, Howard will move to a pre-arranged position alongside camera 3. The service will then be recorded in full. If a shorter video is required, you may wish to instruct us, prior to the editing stage, to confine the hymns, sermon or prayers to the opening and closing lines.

Special emphasis is placed on the vows and exchange of rings. Whenever possible extreme close ups will be used at this stage. This is usually followed by the signing of the register prior to the couple's triumphant departure down the aisle. If this is the case then, at the latter stages of signing of the register, Howard will be positioned at the exit end of the aisle. Camera 3 will be unmanned at the altar end recording an overview Sam will be outside the church to capture the bridal party as it emerges from the church.

Note: At the editing stage maximum use will be made of the coverage of the service by all three cameras. This provides the viewer with interest and helps prevent the "yawn factor" from creeping in. For example, during the sermon, one camera will be focused on the speaker whilst the other two will be registering reaction shots of the bridal party and congregation.

CONGRATULATIONS: The video will now show the confetti throwing and congratulations by the guests. Suitable music will be mixed with the sound track. Because of the convivial nature of these scenes and sounds, up tempo or triumphant music is selected.

PHOTO SHOOT: Relatively brief footage is shown of the photo shoot (about 3 to 4 minutes). Because video is a dynamic medium, and the photo shoot itself is relatively static, we endeavour to show what is taking place together with cut-away and reaction shots without slavishly duplicating the still photographer's work. Suitable music will be mixed in at the editing stage.

RECEPTION VENUE: Exterior and interior shots are shown of the reception venue with special emphasis on close ups of floral and table arrangements. This is followed by shots of the guests congregating and/or filing in to take their places prior to the arrival of the bride and groom. Suitable music will be edited in. The cameras will then be positioned to record the progress of the bridal party as they enter the room. Camera lighting will have been fitted when applicable.

SPEECHES: We will liaise with the Master of Ceremonies at an early stage in order that he or she can indicate to us when speeches and other important events are about to take place.

To obtain the optimum video and sound quality, it is best if the speakers deliver their speeches from a fixed point. We will mount a microphone in front of the podium or speaking position. The reason for the microphone is that acoustics and amplification at some reception venues is often fair to atrocious. This will ensure that your video has the best possible sound.

Camera 1 will be focused on the speaker, with camera 3 acting as a backup. The third camera will be focused mainly on individuals in order to record reaction shots of the parties being spoken about. The subsequent editing of the footage of the three cameras helps to remove the "yawn factor" for the viewer. In this regard, the viewer nearly always loses interest if the video of the speeches exceed 20 minutes in total. Your quotation has allowed for 30 minutes of speeches in the video. If they exceed this time we will be happy to discuss your requirements with you.

REMAINDER OF RECEPTION: All the highlights of the reception will be covered. These include, where applicable, the first dance and representative footage of other dancing, bouquet and garter, cutting of the cake etc.

FOOD: The presentation and serving of the food will be covered. Table by table footage will be shown of the guests. This footage is usually confined to a total of 2 to 4 minutes. Suitable music will be added to the sound track at the editing stage.

RUNNING TIME: The finished video usually lasts one and a half to two hours but they have been longer and shorter. This depends on the length of the service and speeches.

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