Wedding VideoLand

Bill Davis
August 2007

The Goal: Create a top-notch video keepsake that will be treasured for generations to come.

As you advance around the board, you collect the knowledge and techniques needed to produce a keepsake wedding video. But, beware! Along the way, there are plenty of pitfalls that can slow you down or even take you out of the game.

Each leg of your journey will call for different skills. Prep City is where you'll prepare for the big day. On Ceremony Boulevard, you'll focus on the big event. Receptionville will highlight the post-event celebrations. And finally, the home stretch - everything comes together on Edit Row.

Start on Square One. Advance step-by-step, trying to avoid the mistakes that can set you back.

In Prep City, you move forward by discussing plans for the video with the happy couple and understanding the kind of ceremony you'll be filming. Would they like a music montage of pictures at the head of the tape? Should you record personal interviews with the members of the bridal party? Will you shoot with one camera or three? Will you be paid or will you give the video as a gift? This is the time to find out. Here you must gather information, including who the central players are, where and when the action will take place and the kind of ceremony planned. Make notes so you'll remember the details and give the couple a copy so that everyone knows what to expect.

You cannot proceed from Prep City until you have a complete shot sheet spelling out clearly what's expected.

This is also where you make absolutely sure you have everything you need to get your job done. That includes your camera, tripod, batteries, wireless mic and tape stock, of course, but also includes a lot of other things you'll need to make sure your shoot goes smoothly. Extra charged batteries, AC adapters, extension cords and extra videotapes are a good start.

When you're ready to advance, check everything one more time, and...download the full article here.