Debbie King is a Leeds-based writer, producer and director whose 20-year television career has spanned creative roles at ITV, Disney, Nickelodeon, BBC and Sky. Debbie was the co-creator and host of Quizmania on ITV1, the UK’s first ever interactive call TV show. Since founding This is My Movie, she produces corporate videos and occasion films for events including Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and weddings within the local community and beyond. Debbie spoke to JLife, giving us her best advice when it comes to hiring a wedding videographer…
Why should couples think about hiring a videographer for their wedding?
A wedding is probably the biggest and most expensive party you will ever throw. It’s a celebration you will always look back on with fond memories – and it will also go by like a flash! A videographer will capture those wonderful moments on your special day, like
going under the chuppah, the speeches and that magical first dance.
When the last guest has left, the flowers have wilted and the champagne has been drunk, what are you left with? Memories. Having a video of your wedding is something that will last a lifetime and bring back to life your magical day every time you watch it. You’ll never be able to re-create your wedding day – but a video of it is the next best thing.
Rather than simply documenting bad ‘dad dancing’ – give us an idea of interesting ways hiring a wedding videographer can add some ‘wow’-factor…
Wedding videos don’t need to be old hat. There are super contemporary ways your videographer can capture the action, such as state-of-the-art equipment like drones and gimbals to create sweeping shots that will leave you breathless. Footage can be edited with a contemporary feel, using special filters and emotive music.
You may want to film an entrance video which plays just before the newlyweds enter their wedding breakfast, from a music video style film involving family and friends to a Mr and Mrs style game show. Anything is possible!
You can also create fun music videos on the day, selecting a popular song that your guests can lip sync to, which the videographer will then edit into a fabulous movie.
What’s the key to making the wedding videography for your big day and reflect your personalities?
Choose a wedding videographer that you click with. There are so many out there – you need to choose someone that gets you and your vibe. Be clear about what you want to achieve from the video and make sure you meet with them beforehand so you both know what’s involved.
You don’t have to have a traditional documentary style wedding video and you don’t need every second filming – just the highlights. The key
is communication and planning with your videographer before the big day.
Be creative – if you don’t want the run-of-the-mill wedding video then think outside the box. Tell your videographer what you as a couple are interested in. Is there a type of movie you love? They should be able to recreate the feel of this and if your event has a theme to it, then this can also be reflected.
Music is one of the most important factors to consider, so you should select songs that cover a variety of moods and are meaningful to you as a couple, bringing back memories of your time spent together.
How can you avoid your wedding video collecting dust like your parents’ old VHS tapes?
Your video will usually be presented to you as a digital link – this will be a file that can be stored on your computer, copied and shared with family and friends.
You can also have the video hosted on a popular sharing site such as YouTube or Vimeo. These links can be shared with a click of a button on social media and friends and family.