Tag : production

I mean, dolls are cool . . . I mean . . . Well, the dolly we’re talking about is the slider dolly! This incredible tool gives us at Elite Cinematic Weddings one extra production tool that gives our wedding films that extra punch! It provides moving shots equivalent to those you see in big blockbuster hits.

So, here’s our slider dolly, which is built on machine-fabricated linear guides. Mounted on a tripod or floor, this tool is excellent for obtaining smooth, moving, linear shots. So, here’s our set up:

And the result! I this clip you’ll find several scenes where our slider dolly provided some really great moving shots! Enjoy!

 We at Elite Cinematic Weddings are excited about using this and our other cool cinematic techniques for the Entwined 2012′s Ultimate Wedding Giveaway!!!

Wedding Films, Wedding Videography, Wedding Cinematography – Why are there so many terms to describe wedding movies and what does at all mean? The wedding movie is evolving quickly, and having a handle on some of the concepts and trends might help you better decide WHY you need one and HOW to choose a cinematographer for your wedding day! **This article assumes that you’ve already decided that hiring a cinematographer is a must-have investment (we would strongly agree!).

Film 

As the name implies, this describes the traditional film on a reel (typically, what’s called “Super 8 film”), which is not as widely manufactured as in the past. Film has seen a resurgence in weddings, with couples looking for a vintage feel. Much of what makes film popular (fading, dust and particles, and “film burn” effects) can also be accomplished to a great degree digitally using creative post-production methods (at a computer editing station). If your cinematographer elects to use film, be absolutely sure they know the ins and outs of film use. Also, be sure they are capturing high quality audio with a professional microphone of some type, since many Super 8 cameras were not equipped with built-in microphones.

Here’s a wedding we captured entirely on digital SLR cameras, but using special editing effects (sepia color effects, digital dust, fading, scratches, vignetting) to achieve a vintage feel. We also used a cool reverse time technique for an interesting ending!

Digital Video

With the advent of digital video cameras (which used digital tape and some, flash memory cards), “digital video” became very popular because it bypassed the film development process. Footage captured on digital tape/card can be directly transferred to an editor’s computer and edited without requiring film processing. What a time saver! Although digital video proved to be more efficient, cinematographers continued to desire that traditional “film look,” which many agree is more aesthetically pleasing!

SLR Cameras and Cinematography

Recently, single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, long used by still photographers, have given cinematographers the ability to capture 1080p High Definition video! This feature, plus the amazing range of lenses available, has opened HUGE possibilities for the wedding movie. Camera stabilizers (for smooth walking motion) and gliding rail systems (for tracking dolly shots) have also added a cinematic feel to weddings.

In the following highlight reel (and the others in this post), we used a camera stabilizer, gliding rail system, shallow depth-of-field, and timelapse sequences to achieve a higher level of cinematic production:

We here at elitevp feel that a wedding cinematographer is one who carefully plans, and creatively uses production (camera stabilization, dolly shots, angles, light, lens choice) and post-production (editing, color grading, music selection, and storytelling) techniques to tell the story of your wedding day! Cinematographers can use various formats, including video and film (or film-like effects) to achieve a cinematic style!

Here’s a clip from a recent dual Hindu/American wedding, which emphasizes storytelling by using carious production/post-production tools and techniques described above, and music selection (gotta love the choreographed dance!):

Choosing a cinematographer for your wedding day should include the careful consideration of several factors, including: 

• Cinematic style,
• Creative use of production and post-production tools,
• Testimonials (from former clients and other wedding vendors), and
• Personality (did you click with them right away?).

Chat with your cinematographer to get a feel for these things before booking!

So, that’s our 5-minute primer on Wedding Cinematography! Still have questions? Shoot us an e-mail – we’d be glad to chat!

Sam Blanco

elitevp.com