Questions to ask videographers

I'm starting my videographer search this week and I was hoping some of you would know the right questions to ask.

Re: Questions to ask videographers

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I met with 6-7 videographers before picking Wild Rose. Here is what I looked for. Video was very important to FH and I.

First look at the demo tape. If you like it then ask to see a full wedding video. Not a mix of a bunch of weddings, but one complete video/DVD. So many just let you see a prepared highlight tape. That is the same as driving a new car in a parking lot and not letting you test drive it on a highway in traffic. You need to fast forward through an entire video so you can see their style, not just a quick glance. Do you like the overall style? Is it what you dream about when you think of your own video. If you like cartoon effects (I do not) do they use them. If you don't, same question.
Then LISTEN to the vows/ceremony section. Can you hear the bride and groom clearly? Some companies I met with just hoped for the best in terms of sound quality. If I cannot hear my vows, why spend the money on a professional video person. Do you like the way the music works with the video? You might not like the song (remember the couple picks that out, not the video person) but does it flow nicely. Is the editting clean and make sense? Is the person you are speaking to the person who will film your wedding or a manager. Met YOUR videographer- you spend all day with this person. What are the payment terms?

Ask them what type of sound equipment they use and lighting equipment. This is very important. There is NO need for those huge spotlights anymore. The new cameras use just a small camera mounted light. Guests do not want a huge spotlight on them everytime they hit the dance floor. And again, you want to HEAR your vows, not lip read them.

Do they bring an assistant? If so, why. They may be more intrusive if they need tons of people with them. If he gets sick/family emergency etc..who will cover your wedding.

What is included in each package? How many copies do you get. Don't let them sell you on 'a free copy for everyone in your bridal party' because very few people want a full copy of your wedding for their shelf. Couples barely watch it after the first year, friends don't really want one. And besides the cost of a video tape is less than $5.00.
Find out ALL extra costs upfront and get them in writing. Does he stay until the last dance or leave after the cake is cut? WHat does he charge for overtime? Is a DVD copy avaiable and what is the cost. I had 2 guys tell me NOT to get the DVD cost in writing yet since the prices might drop down a lot. After speaking with a number of professionals that is just not going to happen for a professional quality DVD. So don't let them 'tell you the charge later'.

If you do not want table/guest interviews will they NOT do them. If you want them, will the DO them. What control do you have in the final edit? If you are unhappy with they redo the tape for you. I know someone who 2 years later is having her tape re-cut because she was never happy with it. She has to pay a lot of money to an outside company to do for her.
Hopes this helps.

Re: Questions to ask videographers

I agree with the spotlight problem! That was a huge issue for us...if the photographer has newer equipment the bulb should't be too bright.

I've been blinded at some weddings and it really gets annoying. I wanted my photographer to be as unobtrustive as possible!

Re: Questions to ask videographers

Here is a question I should have asked:

How long will the unedited footage be? Will you guarantee a certain amount of time?

Mine was much shorter then I expected Just about an hour and a half including his shots of us taking pictures before the ceremony.

Re: Questions to ask videographers

ask how long the edited footage is.......will they come w/you inbetween ceremonyand reception.......where the microphones are at the ceremony and reception....... see a 2 camera coverage tape and a 1 camera coverage tape.....if i think of anything else i will post--michell31 covered a lot!

Re: Questions to ask videographers

If you get a DVD make sure you ask for a list of compatible players. My video guy gave me one. You'd be surprise that some are not compatible and then you can't see your DVD or need to buy a new one.

Also ask for a list of music choices. They should give you one though for you and your FH to pick out songs for certain parts.

And I was big on labels. Make sure they give you your VHS's or DVD's in custom label packages. Most Video's I saw came in clear plastic covers (Ex. Bellarino). Mine comes with my choice of Template and personal picture both on the covers and tapes.

Re: Questions to ask videographers

Wild Rose also does the pretty box for the video/DVD. I agree you want a high quality tape and package.

Re: Questions to ask videographers

WOW! As usual I can always count on you guys to help out. I feel better now knowing I have some questions to ask.

Thanks for your help!

Re: Questions to ask videographers

I was told a DVD can only be 2 hrs long....so your edited tape i guess should be 2 hrs on DVD.
Ask about raw footage also

Re: Questions to ask videographers

I also heard that a DVD could only be ~ 2 hours long. So it's best if the Unedited copy is on VHS, so it can be longer.
Also, ask if you have to pay for the Unedited copy, some charge about $100 extra for you to get it.

If doing interviews, you may want to ask, are the interviews played at one specific time in the video, or throughout.

Re: Questions to ask videographers

even though the dvd can be two hours long--on my search for a videographer some told me the edited dvd would be 1 1/2---