FAQ
PTG Video Services FAQ
- PACKAGES AND SERVICE QUESTIONS
- BEFORE THE VIDEO SHOOT
- THE DAY OF THE VIDEO SHOOT
- AFTER THE VIDEO SHOOT
PACKAGES AND SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS
Where do I start when choosing your packages?
The major difference between our packages is the number of cameras, the amount of editing, and some of the extra features we offer. All of our packages come standard with ceremony and reception coverage, original artwork, menus and chapters on the DVD’s and a wireless microphone to perfectly capture your wedding vows.
How would you describe your style?
Our edited wedding videos are well-polished, professional documentations of your wedding day. Our videographers are professionally trained, with an emphasis on fine art production. Although we set production standards very high, your wedding video will not look like a feature film. For that, you need a large crew and a film set! However, you can see from past work and our samples that we are proud of our videos, and yours will look absolutely amazing.
We will view your wedding video as a document of an event, and we realize that it is a very special event. We keep this in mind from our shooting style to our editing style. We will not ask you to pose for the video cameras, or to do anything that is not natural. When we edit, we keep things as natural as possible, without using any low-grade special effects.
How long is the typical video?
Generally the entire video will never run over 2 hours, but it depends on your wedding. We avoid cutting anything out of the ceremony, and we edit the reception to the most entertaining parts. We usually condense the pre-ceremony and post-ceremony into entertaining montages that act as segues between the major parts of the video.
Do you do “Love Story” videos?
We can do them if requested, but typically we don’t offer them. Generally they require much more work than people have planned. When we produce one, it is not cheesy or phony. We try to keep it close to our documentary style by primarily making it interview based and incorporate existing photos.
What kind of equipment do you use?
We only use high-quality 3CCD (3 chip) cameras. These cameras are broadcast ready, deliver colorful, sharp images and respond well in low light situations. We will be using fluid head tripods with these cameras. Additionally we will record the wedding vows with a broadcast-ready wireless microphone.
We will edit your videos completely non-linearly on Power Mac G5 Editing Suites. Big Hollywood feature films have been shot and edited with the same equipment we use.
Do you shoot the rehearsal dinner?
Not regularly. However, we can schedule a videographer to document the rehearsal dinner at extra cost.
Do you have unobtrusive coverage?
Our policy is to be as unobtrusive as possible, while doing everything we can to get the shot we need. We will always respect the rules and restrictions of our venues, and will pre-plan everything with your minister beforehand.
BEFORE THE WEDDING
I want to hire you, what is the next step?
When you decide to hire us, the first step is going over the details of your wedding and the package you selected, and to double-check your date is still available. Next, you will need to sign our contract. Upon signing the contract, a 50% down payment is due to reserve your date.
What happens after I hire you and before the wedding?
We will send you our Wedding Videography Planning Sheet six to eight weeks before the wedding for you to fill out. This planning sheet helps us to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, and that we provide the most comprehensive coverage of your wedding as possible. The planning sheet goes over details such as a timeline of the day, emergency contact numbers for the day of the wedding, locations, church rules and regulations for videography, and many other details regarding your wedding day.
We will also meet with you or contact you again about one week before the wedding to confirm details and schedules, and to answer any questions you may have.
THE DAY OF THE WEDDING
Do you use lights during the ceremony?
We never use lights during the ceremony. We try not to use lights during the reception, but halls are generally dark, so we will if needed.
What should I expect the day of the ceremony?
The following is a description of a typical wedding day. Please note that for your wedding, all these details will be planned well before your wedding day.
Your videographer will arrive at the ceremony location one hour before the ceremony. We will gather footage of the location and the preparation. At this point we will also set up the groom with the wireless microphone. When the ceremony commences, our two cameramen will artistically film the wedding using our documentary fine art approach. After the ceremony ends, we will remove the microphone from the groom.
Your videographer will then go to the reception location to shoot the details of the event. He will stay with you at the reception, documenting all of the major events. Generally about an hour before the reception ends it will begin to wind down, and the videographer will check in with you before leaving the reception.
Our all day coverage is good for 10 hours, which is more than enough coverage at most weddings.
What does the wireless microphone do?
The wireless microphone clearly captures the important wedding vows between the bride and groom. Since it is wireless, it is easily hidden; yet it perfectly records the wedding vows.
What is your approach during the day?
Our approach stems from our attitude on weddings and videography. We know that weddings should be a fun, joyous occasion. Often, the bride and groom are so busy during the wedding that they forget this is their day.
Our videographers try to be in the background as much as possible. We will not direct you or tell you what to do. Our job is to document the day. To fully do our job, we need to interfere as little as possible.
What if a videographer gets ill and cannot attend the wedding?
We promise to keep the appointment within all reasonable bounds, but unfortunately, unforeseen problems can happen. In the unlikely event of an illness or emergency, we always have an extra videographer on call just in case. Fortunately, it rarely does.
Do you bring back up equipment?
At George Street Photo & Video, we tirelessly maintain our equipment, so we are extremely confident in our gear. However, if anything were to happen to any equipment at a shoot, we always bring an additional camera and accessories.
AFTER THE WEDDING
How long will the editing process take?
If we receive all the materials we need before your wedding, the typical editing process lasts three to four months. We usually have more than eight hours of footage to edit, so it can take a while. It also depends on how many montages you receive. The wait is definitely worth it.
Can I request changes?
With every package you can request changes equivalent to one hour of editing time. After the first hour, we will charge you our hourly rate. However, people rarely request changes.
Do you put music in our wedding video?
We will use music for the various segues as well as montages that you request. However, the music needs to be provided by you before the wedding in CD format. Our Planning Sheets will clearly go over the materials you will need for your package.
What kind of DVD will I receive?
Your DVD will have custom menus and chapters on it. It will also have original artwork. It will be the popular DVD-R form, which runs on just about all DVD players. If you Go Blu-Ray, your DVD will be delivered on a Blu-Ray disc.