Its very difficult to sum up such an informative and inspiring few days without using the word ‘amazing’ too often.
Wanting to learn more about how others approach their work, I took myself down to Oxford on Monday and Tuesday of last week to attend the ‘Shadows and Light – Wedding Cinematics’ course.
Fronted by Fraser McGruer of Shadows and Light and featuring and Hosted by Ben Bruton-Cox of ‘Our Week in Video Podcast‘ fame and an array of respected film makers in the UK wedding video industry, this Shadows and Light event had a specific emphasis on wedding Videography.
The event was split over 2 days.
Day 1 primarily made up of seminar presentations.
Day 2 consisting of more hands on- practical sessions demonstrating how to use specific equipment, camera placements, effective audio setup and much much more.
Day 1 – Presentations
How to make it within the Wedding Videography business
In the delightful Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford, The first presentations were made by Ben Bruton-Cox (The Wedding Cut) and Richard Shelton (Aurora Wedding Films)
This presentation outlined a sample of their business timeline and focussed on how to build a successful business. With discussion on all aspects of professional wedding Videography including the legalities, finding your place in the market, pricing, SEO Tips and music licensing. One might argue the most important aspect of wedding Videography. As someone who is considering venturing into this emotive industry, I can honestly say I gleamed some invaluable insight into what to expect on the road to being “established” as a film making professional.
Ben Walton
How movement and cinematic motion values can add an extra element to your production.
Ben Walton of Ben Walton Films began his presentation with demonstrations on the huge cinema screen of some of his extreme sports films. Using some dramatic close-ups, slo-mo’s and slight of hand movements, Ben demonstrated his masterful techniques making his craft look effortless. He showed some of his actual wedding footage, then deconstructed the scene and detailed how some of the shots were produced, showing raw unedited material and then how the finished piece was presented. At such a tender age, his skill and finesse was mesmeric.
Ray McShane
Insights destination wedding videography.
Award winning Ray McShane markets himself as a destination wedding film specialist. His clear and articulate presentation gave a frank outline of some of the potential pitfalls of shooting overseas. He discussed issues around legalities, making the best of the ‘not so glamorous’ locations, how to stay calm under pressure and travelling light to minimise travel expenses.
He also showed us some of his works, which, I have to say demonstrated why he is so well considered, with excellent cinematic techniques in some unforgiving surroundings. Capturing the essence of the location, whilst not losing site of the couple at the centre of the piece. Certainly food for thought.
Luigia Pansera
The Act of Seeing with One’s Own Eyes
“It is impossible not to impart one’s own interpretation of a story when you view the world”
Luigia (of Evergreen Films) notoriety offered an eye-opening presentation to say the least. Suffice to say, part of the discussion including demonstrating some of her company’s films on the big screen.
I found myself smiling in admiration at the sheer quality of the storytelling. The beauty of the films and the manner in which the subject matter was portrayed offered a stark contrast what had been shown in the earlier presentations. Trying to find the best way to describe the classic and timeless nature of Evergreen’s works, all I can find are two simple words – Utterly Charming.
Luiga explained in great detail the efforts Evergreen go to get beneath the skin of the participants to interpret the story to wonderful effect.
In short they demonstrated that to tell a great story does not necessarily require modern trickery, special effects, sweeping camera movements etc, but a simple idea, well produced and structured can emote just as much.
If I could get anywhere near producing work of this quality I would be happy.
Jeff Wood
Story-telling in wedding films.
Enter: Jeff Wood of Jeff Wood Visuals.
Jeff began literally began his presentation by telling his own story in his words (and pictures and layered soundscapes) His epiphany started him on a career of adopting cinematic narrative techniques and patterns.
Jeff demonstrated his unique ability to introduce cinematic principles by showing several of his incredible films. Jeff explained in great detail how replicating motifs and methods adopted on the big screen can add significant impact to telling stories. Offering examples and comparisons with classic movies like the Godfather, the principles of narrative are applicable in almost every story. It is up to the creator to determine how to present the subject material. Jeff showed, in emphatic style how over the years he has honed his craft and deservedly been awarded for this efforts.
I found myself hugely captivated and would love to have heard what else he had to say, but sadly time was not our friend that day.
In summary
The key points I gained from the presentations are that there are many ways to create interesting videos. The best way to tell a convincing story, is to take the time to understand the client, absorb yourself in the couple and the emotions of the day then the rest will follow.
The topics in discussion over the course of the day offered plenty of insight. For the most part there is no right and wrong approach to effective storytelling. However with the increasing accessibility of equipment and software, film makers these days are really spoiled with a plethora of tools and resources which can really add production value to a production.
I felt inspired and invigorated with the wealth of knowledge gained that day.
Day 2 – Workshops
Tech Talk Workshop with Matthew Willsher & Tom Cribbin
There aren’t many scenes that fill me with excitement more than a room full of expensive equipment. With a table packed with lenses, cameras, gimbals and tripods, I was truly in my element.
With a very helpful discussion with Matt Willsher, I was talked through the next few essential items to add to my kit-bag (new post on this subject coming soon)
Perhaps more useful though than talking through camera gear, Matt was kind enough to impart some of his experience in establishing a good work-life balance and how to build from scratch while maintaining a healthy family life. The realities and considerations in embarking on a career in Videography were thoroughly explained.
Audio: Placement and Technical with Jeff Wood, Ray McShane &Frances Maddell
In this detailed workshop, we were introduced to a few variations on camera placements and the rationale behind it. Taking into the account the space available in the venue, potential tricky spots and how to plan for your next move.
In the second part of the session we were introduced to considerations for audio set-up including outdoor windy venues, connecting to an audio feed on a sound desk and how best to achieve quality audio while remaining inconspicuous to the couples in question.
All about Movement with Richard Shelton & Ben Walton
This workshop began with a demonstration of some scenes taken from recent wedding footage deconstructed step by step with the methods of how these shots were recorded.
Then we were escorted around the grounds of the Oxford New College and found some ideal locations to try and recreate some of these scenes.
We were introduced to the glidecam and shown how to correctly balance it, then given the opportunity to have a get hands on and have a go ourselves.
We were led to a courtyard with a blossoming branch, in turns we watched eachother shoot sunlight passing through the branch, then to focus on a procession (a makeshift bride and bridal party)
We then we found a well lit stone corridor and shown how to effectively circle a procession while maintaining smooth motion with a balanced glidecam. Watching the footage played back in real time showed how effective this technique can be
This session provided superb details and showed how with practice, gentle camera movements and reacting to your surroundings can add real drama to a scene.
Post Production – The Edit & Grade with Ben Bruton-Cox & Ollie Kenchington
This was the session I was hoping to get the most from.
We were shown some footage from a recent wedding by Ben Bruton-Cox. The reasons for the inclusion of these particular scenes and techniques used to piece them together were fully explained.
Ollie Kenchington was also present in this session. Ollie meticulously revealed the processed used in editing the scenes together with a particular focus on colour grading.
As someone who has limited practical experience with colour grading. Something I learned that I wasn’t expecting was that although there are an abundance of tools available to assist colour correction and grading, as much of the workflow can be reduced by learning the unique characteristics of the camera and associated lenses. In simple terms, with a clear understanding of colour profiles, correct white balancing and lighting can significantly reduce the amount of time in the edit.
To summarise in full, there is much I took away from the presentations and workshops over the 2 days.
I have seen real world examples of where techniques can be applied to achieve wonderful imagery. What was more refreshing however is to learn the variety of approaches that can be adopted to the tell a story.
The attendees themselves were of significant number and perhaps I was not expecting to see so may new starters or others that too were considering a career in Wedding Videography.
When I first arrived I felt insignificant and a little timid as a newcomer in the field but after speaking to many other like-minded folk, I now feel part of a network of generous peers who would be more than willing to help out someone else by imparting their knowledge and understanding to help.
I am genuinely so grateful I was able to attend. I would thoroughly recommend this event to anyone considering a career in video. I would go back again in a heartbeat. I can’t wait to apply some of the principles learned at the event.
Truly inspirational.