Choosing a Wedding Videographer
With so many companies now offering wedding videography
it is not easy for the Bride and Bride Groom to distinguish between
those offering a professional service and those who are not sufficiently
skilled in this very specialised art form.
The Institute of Videography was established in 1985 as a regulatory
body for companies and independent producers who offer video production
services to both the general public and the commercial sector
alike.
Among its membership the IOV has some of the earliest pioneers
in wedding video production. As part of their membership obligation
each member agrees to abide by a Code of Practice and offer their
clients the right of free IOV Arbitration in cases of contractual
dispute. This, along with other benefits associated with IOV membership,
allow its members to offer their clients a professional and comprehensive
service.
Choosing a Videographer
The IOV has always recognised and promoted Videography as an art
form. Each Videographer will have his or her own particular style
and no two wedding videos will be the same. This individual style
is what many couples base their decision on. The IOV award qualifications
to members upon submission of work. The two levels of qualification
are M.M.Inst.V. (Master Member) and F.Inst.V. (Fellow).
The Demonstration
Your first step in choosing a Videographer is to see an example
of their work. Some will provide you with a shower of various
weddings that have been edited; others will supply complete wedding
videos. Always check that the video was produced by the Videographer
who is going to cover your event. Problems may occur when the
Videographer sub-contracts the work to another who has a completely
different style.
Ask the Right Questions
In most instances the Videographer will personally present the
demonstration video. This gives you the opportunity to ask important
questions about their service and the way in which they operate
their business.
Contracts
Because each wedding video is different you must be sure that
the Videographer knows exactly what you want included. The IOV
produce standard contracts which its members use or have adapted
for their own purpose. Any contract should state times and locations
for the wedding along with details on the terms of engagement.
A clearly defined contract will lessen the chance of disappointment
in the finished product.
Insurance & Copyright
Anyone operating a professional wedding video service should have
Public Liability Insurance, even though they are not legally bound
to do so. Ask the Videographer if they are covered and, if possible,
ask to see their policy. They should also have the appropriate
copyright licences to record the wedding service and any other
copyright material that is included in the video.
How much should you spend on a wedding video?
The cost of the production is dependent on a number of factors.
Some Videographers offer a range of services which vary in the
extent of coverage, e.g. from the Bride’s house to the first
dance, or the wedding service only. Some Videographers use domestic
or semi-professional equipment whereas others use professional
or even broadcast quality equipment. Others may offer fully edited
and/or multiple camera productions.
The cost, therefore, is directly linked to the level of service
and the expertise of the Videographer. Cutting costs may mean
compromising on both, so never base your decision on price alone.
If the Videographer charges more for their work there is usually
a good reason. It is advisable to watch several videos covering
a wide price range before making your decision.
Booking Advice
As wedding videography is a seasonal business most successful
Videographers will become booked months if not years in advance.
The Videographer should be booked at the same time as other services
such as photographers and caterers.
For further information call 0845 7413626
(UK) and (+44) 0208 502 3817 (Non UK)
Main website: www.iov.co.uk
Article published with the kind permission of
The Institute of Videography
(Click here to
visit their site)
Copyright 2002 Insitute of Videography. All rights reserved
