Frequently asked questions
Should you hire a professional videographer?
Why shouldn't you just have your cousin do it for free?
How do you know which videographer is right for you?
What makes Crane Media different?
What will Crane Media's presence be like at your wedding?
How do we work with photographers?
Why is the right music so important to your wedding video?
Do we allow clients to be involved in the editing process?
How long will it take to finish your video?
How soon before your wedding should you contact us?
Why should I book with CRANE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS?
Should you hire a professional videographer?
Imagine what it be like to watch the story of your parent’s, or even your grandparent’s wedding. Most couples say their wedding day went by so fast that they can hardly remember everything that happened. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest regrets that couples experience after their wedding is their decision not to have professional video. A wedding is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that should be documented and relived for future generations. And while photography is able to capture singular moments, there is simply no substitute for a living, breathing account of one of the most defining events of your life.
Why shouldn't you just have your cousin do it for free?
Unless your cousin is like a Steven Spielberg, we can’t emphasize enough what a huge difference there is between home video and a professionally-produced video. A friend or relative may have great intentions, but it’s very unlikely they have the equipment (professional cameras, wireless microphones, editing gear...) that a professional has. It’s also very unlikely they have the know-how or experience to produce a great video. Also, do they have the stamina or readiness to be on top of all the especially important moments? The truth is, you can’t just suck reality in through the lens of your camera. To make great video, you must be meticulous in searching out the best angles and experienced enough to anticipate the best moments. Your wedding story is simply too important to leave to chance.
How do you know which videographer is right for you?
Finding the right videographer is no easy task. We encourage you to do your homework, shop around, and find the videographer that best suits your needs. We feel confident we’re among the best of the best, not only in our area, but throughout the industry. However, we understand that people make decisions for different reasons and we want our clients to feel 100% certain that we’re right for the job.
Aside from the quality of our work, what we most often sell to our clients is TRUST. We listen to YOUR ideas, we address YOUR concerns, and we use OUR expertise to design a wedding video that’s UNIQUELY YOURS.
The people you hire to shoot your video can have a tremendous effect on your wedding day. We understand that shooting a dynamite wedding video requires great sensitivity, a keen instinct for knowing when to ACT, when to REACT, and when to SIMPLY STAY PUT.
No matter who you hire, make sure you understand their style and what they intend to do. Make sure your videographer understands WHAT YOU WANT and is professional enough to deliver what you expect.
If you’re looking for a huge Hollywood production, we’re not the people to do it. If you’re looking for basement bargain video, we’re not that either. But if you want someone who’s going to LISTEN, inspire CREATIVITY, and give your wedding story the attention it deserves, then definitely give us a call.
What makes Crane Media different?
We could probably answer this question in a million different ways; be it our creative abilities, our customer service, or our unquestionable passion for what we do. But what probably makes us so different is that we TELL A STORY rather than just push a record button. Being a great videographer requires a lot more than just knowing how to operate equipment. It requires attention to miniscule details, an ability to get along with just about anyone, the physical ability to get demanding shots, and the LISTENING SKILLS to be able to capture the story. Most often, we simply let our work speak for itself.
What will Crane Media's presence be like at your wedding?
Much of this is up to you. Whether you want us on the alter with you or hidden in the balcony, it’s your call. We work with you to figure out the approach that best suits your style. In general, we are very sensitive to what’s going on around us. We have a keen sense for when to move and when to stay put. Always, our primary concern is making you and guests feel comfortable.Will bright lights and long cables overpower your wedding?
The last thing we want to do is turn your wedding into a Hollywood production. We use a very discrete setup, involving no cables or overpowering lights. Our cameras do an excellent job of picking up quality images in low-light situations and we use a small light only when necessary. We record our audio with small wireless microphones no bigger than the palm of your hand.
How do we work with photographers?
Our goal in working with any photographer is to negotiate where each of us will be working and what to expect from one another. Largely, we base our approach on YOUR preferences.
How long are our finished videos? Typically, our finished videos will last no longer than 60-90 minutes. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a longer video means a better video. Rather, a longer video generally means a lot more fast-forwarding through the boring parts. How many times do you want to relive a reading, how many hours of dancing can you stand to watch? We believe the length of a video should be determined by the value of your content and not by an unwritten rule that says your video should be at least 2 or 3 hours long.
We edit according to the way we’ve been trained to watch television. All of us know how to "fill in the blanks." We understand that TV and movies compress time for the sake of keeping the action moving and the story compelling. In reality, it’s much more difficult to edit in this style than it is to simply "chunk together" long, boring footage. Note, although we edit for brevity, we still make sure to understand what YOU want included or omitted from the final edit.
Why is the right music so important to your wedding video?
Music sets the tone for your entire video. We’ve seen wedding videos that rely on the same music over and over again, regardless of the emotional content of the scene. Oftentimes we’ll wonder why so many videographers just assume that everyone’s a Kenny G fan. It’s more important that the music fits the mood of the occasion, reflecting your personality and enhancing the moment.
We spend time "scoring" each video we produce, working and re-working songs until they fit just right. No matter what your musical taste, you can have a great deal of input as to what music goes into your video.
Do we allow clients to be involved in the editing process?
We feel that as artists we’re selling much more than a smorgasbord of different video clips. We take pride in our abilities to edit a captivating and visually pleasing story and we want our clients to appreciate and trust our creative instincts. For this reason, we generally don’t allow anyone else to be involved in the editing process. Rest assured, we make every effort to gather detailed information beforehand so we know exactly what and what not to include in your finished production.
How long will it take to finish your video?
Typically, videos will take between 8-16 weeks to complete depending on the season. It is not uncommon for us to spend upwards of 50 hours editing a video.
How soon before your wedding should you contact us?
Popular summer dates fill up quickly. We recommend booking as soon as possible as it is not uncommon to book 6 months to 1 year in advance.
Why should I book with CRANE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS?
* Two videographers = better coverage = better video.
* Great camerawork.
* Meticulous editing.
* We tell your story.
* We're cool, very cool.
