Videographer Andrew Gemmell has shot the best bits of over 1,000 weddings. Here he shares his advice for preserving yours in full HD glory
1. Make sure that whoever shoots your big day has personality. Being a wedding videographer is about much more than just filming the day. They should be a producer, director and even a front-of-house guy. Meet the team ahead of time or organise an engagement shoot: you’ll be far more relaxed on the day.
2. Ask your videographer to set up a time-lapse of your guests coming in to sit down for the meal. We just leave the cameras running and they capture so many funny little moments. We’re being asked to do more and more of these, because they help tell the story of the day in a fun way. And because a time-lapse is fast, it won’t be boring.
3. Use drones (discreetly) to create a cinematographic look that has lots of epic shots. It’s always cool when the couple looks up at a drone, before it shoots up into the air. The careful use of drones can also generate a personal feel that will help capture the spirit of a wedding. We did this for Ronan and Storm Keating – and they loved it.
4. Put a GoPro inside the bridal car for the bride and her father on their way to the ceremony. We did this for the first time a few years ago: the chat and the nerves all showed. It was a beautiful part of the film. We then leave the camera in the car for when the groom takes dad’s place on the way back – it’s a fun transition.
5. Everyone should be aware that the photographer is more important than the filmmaker. Their job is much harder: they have to capture a single moment perfectly. We make sure to step back and give them free rein. Plus, having the photographer in shot is a great thing – they’re much more part of the day than a film crew.
Further information
Find out more about what Andrew can do at thefilmingbusiness.com or 020 7924 6978.
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