Once you have worked out the structure your movie is going to have, you need to plan
the shoot itself - and start examining the logistics. Here are some points to ponder..
You will probably need (at least) two camcorders. Who can you call upon to help?
Will they shoot what you ask them to shoot? What format are the other camcorders?
Are they compatible/usable with your own, or your editing system? How many tapes
will you need. That’s probably not enough - get some more in case! How many batteries
will you need. Plan for when they need to be charged/recharged during the day. How?
Where? Will you need a power extension lead? Have you got all the equipment you need
... tripods, lapel mics, headphones, ancillary lighting maybe. Does everything work
properly ... find out before the day.
Does the vicar/priest know you wish to video? Check it out -some don't like it.
Ask. Also ask to be at any rehearsals (and take your camcorder!). Ask where you can
position your camcorder(s) without being in the way. Remember that if possible, you
will want to see both the bride and the groom declaring their vows (I had one 'priest'
who insisted I use only one camcorder in the church, planted in a position where
I could just about see the groom's face, occasional glimpses of the bride’s dress,
and the very edge of the congregation - and he charged £75 for the privilege! He
turned up at the evening reception as the lead guitarist of his own band (and obviously
charged for that too). At another wedding the priest charged nothing - and was extremely
helpful regarding camcorder positions etc, even turning the couple round to face
the congregation during the vows, so everyone could watch and video, if they wanted,
while he faced the altar. What a difference!. If you have only one camcorder, work
out at which points during the ceremony you can (silently) move positions to get
a different viewpoint - if allowed, of course. Don't leave it to chance on the day
Discuss your plans with the 'pro' stills photographer before the big day, if possible,
but certainly before he starts doing his job. Don't make him an enemy. Work with
him, and listen to what he asks. The last thing you'll want is trouble. The bride
won't thank you.
Discuss your movie plans with the couple themselves and get their input on your plans.
The bride may ask you to video things you hadn't considered ('don't forget to get
some nice shots of Granny')'. It is their day, will be their video, hopefully to
be treasured for many, many years to come ... and shown again on their diamond wedding
anniversary, maybe!
Check out the reception. Check where will be the best place to cover the speeches,
and so on. Plan to set up one camera pointing at the head table - and set it running
throughout the entire reception, remembering the tape must be changed at the appropriate
time (certainly before any speeches) - and plan to cover that tape change by having
another camcorder running. Make sure the catering staff know what you are doing
and where you hope to be filming - and make sure you won’t be in their way: they
have their job to do as well and they, like you, want everything to run smoothly.
Plan to get lots and lots of shots for use as insert edits - you will almost invariably
have a bad shot to ‘cover’ somewhere during the video.