Cinematic Video Production, or, Why People Cry at the Movies.
Why do movies make people cry? A captivating movie sneaks into the viewers' emotions, generating feelings that they deeply identify with. It does so by using techniques that create an emotional bond between the viewer and the characters. This is nothing new for most of us. We've all gotten teary-eyed over a movie at one time or another. A skilled wedding videographer can create the same emotional experience for a bride and groom by using identifiable cinematic elements in the video production.
What's cinematic-style video production? Cinematic event videos are those that use motion picture techniques to convey the look and feel of a good movie. There are four key elements: camera position, lighting, musical scoring and dialogue. The first two are the responsibility of the videographer, the last two fall to the editor. When all four work together correctly, an event video can be as moving as a major motion picture.
Creative camera positioning and movement? Let's get away from ‘static' and talk about dynamic camera positioning. Variety in how the camera is positioned makes a video more interesting to watch. Traditionally, in event videography, cameras are mounted on a tripod or on the videographer's shoulder. But there are many other possibilities that can and should be used to give variety to a production to make it more movie-like. Creative shooters vary their shots, at times positioning cameras at low and canted angles; they use shots that link one subject to another, shots that reveal through depth of field, and shots that use reverse angles just to site a few examples that can add interest to a video. John Cooksey, an independent videographer and frequent lecturer on the WEVA circuit nicknamed his favorite camera positions “WALLDO” which stands for “wide, angled, low, linking, depth, opposite…identifying six creative camera handling techniques. Being a regular WEVA attendee, I had the good fortune to study with John a while back, and can attest to the fact that WALLDO does move a video(grapher) from ordinary to extraordinary.
Consider an example. How interesting is a static tripod shot of a bride and groom dancing their first dance as compared to a 360-degree camera move around the couple? It's the same scene, but the circular move reveals the couple in a much more dramatic way. The feelings elicited by the later shot with the background spinning behind the couple as they embrace are going to be more emotionally charged than the static shot. Cinematic styling taken a step further can also incorporate dolly shots and aerials to create more dramatic perspectives. The tools for these shots are readily available to the event videographer.
Directing and cinematic video.
I've never been too shy to discretely ask a couple for a shot I know they'll enjoy seeing in their video. Varying the shots as I've described coupled with some simple directing can bring home some emotional footage of scenes that might not otherwise occur. If the couple is willing, in just 6-7 minutes a videographer can direct some impressive shots that will pay big emotional dividends in the final edit.
What good editing can do.
Creative camera handling together with a little directing is only part of the formula. Filters and layering can be applied in post production to give the video depth and drama. Soft transitions add smoothness; animated text adds elegance, and the music adds passion. When both the videographer and editor are on the same page stylistically it makes for a visually stunning production.
How does lighting play into this scenario? At a minimum, just as with photography and film, a video production needs enough light to obtain proper exposure. Lighting, under ideal circumstances, should be artistically designed to create the mood the videographer is looking for. Sometimes it's naturally occurring ambient light, other times artificial lighting is required. Admittedly, in event videography much of the taping is done on-the-go where complex lighting set-ups are not possible. Often, the best that can be hoped for is a bit of ambient light, some low wattage on-camera lighting and perhaps some tripod mounted soft lighting where circumstances permit. In a dark setting, when push comes to shove, any lighting that allows for adequate exposure is going to be better than no lighting at all.
Speaking of exposure
Another thing that helps with dark environments is a sensitive camera, one that does well in low light, even candlelight. Rule of thumb: find a professional videographer with a good working knowledge of lighting and sensitive professional camera and the image quality will benefit substantially.
What about the musical soundtrack? The music score can make the difference between an outstanding video production and a mediocre one. Music creates the emotional tension that sets the stage for what's to come in the video. Music creates moods, builds energy, foreshadows and in an important way manipulates the emotional experience of the viewer. The music and the images have an intimate, supporting relationship. When the two come together correctly in a romantic scene, for example, the result is the very predictable, goose-bump feeling that we've all experienced in the movie theater. It's no different in a well-produced wedding or special event video, and it doesn't happen by accident. When the music is properly researched and matched to the visuals, the two elements enhance one another in a magical way with a big emotional payoff.
How does the use of dialogue fit into a wedding or special event video?
Dialogue is an element that is too often overlooked or not used to its best advantage in event video. Insightful comments about the bride and groom from close relatives and friends can be intertwined with the video footage and sound track to add huge dramatic impact and relevance to the production. It's the content of the message that stirs the emotions as well as identification with the person delivering it. Above all, the information needs to go beyond the all too typical "congratulations, have a nice life" comments to something deeper, reflecting back on experiences, impressions and memories of the celebrants, and the videographer has to pose questions that target this type of privileged information. To hear a parent, grandparent or life-long friend describe a significant moment in the bride or groom's life in and of itself is very moving, but when coupled with a compelling piece of video and a dramatic sample of music, it's indescribable. The feelings that are generated can be very powerful.
All these things taken together are the elements of cinematic event video production that, in the hands of a skilled video pro, can transform an ordinary wedding shoot into a moving and memorable movie-like experience.
