“Why do you call it a wedding film instead of a wedding video?”
I am a wedding filmmaker. I make wedding films. Sure, I’ve used the term “videographer” here and there, but I’ve been thinking lately about what these words mean, and the weight they carry.
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2021 with a degree in Film and Video Production. Throughout my time there, I was able to take part in a variety of productions, from the simplest of assignments to award-winning shorts. Each of these projects falls into two categories: Videos and Films.
So, what’s the difference?
Let’s first step back and address the elephant in the room: it’s not pretentious to care about the difference. If you’re paying thousands of dollars for someone to document your day, you deserve to know what you’re paying for.
A piece I would define as a “video” would better serve corporate clients. They are usually produced at a very high level of quality, ultra sharp and smooth, and rehearsed. It’s supposed to be taken at face value, meaning that what you see is what it’s supposed to mean. I’ve seen wedding videos that look like this. They may be excellent quality, but they lack the personality and emotion most couples want when they hire for their wedding. You won’t see a wedding videographer tearing up during your vows, because it’s usually just a job for them. Think of a wedding video like a Marvel movie. People love them, they’re well-made, and they bring in the big bucks. But they don’t really invoke any deep thought, and they all look very similar to each other. Many wedding filmmakers start off with this safe, simple formula before they find their style and voice. And that’s okay.
A film is literally a different story. It is a living, breathing, constantly evolving creation from the moment filming begins, ending when it is delivered. It reflects the decisions made by the filmmaker, but more importantly the wishes of the couple, both spoken and unspoken. This is why it’s so important for me to form a connection with couples before we sign any contracts. At the risk of sounding crude and vague, the film matches the particular energy and vibe given off by the couple. Ultimately, the goal of a wedding film is to tell your unique love story, using visual and auditory elements to invoke feelings that go beyond what is shown or spoken.
All that talk sounds good - but what does this mean in practice?
Well, I try to do a few things to make sure I am creating a film, and not accidentally making a video.
I use manual control in my films as much as I can, leaving as few decisions as possible to the robotic algorithms inside of my camera. Exposure, focus, and framing is all handled intentionally. I won’t buy lenses based on their sharpness, but embrace the character found in each piece of glass.
I capture a couple’s wedding day as it truly is - with all of its ebbs and flows, and all of the perfect and imperfect moments. If a groom has to pause his vows to wipe tears out of his eyes, that doesn’t ruin the shot, and I won’t cut away. His emotions will permeate through the screen directly to the viewer.
I hope this answers any questions you may have, and helps you in your search, if you’re in the market for a wedding filmmaker.
Check out my work, and get in touch with me below!
