"At all times the company film events in a highly professional way whilst remaining as unobtrusive as possible. Smartness of camera crews is assured particularly for weddings."
Introduction
Commercial and Industrial
Weddings
Other Social Events
Other Video Services
Filming and Editing
Prices
Links
and Recommendations
Forthcoming
Events
Commercial
and Industrial
Filming and Editing
On average, the actual filming of most projects constitutes no more than one third of the time to make the video. The lengthy editing, titling,
sound tracking and copying process forms the bulk of work for the video producer - for example, a two-camera all day wedding coverage would require between three and four days to edit and copy, moreover, the quality and attention to detail of the editing process is a significant ingredient in the overall quality of the final production.
Unlike the wedding photographer who can freeze proceedings, 'set the stage' and use flash lighting with every shot, the videographer cannot interrupt activities but must work in all weather and lighting conditions in and out of doors doing the best he can to obtain good pictures, which for weddings must be first time, every time. There is no second chance. He must also be in the right place at the right time. Many locations, old churches especially, are totally impractical for filming purposes and a great deal of colour and brightness adjustments have to be made to video footage at the editing stage. Even different forms of artificial lighting in the same room have to be compensated to obtain constant colours. The editing stage in any video production is a painstaking task and with the use of two or more cameras can become daunting, nevertheless, with their many years experience of filming and editing a large number of commercial and industrial assignments, over 230 weddings and countless other social functions, the company are well able to deal with virtually any video assignment which may arise.
Filming
At all times the company film events in a highly professional way whilst remaining as
unobtrusive as possible. Smartness of camera crews is assured particularly for weddings. Concentration is on the matter in hand but always with an ear to instructions from customers and to the wishes of the bride and groom. Important and
relevant scenes are captured with steady cameras and
in-focus images and whilst our camera operators expect a degree of artistic
license in their filming, they do not video unnecessary and irrelevant
scenes and objects likely to distract from the more important elements of the event. Discretion and courtesy are always shown by camera crews to client company staff, wedding families and guests, at the same time, if and when necessary, camera operators will exercise polite professional authority if they are impeded or jostled by wedding guests in covering essential subjects such as speeches and cutting the cake.
In general filming, prolonged takes of individuals (which could cause uneasiness for them) is avoided, and most filming is done from a distance thanks to the in-camera picture stabilizer facilities. As much as
possible, inconvenience to anyone is reduced to a minimum.
Editing
Editing is an essential part of video production particularly when filming with two or more cameras. Footage from the cameras has to be sorted and synchronized and colours and brightness adjusted to remain constant. Stereo or mono sound levels from internal and external mics require constant balancing and adjustment. Unwanted footage needs to be erased and clips of picture and/or sound need to be inserted at various parts of the video. Special effects, transitions from one scene to another (either instant or by smooth dissolve) titles and final copying from the master tape are all part of the editing process.
Editing becomes even more involved for some commercial presentations. Whereas the company do not incorporate gimmicky features in their productions purely for the sake of it, there are occasions when emphasis and impact are required. Graphics, logos and other visual aids together with more varied text displays all form part of the more advanced editing process.
Also as part of the editing stage, the company usually insert soundtrack over certain short parts of a video (titles, introduction, general views, slow-motion replays etc) with its own choice of music as best fits the pictures, however, customers can select their own soundtrack as an alternative but it should be remembered that music used in videos may be subject to copyright restrictions.
There are basically two methods of video editing, one is 'on line editing' and the other 'post editing'. The on-line method is much as that adopted by broadcasters to the television networks whereby multi cameras are used as image gathering units which send their pictures to a central editing console controlled by the producer or studio technician. This person is in voice contact with each camera operator directing their movements and selecting their pictures. These are viewed on individual monitors at a central editing desk and edited (on-line as the action is taking place) to an edit deck which, subject to post adjustments, titles etc becomes the finished production.
Capital-Video are able to cover events such as concerts, lectures and generally large attended gatherings by this editing method but it should be stressed that video on-line recording requires up to half a day for setting up.
Post editing in the more common form for most video companies when just one or two cameras are used. Weddings and most social events come under tbis umbrella as do the bulk of commercial and industrial projects. Camera tape is used at a later time and edited through mixers, colour correctors, etc. to a professional video recorder, which, after titles, added soundtrack and other adjustments have been made,
become the finished master tape from which customer copies are made. All
picture gathering is in the digital (Pro DVCAM and HD) format and editing is
done on computer based video editing systems.
Whatever method is used, the company film and edit their productions with flexibility and adapt according to circumstances and events surrounding the assignment. Situations can change during an event and providing sufficient notice is given (especially before final editing is carried out) the company will do its utmost to ensure that the video is as close as possible to customers' requirements and high expectations.