We all have questions. Maybe our website wasn’t as thorough as you would have liked. Maybe our wording was a bit too vague. Or maybe you wanted to take the time to thoroughly check our website before you made a commitment. Whatever the reason or question, please take a moment to check out this FAQ list. Chances are you might find what you are looking for. If not, please email us at: info@empirevideoproductions.com or give us a call at: 305-695-0095 and we will be happy to address your concerns and questions.
- Why choose a professional to videotape your event?
- Why is equipment important to the professional videographer?
- What is our videotaping philosophy?
- Will shooting the video be intrusive or interfere with my wedding or special event?
- Will my dvd play on my home player?
- Who will the videographer be for my event?
- If we contracted for five hours, why is my final DVD less than two?
- How long will I have to wait to receive my video?
- Can I choose my own music for my wedding and event video?
- Can I purchase extra copies?
- Can I copy my DVD?
- How do I access the online system to check a date?
- How do I add information to my online contract or make a payment?
- How will the DJ be attired for my event?
- Does the DJ take requests during my event?
- What is your deposit requirement?
- How will you plan and coordinate our event?
- How do I check to see if you are available on my event date?
- How do I contact you if I have additional questions or comments?
WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL TO VIDEOTAPE YOUR EVENT?
In today’s visual society, anyone with a camera can tape your event. But to truly capture the moment and tell a compelling story, you need the services of a professional videographer. A professional is someone who enjoys the art of storytelling, enjoys the craft of videography and enjoys using the wonderful technology that exist out there to preserve memories that are worth sharing with anyone. Professionals have a passion for what they do – no matter whether it’s the first video production or the 100th. It is that passion and dedication to the art of video making that separates the professional from the amateur.
We have found that experience comes in all shapes and sizes. No matter whether the individual (or the company) has been around for 2 years or 20 years, it is the individual attention, professional approach and flexibility to meet the customers needs which is important in choosing a videographer. Choose carefully, choose wisely but all means choose a professional.
Back to the topWHY IS EQUIPMENT IMPORTANT TO THE PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHER?
A professional videographer is always tasks with balancing the needs of the customer with the right equipment to invest. While all of us would like to purchase the very top of the line video equipment nether our budgets (nor the budget’s of our clients) can always meet that need. With that said, a good video production company will invest in 3-CCD video cameras that can capture rich color & detail and perform well in low light situations. In addition a videographer should invest in quality wireless and hand-held microphones, lighting & audio kits and a stable platform to create video memories. Many videographers are moving to high definition. Make sure your videographer is experience in shooting HD – it is a little different than shooting standard definition video.
Back to the topWHAT IS OUR VIDEOTAPING PHILOSOPHY?
We are first and foremost storytellers. Our goal is to capture the day’s event in an unobtrusive and creative manner. We do not bring blaring lights, long cables and a lot of equipment to turn your wedding or special event into a Hollywood production (unless you want us too). Instead we focus on the private and special moments that occur throughout the day. We listen to your ideas, we address your concerns and we use our experience & dedication to provide you with a memorable keepsake. INSPIRED CREATIVE, PASSION and UNIQUENESS is what we can bring to you.
Back to the topWILL SHOOTING THE VIDEO BE INTRUSIVE OR INTERFERE WITH MY WEDDING OR SPECIAL EVENT?
This is probably one of the most common concerns. Our style insures we will never be “in the way”. Our goal is to capture the moment, not the attention. We’ll never interfere with the flow of events or become center stage. This day is all about you, and so are we. In fact, if we do our job right, you might forget we’re there.
Back to the topWILL MY DVD PLAY ON MY HOME PLAYER?
In most cases, it will play just fine. However, you should be aware that DVD is a technology that is still being standardized: at least as it applies to the DVD- 5 standard which includes all computer produced DVD’s. All the DVD’s we produce use the single most compatible standard: DVD-R. If your DVD player is less than three years old, we doubt you will have any problems at all. As a general rule, the newer your equipment, the less likely you are to have any problems at all. We always recommend you use a name brand player as oppose to an inexpensive off the shelf brand – you will experience better playback from all DVD media material no matter where you get if from. If you have any problems, just let us know and we will replace your DVD right away.
Back to the topWHO WILL THE VIDEOGRAPHER BE FOR MY EVENT?
After your initial meeting or consultation, you will know that you can trust our integrity and professionalism. All of our videographers are highly experience and talented at what they do. One of the owners of the company will be your videographer. If they are not available, one of our experience staff members will be on the job. After all, our reputation is built around our personal service as well as our finished product so we want to make sure you have the best.
Back to the topIF WE CONTRACTED FOR FIVE HOURS, WHY IS MY FINAL DVD LESS THAN TWO?
Basically there are two important factors that determine the length of each movie we produce. First of all, believe us when we say you may think that you want to see every minute of tape, but we may film the church exterior shots three or four times from five or six different angles looking for just the right shot. We may have 20 minutes of people just milling around, looking for some great casual shots. And sitting watching Aunt Edna dancing to “YMCA” or “Staying Alive” may be fun for the first few minutes, but it’s really not the primary service you have retained us to perform; your Uncle Bob can do that. We like to think of what we do as Video Journalism, and our craft is in the telling of your story. We edit for brevity and content. We do that by capturing the true emotion and uniqueness of your event, and then we weave those events together to form a wonderful capsule of your day. We promise you won’t miss anything important that happens.
Secondly, there are limitations on the amount of data a DVD-5 disc will hold. Your typical Hollywood movie is burned in a dual layer format that allows for twice the amount of information as a DVD-5. The more data – your story – the higher the compression. The more compression, the poorer the quality. We could jam each DVD full of every detail, but the overall story and quality will be the victim. Depending on the package you choose, we will include an unmanned 2nd camera that will tape the entire time we are at the reception so you can have that footage to look at.
Back to the topHOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO RECEIVE MY VIDEO?
It usually takes between 4 – 6 weeks to produce your wedding and event video. We will spend more than 30 hours editing and producing your keepsake. The original video will be in digital format to preserve video and audio quality. There are times during the heavy video season where our turnaround time may take longer than 6 weeks. We will advise you of this case. If it takes longer than 10 weeks to produce your video, we will refund 10% of your package price.
Back to the topCAN I CHOOSE MY OWN MUSIC FOR MY WEDDING AND EVENT VIDEO?
Our editing staff has years of experience at hitting the music just right but we are open to suggestions or requests that you may have for the opening or closing video montage, photo montage or cocktail hour montage. However, we request that you send us this music PRIOR to your wedding or no later than 2 weeks after your wedding. Any delays could slow down when your final video will be completed.
Back to the topCAN I PURCHASE EXTRA COPIES?
You can buy extra copies at anytime. Review your contract to determine the duplication cost that applies to you. Your DVD will mastered and archived for later use. We can duplicate from that master at anytime.
Back to the topCAN I COPY MY DVD?
We understand that you paid good money for that DVD. We have placed no copy protection on our DVD’s and therefore copying is at your discretion. However, in order to receive your custom DVD box and graphics on your disc, you will have to purchase a copy from us.
Back to the topHOW DO I ACCESS THE ONLINE SYSTEM TO CHECK A DATE?
To check to see if a date is available, click on the link below. Put in the date of your event and click on the button that says "check availability." If we are available, a information request form will open up allowing you to give us some information about your event. We will respond to your inquiry in 48 hours.
HOW DO I ADD INFORMATION TO MY ONLINE CONTRACT OR MAKE A PAYMENT?
To make an event payment, give us additional information, pick songs for your DJ or make changes in the event timeline, click on the link below that says "Current Customers - Log In Here." Your username is the date of your event. Your password will be mailed to you when we set up your online contract. Once inside the system, you may add, delete or change any information you need. We will be notified immediately. In addition, to make a payment, click on the green button that says "Make Payment Online." Our dynamic on-line system is free and easy to use and will help you in all of event planning needs.
Back to the topHOW WILL THE DJ BE ATTIRED FOR MY EVENT?
Your DJ will wear attire that is appropriate for the type of event you are planning. We won’t be coming to your event dressed like we are ready for a night out at the club (unless your event is a club event). Weddings & Quinces will be in suit and tie (or vest and tie), corporate events will be in suit and tie.
Back to the topDOES THE DJ TAKE REQUESTS DURING MY EVENT?
As long as we have the music, the DJ will take just about any request that you may ask for. If someone makes a request that is inappropriate for the setting or music that has harsh or vulgar language in it, we reserve the right not to play that music to maintain the tone of your event.
Back to the topWHAT IS YOUR DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT?
All of our contracts require a 50% retainer fee and a signed contract (or typed email acceptance letter) to secure our services and book your date. That retainer fee insures that no other contract will be booked for your event date. Wedding and Event clients – your final payment is due on the day of your event. Corporate clients – your final payment is due on the day your video is shipped to your office. All duplications request require payment in full prior to any duplication project beginning. You can pay via money order, personal check or by credit card via our online contract system. All personal checks must clear (allow 5 to 7 business days) before any service is performed.
Back to the topHOW WILL YOU PLAN AND COORDINATE OUR EVENT?
We utilize a fantastic on-line planning and contract system that allows you to add, modify or change any aspect of your event. It allows you to tell us if something important has been added or if something will be removed. If you hire our DJ services, our on-line system gives you the opportunity to pick and choose your playlist and songs that will be played that evening. We will make sure that we go over all the planning stages of your event to make sure that we cover everything and perform to your expectation.
Back to the topHOW DO I CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE AVAILBLE ON MY EVENT DATE?
We have a rather nifty on-line contract system that keeps track of all the events that we are booked for. You will find that log in screen on every page of our website. Simply put in the date of your event and the system will check for you. If we available, an information request sheet will show up and you can tell us about your event so we can quote you a rate.
Back to the topHOW DO I CONTACT YOU IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
Feel free to send us an email at info@empirevideoproductions.com. We answer all emails in a timely and expedient fashion. You can also call our office at: 305-695-0095 during Mon – Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4 pm. We are closed on Sundays and holidays.
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