FOR EVERY OCCASION
MODERN DAY MOVIE MAKERS
by Kristin Devoto
Videography has come a long way since the burgeoning popularity of wedding videos in the 1980’s. In fact, many videographers now refer to themselves as cinematographers in order to escape that very association. If party planners don’t do their research in this category, they’re sure to miss out on what might have been one of their favorite ways to remember their event.
FROM ROM VIDEOGRApHY V TO CINEMATOGRApHY
So what’s all the fuss about? Is cinematography just a fancy name for a home video? Not according to Ryan Rodinis of RODINIS FILMS. According to Ryan, the difference is -- simply put -- that the end product “is a cinematic experience. A wedding video can be really boring. We create a film that people want to watch again and again.” Dustin Blake of INDY pRODUCTIONS agrees. “If you watch a wedding video and feel like you need to fast forward it,” he said, “that’s probably videography.”
SO, O,, WHAT’S WHAT REALLY CHANGED? NEW EW CAMERAS: Cameras
used today are much more advanced, allowing for a higher quality of footage. “Most cinematographers shoot with DSLRs,” said Blake, “and it has such a different look. It’s a much cleaner product and it’s changed the whole game.”
Extensive knowledge, composition, training and artistic style set today’s cinematographers apart from the reels of yester-year.
COMpOSITION OMpOSITION & STYLE:
Editing by a cinematographer is much more extensive. Rodinis Films usually distills a wedding film down to 20 minutes plus trailer. Reliving every second of the day would take, well, 24 hours. And frankly, that’s not the point. “It’s being able to tell a story,” said Rodinis.
EDITING: DITING:
SOUNDS OUNDS GREAT, GREAT BUT WHAT ABOUT MY BUDGET? SHOWN ABOVE Left: Dustin Blake of Indy Productions shooting footage of a wedding reception. Right: Ryan Rodinis of Rodinis Films captures the detail in a bride’s dress.
Remember, the number of hours of footage will affect the bottom line so share your budget with your cinematographer and work together on a package that will accommodate everyone. Rodinis recognizes that people have different priorities for events, but still feels that cinematography should be included whenever possible. “You can spend a lot of money making things memorable, but you also want to remember it yourself,” he said. When it comes to pulling the trigger on the right cinematographer, we suggest you look no further than the computer screen. With the advent of youtube, vimeo and other media sharing sites, seeing what cinematographers and their work is all about is easier than ever.
30 | THE MAGAZINE FOR CELEBRATING IN STYLE