CF Weddings

So we’ve been asked, “What is the difference between wedding video and wedding film?” One of our biggest goals is to stand out from other wedding videographers in Baton Rouge (and the region), and for us, it starts with a completely different mindset. The term “wedding video” and wedding videography has come to stand for a something traditional and cheesy, for lack of a better word. We like to think of our work as cinematic, which is why we use the term “film”. We want our couples to watch their wedding films and feel like they are watching a big budget movie. It’s this idea that keeps us striving to do our best work every time we shoot.

CF Weddings has created a YouTube channel for all of our online videos! This is in addition to the already awesome video sharing site Vimeo. Make sure you subscribe to our channel to get all of the latest videos.

http://www.youtube.com/user/cinematicemotion

We’ve had lots of requests for our FAQ to be listed online. Here ya go!

ABOUT US

Who is Contrast Films?

Contrast Films is a wedding film company located in Baton Rouge, LA. We have been in the business for 7 years, and have filmed tons of weddings. Contrast Films is co-owned by Jordy Wax (business manager) and Chase Smith (creative director). In May of 2011, we hired Adam Walters as a full-time shooter/editor. In addition to weddings and events, we also produce corporate, narrative, and music videos.

What makes Contrast Films different?

Watch a few of the films we have online and you’ll be able to see the difference! We coined the term “cinematic emotion”, because we truly feel that we are able to capture the emotion of a wedding a display it in a wedding film that looks and feels like a major motion picture.

BOOKING

How do we reserve a date?

We require a 20% retainer on the date of booking to secure the date. The remaining balance is due 14 days before the event.

Is a meeting required to book?

A meeting is not required to book, although we do like meeting with our couples face-to-face before the wedding. Our contract will be available online and can be digitally signed. It’s pretty cool!

Can we customize collections?

Of course! Our collections listed on our pricing sheet are meant as a launching pad to create the perfect wedding film for you.

Why aren’t your packages/prices on your website?

We like to meet with our couples and discuss what they expect to get from a wedding film before talking numbers. We want to provide the best service possible to our couples, and that usually means creating a custom collection for their wedding.

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual wedding?

We guarantee Chase, Jordy, or Adam at each wedding. We also work with other professional cinematographers who will accompany us from time to time.

Do you book more than one wedding in a day?

Almost never. However, having three team members does allow us the flexibility to be available for more than one event per day.

PAYMENT

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, and major credit cards via PayPal and Google Checkout.

When is payment due?

We require a 20% retainer to secure your date. We allow couples to pay as they see fit in small amounts every month or in one lump sum at a time. The balance is due in full 14 days before the wedding day.

THE DAY OF…

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?

Yes, always. While we have never had a camera malfunction before, we are always prepared for that rare instance.

Are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime?

Yes. Our overtime rate depends on the number of camera operators hired for your event.

What is your policy on taking breaks?

We cover as much time as possible by staggering our break times among camera operators. We require one meal per person at the reception. This keeps us from having to go off-location to eat.

AFTER THE WEDDING

Is the client involved in the editing process? If so, how much input does the client have in editing?

Our couples are encouraged to communicate any editing ideas before we begin the editing process.

Do you give access to your raw footage?

Our “raw” footage is labeled as a documentary-style edited video. This is much more pleasant than watching the same shot repeated multiple times, as well as unusable footage.

When can we expect our final product?

Our couples receive their finished product within 10 to 12 weeks.

As professional videographers, we have been to quite a few weddings. We can help our couples with advice on locations, ceremony times, and other non-video related aspects of weddings.

Our good friend and affiliate Aaron Hogan (Eye Wander Photo) has written an in-depth post on this topic. Click the link below to check it out.

Using Your Photographer to the Fullest