Frequently Asked Questions
To help you commission your film project, we have prepared answers to a number of questions clients frequently ask us. We hope you find these useful!
How long will the finished video last?
Like any good film, your video should hold people’s attention by showing the most interesting and significant moments without trailing off into less gripping details. This requires good storytelling skills and careful judgment by the editor. Our video productions are kept as long as needed to convey their message, yet short enough to maintain interest and attention!
What area do you cover?
We generally market our services in London and the South East as we like to be close to our clients to discuss and plan things easily. However, if you are based in another part of the country, or even abroad, we are happy to provide a service subject to additional charges (see optional extras).
Will the film production be discreet?
Yes absolutely. Our camera crew are very experienced in documentary and events coverage and use professional lenses and equipment to capture stunning footage. Unlike a photographer, we do not usually engage with our subject setting up shots, but rather focus on capturing the spontaneity and spirit of the occasion.
How soon will the video production be ready?
If you have a deadline please tell us before booking. Otherwise the studio editing, sound mixing and DVD production process takes approximately 8-12 weeks (longer during peak season). We will keep you updated on progress and notify you as soon as it is ready. Upon delivery you have 7 days to notify us of any changes required, for which there are additional charges.
What will the sound quality be like?
Too often event videographers neglect sound quality, especially for ceremonies and speeches. On all our productions we avoid this problem by using a combination of tie-clip radio microphones and professional location microphones to capture cleaner sound. Before the video shoot, we will liaise with your venue concerning technical matters.
Can I choose the music?
We actively encourage input from our clients. Our aim is to produce a video which is as relevant and meaningful to you as possible. Our creative director will be delighted to discuss your preferred style of music and suggest additional tracks wherever needed. Final music availability is subject to copyright restrictions.
Can we discuss our project with you beforehand?
Definitely! Our creative director will invite you for a meeting to find out exactly what you would like and discuss ideas for making your video special. This usually takes place approx 2-4 weeks before the event, so that we have time to plan everything properly.
Who will be filming our event?
This depends on the production package you choose. All video projects are planned by our creative director who organises the shoot and supervises the post-production. If you choose the one-person crew, your event will be filmed by a senior member of our crew (see team profile) experienced in event videography. If you choose a two-person crew, this will include a senior cameraman whose job it is to lead the filming and ensure that we get the best possible coverage with the multi-camera set-up. For larger projects the shoot will be personally overseen by our creative director.
Can you film anything besides the main event?
Yes and it's a nice idea. We can produce a behind-the-scenes documentary of the build-up and preparations, interviews with guests and include special presentation material on your DVD. Whatever you like we’ll help ensure the finished result is totally unique, so don’t hesitate to tell us what you'd like!
What equipment do you use?
We use professional Sony DVCAM and HDV broadcast cameras and a range of specialist grip and lighting equipment. Sound recording is done with Sony wireless and Sennheiser location microphones. Editing takes place using Final Cut Pro and Avid Express on Apple MacIntosh G5 computers. In addition, we use a range of specialist peripheral equipment and software.
Do you use lighting equipment?
Lighting is important in producing a video to ensure the quality of the production. However it is not always appropriate to use artificial lighting, due to the nature of event and the type of coverage required. As part of our production planning we will discuss this with you to ensure the best results.
What are the copyright issues?
For private productions such as weddings, you are likely to have hymns or music played at the ceremony, as well as a DJ or live band later at the reception. These all require clearances, as does any commercial music added onto your video afterwards. For this we generally obtain a contract from European Copyright Licencing. For corporate productions or those with a commercial purpose, the copyright situation is rather more complex requiring the payment of royalties for any music recorded or dubbed onto the video afterwards. For more information about this, please contact us. Finally, please remember the copyright for the finished video always remains with the video producer and is subject to certain usage restrictions. For further information on copyright, please go to: www.intellectual-property.gov.uk
What insurance cover do you have?
As a professional organisation we have full insurance cover through Aaduki Multimedia Insurance in Okehampton, Devon. This includes £2million public liability insurance, £10million employers’ liability, £75,000 professional indemnity, plus full accidental damage and equipment loss.
How do I make a booking?
To make a booking, please phone us on 0800 234 6368 or complete the online enquiry form. Upon receipt of your details we will contact you to confirm our availability. We will then hold the date open for seven days during which time you will be required to complete a formal contract and pay a deposit of £250.00 (private clients only). Please make cheques payable to 'Bloomsbury Films'. You will then receive a copy of the contract and the balance must be paid seven days before the wedding.
How long afterwards can we purchase copies?
We keep the master copies indefinitely, however we recommend requests for copies are made within 12 months.
Is VAT included?
All prices exclude VAT. For private clients paying the full amount in advance we offer a discount equivalent to the VAT element.
If you have any other specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
Bloomsbury Films is a Master Member of the Institute of Videography and member of the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International.
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