Frequently Asked Questions

To help you commission your video 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. Depending on the length and type of event, this might vary from around 30 minutes to over three hours.

What area do you cover?

We are based in London and cover the whole of the UK. We also frequently undertake projects abroad. The prices on our website include travel and accommodation costs where necessary. We take the welfare and safety of our staff seriously, so wherever your event you can be sure our crew will be fresh and ready for the creative challenge!

Is the videography discreet?

Yes absolutely. Our videographers are very experienced in documentary and event filming and we only use equipment suited to capturing footage in this situation. Unlike photographers, we do not usually engage our subjects, but rather focus on capturing the spontaneity and spirit of the occasion.

How soon will the video be ready?

If you have a deadline please tell us before booking. Otherwise studio editing, sound mixing and DVD production takes a minimum of 3-6 months (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?

Very often videographers neglect sound quality, especially for things like ceremonies and speeches. At Bloomsbury Films we avoid this problem by using tie-clip radio microphone and wireless location microphones to capture cleaner sound. Before the video shoot, we may also 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 team 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?

Certainly! We will be delighted to meet you at our offices where we can listen to what you would like and discuss ideas for making your video special. This usually takes place 4 weeks before the event to allow time to plan everything properly.

Do you use lighting?

Lighting is as important to the quality of video as a flash is to photography. However, we understand that strong lighting may not be appropriate to the atmosphere of your particular event. Therefore wherever possible we set our cameras to use available light and only use dimmable camera lights where absolutely necessary. During a wedding for example, we would only use lights at the end of the day during the partying.

What equipment do you use?

We use professional Sony HDV broadcast cameras and a range of specialist lenses, grip and lighting equipment. Sound recording is done with hardwired and wireless Sennheiser location microphones. Back in our studio, we edit with Final Cut Pro on Apple MacIntosh computers. In addition, we use a range of specialist peripheral equipment and software.

Who will be filming our event?

We currently employ 11 professional videographers. Each one has worked in the film and television industry for many years and has been hand-picked by our creative director for their creative and technical abilities. Our team includes men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds, all of whom are able to think on their feet and deliver excellent material every time. When working our videographers use a discreet radio talk-back system so they can communicate with each other to ensure excellent co-ordination.

What are the copyright issues?

Any event involving live performances such as a choir singing or musicians playing it is the client's responsibility to check with them beforehand whether you have their permission to film them. Secondly any music added to the video afterwards may require clearances, depending on the source. For example popular and classical music can be dubbed onto wedding DVDs at relatively small expense, however for corporate projects we strongly advise using royalty-free production music. For specific advice on your project, we will be pleased to help you.

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 check our availability, please phone us on 0800 234 6368 or complete the online enquiry form. Upon receipt of your enquiry 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 £500.00 (private clients only). We accept payment by cheque, debit/credit card or bank transfer. You will then receive a copy of the contract and the balance must be paid four weeks before the event.

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?

Prices for private clients include VAT and payment is due prior to the event. Corporate pricing excludes VAT.

If you have any other specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us