Keeping Track of Soundtracks
I subscribed to netflix this summer, which was a great decision. Around our house, we average a DVD per week through the service. Through this regular movie going I’ve found that movie soundtracks are a great place to find wedding music (duh). Among those I recently came across was Dan in Real Life. First of all, this movie is hilarious. The soundtrack was scored by Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche. The album features several mood-rich Acoustic guitar based instrumentals. Among the other tracks are whimsical, upbeat songs like “Modern Nature”, a duet which features Regina Spektor, or the love song “My Hands are Shaking”. Another standout is the cover of Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open the Door”
Like most married men, I have to watch “Chick Flicks” from time to time. Although I wouldn’t watch the movie again, “Just like Heaven” begins with a slow, acoustic version of the Cure song “Just like Heaven” as interpreted by Katie Melua. While searching for the song online I came across a number of other versions/covers. One, performed by Laura Cortese, which would work well at setting the mood in a wedding. On a side note, I’ve always preferred Dinosaur Jr.’s version of this song, although it’s much less romantic than others.
Perhaps you might find these a bit pedestrian, so……..got any others???
Grant
Jonathan & Jessica’s island reception
What a day For Jessica & Jonathan. In fact, what a week. The bridal party just returned from the couple’s destination wedding in Jamaica and brought the caribbean back with them. They were close friends & family, and the experience seemed to have brought them even closer. Hearing the stories about the trip also made it easier for me to get to know the party.
The staff at the Kokomo Country Club did a great job taking care of everyone. DJ Shawn D was awesome, interacting with the crowd, maintaining the party atmosphere all night long . I enjoyed meeting the husband & wife team from Veldman Photography. Being a friend of the couple, I’m sure Abby was able to capture their true emotions. The cake table was beautifully arranged with handmade chocolates and a beautiful 3 tier cake from J. Edwards.
Thanks Jessica & Jonathan for including me in your day.
Grant
Thomas & Amanda
When you focus on a person for a full day you really get a sense of who they are. This is one of the things I enjoy about wedding videography. Throughout the wedding day I look for details. These are the pieces of information that connect the events, locations, and especially the people together as part of something larger.
I’m close to finishing post-production on Thomas & Amanda’s Wedding, which was shot June 19th. They were a great couple to work with: fun yet sincere. They’re a perfect of example of my previous point. As I reviewed & edited their footage, I could tell they truly loved each other. The looks on their faces, the subtle & not so subtle emotions… This day meant more to them than a wedding & party. This was the start of their life.
I’m glad I could play a part in capturing those details. Thanks Guys!
Grant
A Place for Everything & Everything in it’s Place.
I always forget how busy the month of May is. Every year, these 30 days flash by & “POOF”, summer wedding season is here. During which time my new equipment arrived, has been setup, tested, & arranged into new Pelican cases. In case you’re not familiar with them, Pelican cases are waterproof, shockproof, & just plain look cool. In addition to protecting the equipment, this setup will make transport much easier.
Canon XH A1, Batteries, Charger,
Accessories Case- Lights, Shotgun Mics, Wireless Lapel Mic, Headphones, Tripod Remotes, Tapes, & room to grow.
Wedding budget priorities.
I wanted to share a paragraph from an article I came across recently.
The Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA), commissioned a 2005 nationwide study to look at brides’ attitudes about videography both before and after their weddings. The brides were asked to rank videography on a personal “Top 10” list of wedding priorities. Prior to their weddings, barely 50% of the brides listed videography as a Top 10 item. However, after the weddings the emphasis changed dramatically. A whopping 79% of the brides placed videography among their Top 10 items for wedding planning.
I bet a survey conducted years afterwards would show those percentages increasing further. Here’s why: Your video captures the timeless intimate details of your individual wedding celebration. It endures long after the flowers & cake. Your video will be around long after you’ve forgotten who gave you the fondue set.
Grant
You know, that one song?
There’s just something visceral about music. Hearing a particular song can bring back memories & nostalgic feelings. Play some early Pearl Jam (Yellow Ledbetter) and I’m back in High School. It’s even more amazing what it does for video. If I take a video clip, set it to slow motion & black & white……okay. But, if I also play the right song behind the video, it creates an amazing emotional experience. Editing video has changed the way I listen to music. It seems like every other day, I’ll be driving along with my ipod on shuffle when a song causes me to edit a movie in my mind. I can picture specific content & camera angles. There are some songs that I would love to work with, that are just perfect for the right sequence or product. But enough with my issues. Here’s a short list of songs that lately have been making movies in my head.
Tuolumne, Eddie Vedder (short acoustic instrumental perfect for credits)
Hard Sun, Eddie Vedder
Forever, Ben Harper (I used this song once & unlike other songs I’ve edited with, I still love hearing it again & again)
Catapult, Counting Crows (Live w/out a Net version)
Smoothie Song, Nickel Creek (another instrumental perfect for intros & credits, high energy)
Time after Time, Eva Cassidy (Another one I’d love to use again)
Nightswimming, R.E.M.
Landslide, Smashing Pumpkins
Jack Johnson, Do You Remember? (although I’m not a Jack Johnson fan, his songs have a calm fun mood)
These are just songs that have an effect in my mind. They may not be right or appropriate for your video, which is perfectly understandable. The bottom line is, I tell clients they should choose songs that resonate within their minds the same way.
Grant
Spring is in the Air
This is a welcomed period of transition for us. We’re currently in the process of purchasing new cameras, switching our workflow and postproduction to include the possibility of high definition. Our schedules are filling up for the season, as a handful of clients recently have recently come on board. From promotion, to equipment, to software, a proverbial spring is in the air around here and we owe it all to our clients. Thanks again for giving onTask media the chance to capture the important aspects of your lives.
Grant