Company Profile - Big Event Video

- How long have you been in business?

   * Big Event Video opened in 1984 and has captured hundreds of weddings for newlyweds with distinction.  We've seen great changes in the video business over the years and have benefited from continual upgrades in equipment quality and cost effectiveness.  The result of our 23 years of experience and frequent improvement in equipment technology is that our clients receive high quality weddings videos that often exceed their expectations.

- What Makes your company unique?  

   * Our approach is to ensure your particular wedding video is tailored to your specific needs.  We are extremely flexible in packaging and allow you to choose each individual option.  You also can tell us what areas to focus on when shooting and editing.  This begins with a simple questionnaire form you complete for us and continues through follow up consultation.  We also allow you to choose what kind of music we'll use during editing.  At Big Event Video each bride will have an opportunity to tell us how they want the final product to look.  We've found that it's just as easy to shoot one way versus another so we welcome any preferences you may have.

- What does your company offer?

   * Big Event Video provides an Ala Carte approach to packaging.  You build your own custom package and get exactly what you need.  This is far superior to the 1 size fits all approach of many other verdors.  Our overall flexibility and openness to your special needs is reflected in our Ala Carte service menu.  We WILL accommodate your budget without sacrificing quality.  Big Event Video is Milwaukee's first Wedding Video provider offering the HIGH DEFINITION HDTV Format.

- Do you accept special requests?

   * Again, our entire approach is based on satisfying your particular needs at every opportunity.  This can include unique events within your larger wedding day event or a variety of special touches that capture moments that are special to you.  After 23 years of videotaping weddings no request is too unusual! 

- How long is the finished video?

   * Most edited videos are just about 2 hours long, including about 1 hour of ceremony coverage and about 1 hour of reception coverage.  The length of your wedding video will depend on the actual sub-events occuring on your special day.  Also, your video package coverage options will impact the length of your final master, depending on extras such as the  Rehearsal, Bride's House, Pre-Reception Getaway, etc.  For planning purposes expect the final video to be very close to 2 hours in length.

- When do we receive the finished product?

   * Once your event has been videotaped we will complete the final video master about 2 weeks later.  This is probably The Best turnaround time of any vendor in the wedding video business!  During peak periods turnaround may be a little longer but we will still meet our 2-week promise whenever specifically rquested in advance.  Video masters are stored for a minimum of 6 months after your event so additional copies are available within that period.

- Do you provide references and samples?

   * You can feel confident about our quality service record by sampling our previous work.  We encourage you to visit our main office and see for yourself.  Most video companies show you a "Demo" reel of edited highlights.  This misleading approach only shows bits and pieces of their best work.  We show you actual wedding videos from start to finish so you'll get a better idea of what your finished wedding video will actually look like.  Additionally, we receive continual refurrals from recent clients that you can review as well.  See also our testimonial page on this website.

Shooting Process Details - How We Capture Your Wedding Day

- Who actually does the videography and editing?

   * We do ALL of our own shooting in house.  Our videographers are seasoned professionals who have captured live events on video for a minimum of 5 years each!  Two of us have over 15 years of experience and the others have 7 and 12 years respectively.  We have 1 fulltime editor who has been with the company for 12 years.  Unlike other video and photo vendors we never use outside contractors to provide our service to you.

- When do you arrive and how long do you stay?

   * Your videographer will arrive at the church a minimum of 1 hour prior to the ceremony start time.  All day coverage (Ceremony & Reception) will normally conclude around 10:00 pm.  Additional coverage is available on request.  Upon completion of video coverage your event videographer will notify you prior to leaving.

- What kind of equipment do you use?

   * Our video equipment from camera to editing system is all state of the art.  Cameras are 3 Chip digital broadcast quality and editing is performed on a computer based "nonlinear" platform.  Don't let other vendors dazzle you with fancy descriptions of their equipment.  Simply view the finished product and judge the quality for yourself.  We can shoot in either standard digital format or high quality HDTV (High Definition)

- Do you use any special equipment? 

   * Our cameras are extremely low light sensitive so there is no need to use additional flood lights.  We do add camera mounted mini lights for reception dancing when the situation calls for it.  Our camera mounted microphones are directional so there is little need for added mics.  However, the one exception to this is capturing the vows which usually requires a wireless mic.  A single mic clipped to the lapel of the groom will guarantee you will clearly hear that key phrase..."I Do".

- What is your shooting style?

   * We prefer the documentary style that involves a "fly on the wall" subtle approach so you won't notice us while we capture the highlights of your wedding day.  Unlike the photographer who is frequently staging shots and giving directions to the couple we like to stay in the background and do our job discretely.

- Do you interview guests?

   * For planning purposes expect us to interview the bridal party and parents.  We can do more or less depending on your preferences.  Some brides like guest interviews while others don't want the videographer "interfering" with the people at their wedding.  You let us know what you want and we'll gladly accommodate your needs!

- Can we provide input on how the video looks?

   * Yes and we encourage any and all feedback from you.  Your primary tool to accomplish this is the wedding scene questionnaire.  You prioritize the various parts of your big day and we'll focus our effort on meeting those preferences.

- How do you work with other hired vendors?

   * As a normal practice we communicate early with the photographer and the DJ to coordinate efforts and work together.  We've found over the years that most vendors will cooperate with us once we've established a joint game plan early in the day.  This makes our job and theirs much easier to perform. 

Options and Package Details

- Can we make changes to our chosen package?

   * Within reason we will gladly accommodate changes to your video package up to 15 days prior to the event.  Often this involves adding another location to capture, like the park photos trip or a visit to a sports bar prior to the reception.  Other changes to the itinerary are normally fine as long as we have adequate notice.

- Which package provides the best value?

   * The best package is one that reflects your needs so any one you piece together will be a good value for you since you won't have to pay for additional options you don't want.  Our most popular camera package is choosing 2 cameras for the ceremony and 1 for the reception.  Additional cameras at the reception is often redundant and doesn't add as much value as the 2 cameras do for the ceremony.  However this is always situational and depends on what is being presented and the layout of the locations.  In general we believe you'll find the best value is a 2 camera ceremony and 1 camera Reception. 

- Do you use any special effects?

   * During editing we'll use occasional fades and wipes to add a little spice to the video but as a general rule we don't like to use to many extra special effects.  We shoot documentary style so we try to capture your event as it happened.  Excessive computer effects often detract from the live feel of your wedding day video so as a general rule we try to avoid using them.  Two areas where you'll see a lot of effects are the photo montage and intro titles montage.

- What do you need for the photo montage? 

   * Bring us 35-45 pictures or flat visuals numbered in the sequence you want them in and we'll scan, edit and transfer them into a video photo montage.  We encourage you to provide music of your liking as long as it's on a standard CD with your favorite tracks noted.  We will gladly produced an expanded version with as many photos as you like (higher cost quoted on a case by case basis).  For planning purposes a typical montage lasts about 3 - 5 minutes.  We recommend grouping your pictures into 3 sections as follows; 1 - Bride, 2 - Groom, 3 - Couple.  Of course you may form any groupings you wish.  Also, we can edit 1 favorite song to the whole piece or use partial songs for each group.  We'll need your photos or digital picture files along with the music no later than 2 weeks prior to your wedding day.

Administrative Details

- What do we need to provide you with? 

   * Prior to the event clients should provide an invitation and directions to specified locations.  You should notify us when special restrictions apply during the taping of your event.  When parking is restricted and involves a fee this should be coordinated in advance to accommodate the videographer.  Events that involve reception coverage should include a dinner meal for the videographer.  Separate seating in a different room should be avoided as it prevents capturing spontaneous presentations in the main dining area.  We recommend a seating arrangement that allows a centered, direct line of site to the head table so the bride and groom can easily be captured on camera at any moment during the diner.  Finally, we would like you to let us know which parts of your event are most important to YOU.  Every bride has different priorities and we will gladly focus on those things that are important to you.  

- Are there any hidden fees? 

   * All fees are clearly specified on the contract sheet.  A travel charge may apply for locations requiring significant travel time.  Normally locations within a 50 minute drive time radius will be free of charge.  Beyond that charges will typically range between $50 - $100 max.  Your final master and any copies will normally be picked up at our main office however they can be shipped to you at a nominal charge.  If fees apply they will always be specified prior to the event.

- Do you offer any promotions or discounts? 

   * Big Event Video offers very reasonable prices for a professionally produced wedding video however we do occasionally introduce Off Season promotions (December through March).  These and other advertised discounts must be presented prior to booking.  Also, we will generally match other competitors prices or promotions as long as their package compares to ours.  We take pride in offering you the best video value in South Eastern Wisconsin!

- When and how should we reserve our date? 

   * Clients should reserve popular dates (summer months and holiday weekends) at least 6 months in advance.  Be aware that September and October are fast becoming popular months as well for weddings so the same rule applies.  You shoud contact us prior to sending a deposit to insure your date is still available.  Deposits are a dual committment to your date and are Non-Refundable.  We commit to exclusively capture your event and you commit to book with us on our key, limited weekend dates.  If you change your date with 6 months advance notice we will credit your deposit to the new date.  To reserve your date with us requires a $300 deposit, which can be presented in person or mailed.  We will place a temporary hold on your date if you notify us via phone or email that the deposit is being mailed.

            Any other questions not listed here?  Contact us at:

                        Phone (414) 476-8665
                 Email  bigeventvv@hotmail.com