Thank you for taking a look at our most frequently asked questions. We want to be sure that you are completely confident with your decision in choosing our videography services. By means of the FAQ we hope to give you satisfying answers to all of your questions. We highly encourage those who are interested in our services to read all of the information below. If you are just looking for a specific question we have categorized the questions into seven categories to help direct you. If you don't find the answer in one category check the others as many questions could fit under multiple categories. If your question is not answered here please contact us.
Table of Contents:
A. What do I do now?
B. Making a decision
- I want to set up a meeting with you to discuss details in person. How can I do that?
- Can you hold my date until I figure out what package I want?
- Do you charge travel fees?
- How is payment scheduled?
- How can I make a payment?
- I found someone that is offering me the same package at a better price. Can you beat that price?
- Do you have any recommendations for other event professionals?
- Can I add a videographer to my package?
- What is the Information Form?
- What are Love Story Interviews?
- How would you show the Love Story Interviews at the Reception?
C. Shooting Questions
- Can I split up the filming hours that are included in my package?
- What kind of cameras do you use?
- What do you do about low-light conditions?
- Do you shoot in a photo-journalistic style or in a cinematic style?
- Will you shoot at multiple locations?
- What if your equipment fails?
- What if the videographer gets sick or is otherwise unable to make it to the event?
- Will you be at the rehearsal?
- What is Rehearsal Coverage?
- Do you get interviews from the guests?
- Do you use wireless microphones at the ceremony?
- What time will you arrive?
- What does complete coverage of the event mean?
- Will the videographer have an assistant?
- Will the videographer(s) expect a meal?
- Can you start filming with the Bride and/or Groom getting ready ahead of time?
- I have seen other event videos that are very shaky. What do you do to avoid shaky video?
- Who will shoot my event?
D. Editing Questions
- What is Custom DVD authoring?
- What benefits are there to having DVD authoring?
- Do you put music behind the video?
- What is a Music Video Montage?
- What is a Music Photo Montage?
- Can I choose my own music for the DVD menus, music video montages and other segments?
- Do you edit the video?
- Do you put the footage on DVD or VHS?
- Who will edit my video?
- Will the ceremony have breaks in it when edited?
- What is the highlight reel?
- What footage will go into the highlight reel?
- What is the difference between the highlight reel and the music video montage?
- What kind of editing equipment do you use?
- What software do you use?
E. Delivery Questions
- What do you mean by Deluxe DVD Case and Custom DVD Case Design?
- How many copies of the video do you provide?
- What if I want more than the amount of edited video delivered in my package?
- Do you provide the raw footage?
- Will I be charged if I want changes made once I receive my video?
- Some of what people said or
did at my event may offend some people that I want to see the video.
Can I have a second "censored" version made?
F. More Questions About Us
G. Long-Term Questions
A. What do I do now?
1. I want to use Great Expectations Video Productions for my wedding. What do I do now?
Make sure your date is available by going to www.gevideo.com
and clicking on 'weddings'. Put in a request through this page if you
haven't already. Then contact us to let us know exactly what package
and options you want. We will write up a contract and send it to you
ASAP. Send back the signed contract with the deposit and you're date
will be confirmed. TOP
2. I have sent in the contract and deposit. What do I do now?
We will need your next payment and the Instruction form at
least one week prior to the event. If you have them ready, please send
us the music and/or photos you would like used for your music
video/photo montages. Also, if you would like us to dub over the first
dance and other special dances with the original music you can send us
the exact versions of the songs that you will be dancing to. Note:
Please send original CD music or a copy made from the original CD. No
MP3s or Audio CDs made from MP3s. For photos send high resolution
digital images or regular prints. TOP
3. The event has passed and I'm looking forward to receiving the finished video. What do I do now?
Make sure we have all of the materials we need to create your
video as well as any payments due. The earlier we have these materials
and payments the faster we can finish your project. Remember, the
project doesn't go on the queue for post-production until we have all of
these materials. If your package includes a music video montage or a
music photo montage you need to send us the music and photos needed for
these. Also, if you would like us to dub over the special dances with
the original music you need to send us the exact versions of the songs
that you danced to. If your package includes Deluxe DVD Cases we will
need about 10 of your favorite photos from your photographer at the
event (About 5 candid shots and about 5 formal shots). NOTE: Please
send original CD music or a copy made from the original CD. No MP3s or
Audio CDs made from MP3s. For photos send high resolution digital
images or regular prints. Lastly, go to www.gevideo.com/status to check
the status of the video and get a delivery estimate. TOP
4. I got my finished video. What do I do now?
Watch it! Then contact us within 14 days of the postmarked date to let us know how much you liked it and that you give us permission to remove the project from the editing system. If for some reason there are any inaccuracies on the video please contact us immediately so that we can rectify the issue. Once we take the project off of our editing system it is very difficult and costly to change anything. Also, please send us the feedback form with your comments and suggestions. Lastly, think about any friends or family that might be able to use our services and spread the news! TOP
B. Decision-Making Questions
1. I want to set up a meeting with you to discuss details in person. How can I do that?
Meeting times are flexible. Contact us for availability. We prefer meeting at our location in Potomac, MD. If this is not possible arrangements can be made for meetings at other locations. TOP
2. Can you hold my date until I figure out what package I want?
Unfortunately, we can only reserve your date once we have both
a signed contract and a deposit. You can always add additional options
later if you are unsure. TOP
3. Do you charge travel fees?
We offer free travel to any events in the Washington DC or
Baltimore metropolitan areas. If a wedding is outside of these areas we
may charge a small fee just to cover our travel expenses. The amount
depends on the package that you choose and the distance to be traveled.
TOP
4. How is payment scheduled?
Payment is 30% as deposit, 50% one week prior to the event and 20% for editing. TOP
5. How can I make a payment?
Payment can be made by check or by credit card. Checks can be
made out to "Great Expectations Video" (preferably) or "Esteban
Escobar" and mailed to our address. To pay by credit card you must go
to the wedding section at www.gevideo.com
and click on "make a payment" then follow the directions. If this does
not work your account is probably not set up online. Please contact us
so that we can set up your online account. TOP
6. I found someone that is offering me the same package at a better price. Can you beat that price?
We do our best to make our prices VERY competitive. Usually,
when someone says that another company is offering them the same
package for a better price we find that it is actually NOT the same
package. Make sure you are aware of everything that is included in the
package we are offering. Our packages are VERY inclusive. There are
many things that we include to give you a higher quality and more
professional video that may be overlooked. Also, take a look at the
other company's professionalism, experience, equipment, talent and
customer service. Compare demos, ask for customer and professional
referrals and ask them what Associations accredit them. Remember, you
are paying for a priceless video. Make sure you put your priceless
memories in responsible and capable hands. We do not beat other
company's prices because we cannot lower our prices and still give you
the quality that we consider our standard. TOP
7. Do you have any recommendations for other event professionals?
Yes, we have worked with many different Photographers, DJs,
Bands, Caterers, Wedding Coordinators, etc. We are happy to make
recommendations based on your location, budget and circumstances.
Please contact us for details. TOP
8. Can I add a videographer to my package?
For more than one videographer you must choose either the Gold
or the Diamond Package. The Silver Package includes two cameras but one
videographer. The second camera will always be on a tripod. TOP
9. What is the Instruction Form?
This is a form that the client fills out. It contains
information that we need to know for the event as well as information
about your preferences for certain shooting and editing options. TOP
10. What are Love Story Interviews?
This is an interview professionally done before the wedding
with the couple. We use professional studio lights and equipment. It
can either be done with both people together or separately. We will ask
questions about you growing up, how you met, the engagement, etc. The
interviews are then edited with music and any pictures supplied by the
couple documenting what they are talking about. Pictures will fade in
and out as they are talking along with music. Many people are
camera-shy about a professional interview but they really turn out
beautiful when they are finished. And if they are done with the couple
separately then you will get to see what the other person said once you
receive your finished DVD. We also offer to show the Love Story
Interviews at the rehearsal dinner or reception. Love Story
Interviews are included in the Diamond Package and are available as an
add-on for any other package. TOP
11. How would you show the Love Story Interviews at the Reception?
We would display the Love Story Interviews with a powerful projector on a large screen. Some choose to have it displayed during the cocktail hour while the couple is taking pictures. Others want it shown later at the reception when they can view it also. We can also show it at the rehearsal dinner or whenever you would like. TOP
C. Shooting Questions
1. Can I split up the filming hours that are included in my package?
If your package has a set number of shooting hours included it
is possible to split them, however there is a cost and it must be
arranged in advance. We will not be able to arrange this on the day of
the event. For time in between shooting sessions we charge half of
whatever the 'shooting overtime charges' is in the contract. TOP
2. What kind of cameras do you use?
We use a variety of different makes and models of cameras
depending on the circumstances and conditions. However, all of our
cameras are highly professional 3-chip digital video cameras meaning
that they are exceptional in low light and color quality. Some models
we use often are the Canon XL-2, Sony DCR-VX2100 and Canon GL-2. TOP
3. What do you do about low-light conditions?
All of our cameras are excellent in low-light conditions. We
have on-camera lights but only use them when necessary so as not to be
obtrusive. We have portable studio lighting, however we will never set
up big, bright, obtrusive studio lights at a wedding. TOP
4. Do you shoot in a photo-journalistic style or in a cinematic style?
Many videographers advertise that they specialize in a
photo-journalistic style. With this style the videographer is very
unobtrusive but the finished video is from the point of view of a
wallflower and often not as interesting. Other videographers advertise
that they shoot in a cinematic style. With this style the videographer
tries to be as unobtrusive as possible but makes sure he always gets a
good cinematic shot, more like you would see at the movies. Because the
composition of the shot takes priority with this style, the
videographer will be more visible to you and your guests but the
finished product is usually more interesting to watch. In our case, we
don't limit ourselves to any one style. We are very experienced and
skilled videographers and are perfectly capable of shooting in either
style. When you fill out the information form for your event you can
specify one style or the other or a compromise between the two. We will
shoot according to your preference. TOP
5. Will you shoot at multiple locations?
We will travel to as many locations as you wish. Travel to and
from the event is included in the package. However travel time to
multiple locations between shoots will be considered as filming time. TOP
6. What if your equipment fails?
Whenever possible we have backup equipment on site. We are always prepared as well as possible for the unexpected. TOP
7. What if the videographer gets sick or is otherwise unable to make it to the event?
If an unavoidable circumstance causes us to have to cancel
more than 2 weeks in advance you will receive a full refund of your
deposit. If the worst happens within two weeks of the shoot we are
unexpectedly unavailable then we would try to get another video
production company that we know and trust to shoot for us. If after
doing everything in our power we are still unable to shoot your wedding
you would receive a 110% refund. TOP
8 Will you be at the rehearsal?
Attendance at the rehearsal is included with all
signature packages unless otherwise noted. For the Essential Package it
is an additional charge. TOP
9. What is Rehearsal Coverage?
This means that we will shoot at the rehearsal. TOP
10. Do you get interviews from the guests?
On the instruction form you will be able to specify whether
you would like us to capture guest interviews or not and how you would
like them captured. TOP
11. Do you use wireless microphones at the ceremony?
Wireless microphones are used when possible during the ceremony to ensure clear audio for the vows. TOP
12. What time will you arrive?
You will indicate at what time we are expected to start
filming on the information form. We plan to arrive at least an hour
before we are expected to start filming to allow time for setup, tests
and unexpected delays. TOP
13. What does complete coverage of the event mean?
It means that there are no shooting time limits for the
videographer on the day of the event. The cut-off for the videographer
is midnight. Complete coverage is included in all packages. TOP
14. Will the videographer have an assistant?
Esteban usually has an assistant with him for Silver Signature
Packages, but it is not guaranteed. For the Gold and Diamond
Signature Packages there will usually not be an assistant because there
will be a second videographer. An assistant is rarely present for an
Essential Package. TOP
15. Will the videographer(s) expect a meal?
Because of the long period that we are shooting a meal is
usually provided by the client. We do not expect a catered meal;
however a simple meal is very much appreciated. Check your contract to
verify how many videographers will be attending and contact us to
inquire if there will be an assistant as well. TOP
16. Can you start filming with the Bride and/or Groom getting ready ahead of time?
Of course! Just be aware of how many hours the videographer
will be available from the time he starts filming if your package does
not include full coverage. TOP
17. I have seen other event videos that are very shaky. What do you do to avoid shaky video?
Whenever camera movement might be a problem we use a tripod.
In addition we use high-tech stabilization devices that minimize
shaking when using the camera in a mobile or hand-held environment.
Shaky video is one of Esteban's biggest pet peeves. He makes sure it is
avoided at all costs. TOP
18. Who will shoot my event?
Esteban Escobar will personally shoot your wedding unless an emergency requires a substitue. In that case you will be notified and we will provide a capable backup videographer. TOP
D. Editing Questions
1. What is Custom DVD authoring?
DVD authoring refers to the creation of Menus, Chapters and
other elements unique to DVDs. In our Signature Packages we custom
design each menu specifically for each client. In addition the menus
are designed to blend with your custom designed DVD case. TOP
2. What benefits are there to having DVD authoring?
There are a number of benefits. Realize that without DVD
authoring when you put in the DVD it will start playing automatically
like a VHS. Without DVD authoring the entire video is one long piece of
video in chronological order. So, first of all, DVD authoring allows
for a much nicer presentation, having attractive menus as your
introduction. Usually we create two menus: the main menu and a special
features or extras menu. The menus allow for easier navigation so you
can watch the parts you want to watch at any given moment and skip the
parts you don't want to watch at that moment. Also, with custom DVD
authoring we will make a highlight video of 30-60 minutes. This will
show just the highlights of the ceremony and reception and will be the
main movie on the DVD. All the footage that didn't fit in the highlight
video will be edited and categorized separately and placed into the
special features menu as allowed by the amount of edited footage
included in your package. All of these factors unique to DVD authoring
make it much more likely that you will watch your video more often. TOP
3. Do you put music behind the video?
There are a few parts where we often use music in the video.
The most obvious is with the music video montages and music photo
montages. Also, if you send us the music that you will be dancing to
for the special dances at the wedding we will dub the original music
over the recorded music so you don't hear all the background sounds
during those dances. We will also add music to the DVD menus. As far as
putting music behind regular footage, we usually only do this when the
audio for a segment has little or no dialogue. Usually we assume that
if there is dialogue you will want to hear it as opposed to having it
covered with music. TOP
4. What is a Music Video Montage?
This is a music video that we make from footage captured at
your event to a song of your choosing. We match the editing style to
the style of the song. You can even choose what kind of footage goes
into the Music Video Montage when you fill out the Instruction Form.
Music Video Montages are the length of the song you choose. The song
can be up to five minutes long. TOP
5. What is a Music Photo Montage?
This is a music video made to a song of your choosing with
pictures that you supply to us. It can be made with pictures of the
couple growing up and dating, the wedding or from the honeymoon. For an
average song we can fit about 40 photos. The Music Photo Montage
is more than just a slideshow. It is created in the same system that we
use to edit video so the photos zoom, pan and fade to the beat of the
music. The style of the video will match the style of the song. TOP
6. Can I choose my own music for the DVD menus, music video montages and other segments?
Of course. Just send us the CD and indicate the track that is
to be used and what it is to be used for. We prefer the original audio
CD or a copy made from an original CD. Do not send MP3s or Audio CDs
made from MP3s. If you are sending the music to dub over your special
dances make sure it is the exact same version of the song that you
danced to. TOP
7. Do you edit the video?
Of course! We put a lot of emphasis on our editing. For one of
our signatures packages we will spend 30 - 60 hours editing the
footage. TOP
8. Do you put the footage on DVD or VHS?
We always assume you will want the video delivered on DVD. VHS
is one of the fastest degrading formats, so we never recommend it.
Also, keep in mind that we cannot do DVD authoring on VHS. TOP
9. Who will edit my video?
Esteban Escobar is guaranteed to edit all weddings himself. All editing is done in our studio. TOP
10. Will the ceremony have breaks in it when edited?
Because we always use at least two cameras during the ceremony
we will usually be able to achieve a seamless ceremony. With a seamless
ceremony the camera angles will change but the ceremony never breaks.
Due to the unpredictability of wedding ceremonies, we cannot guarantee
a seamless ceremony. TOP
11. What is the highlight reel?
This is a video showing just the highlights of the event.
Usually, it is 30-60 minutes but depends on the event. Other footage
that doesn't fit in the highlight video will usually go under the
special features menu. TOP
12. What footage will go into the highlight reel?
Usually the highlight reel will start off with the music video
montage and then show the highlights of the ceremony and highlights of
the reception and will end with credits. TOP
13. What is the difference between the highlight reel and the music video montage?
The music video montage is a music video made to one song. It
often shows short clips of the highlights of the event but all put to
music with no audio from the cameras. The highlight reel is not set to
music. It is much longer than the music video montage showing longer
clips of the highlights of the event. Often the music video montage is
at the beginning or end of the highlight reel. TOP
14. What kind of editing equipment do you use?
We only use NLE (Non-Linear Editing). This is a type of
editing done with digital media on computers. We use very powerful
computers engineered and designed from the ground up for video editing
applications. TOP
15. What software do you use?
We use the latest versions of the Adobe Production Studio. These are a collection of programs that are integrated together for digital design. Depending on the project we will use any combination of the following programs: Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, basic digital effects and basic audio editing; Adobe After Effects for high-end digital effects and compositing; Adobe Audition for high-end audio editing; Adobe Encore for DVD authoring; Adobe Photoshop for graphic design. TOP
E. Delivery Questions
1. What do you mean by Deluxe DVD Packaging and Custom Artwork for DVD Packaging?
The Deluxe DVD Packaging and Custom Artwork for DVD Packaging
is a very elegant and unique DVD case. It is the same size as standard
DVD cases but made out of hard clear plastic similar to a standard CD
jewel case. Each Deluxe Case has a custom graphic artwork design on the
inside and outside made from photos from your event. Imagine a
professional CD case but in a DVD case size made especially for you.
The Deluxe Cases come standard in all packages. TOP
2. How many copies of the video do you provide?
All Signature packages include three DVD copies. The Essential
Package includes only one copy. Additional copies are $50 each. TOP
3. What if I want more than the amount of edited video delivered in my package?
You can purchase additional hours of edited footage. We
recommend that you wait until after the event to decide this. If we see
that we have extra footage that we think you might want to have
included in your video we will contact you to give you the option of
adding an extra hour or two of edited video. TOP
4. Do you provide the raw footage?
We can offer the unedited material and a lot of people request
it. However, we don't like to hand over the raw footage because we do
not think it is worth your money. Unlike many companies that hand over
a copy of the raw footage, (this cost is built into their package
price) we don't include that in the packages so that we can offer you a
more competitive package price. If you want the unedited footage it
would be priced separately. All of the good footage always gets put
into your DVD. If we have extra footage that does not fit into the
amount of edited material you have included in your package then we
will contact you to offer additional edited material. Most of what is
cut out from the video is either multiple angles of the exact same
thing or footage that for one reason or another is not interesting. For
example, we will often frame the bride or groom's face waiting for
a look, glance or smile that we can use for a music video montage
or other artistic creation. We may or may not get the shot we are
hoping for but we have recorded a few minutes of video waiting for that
shot. Footage like that is cut, except for the few seconds of good
footage in the case that we get the shot we were waiting for. Of all of
the people that have requested the raw footage very few felt it was
worth their while to purchase it once they were aware of what they were
going to be getting. And we have talked with many people who did get
the unedited material from other companies and they always tell us that
they have never watched it. Who would want to watch the bad and good
footage when you have the all of the good footage edited on one DVD? So
the bottom line is we are happy to give you the unedited material but
we feel we should first discourage you from paying for something that
you'll probably never watch. TOP
5. Will I be charged if I want changes made once I receive my video?
If the changes are inaccuracies on our part then we will
certainly make whatever changes are necessary. If the changes are just
your preferences then the additional editing time will be charged
hourly according to your contract. TOP
6. Some of what people said or did at my event may offend some people that I want to see the video. Can I have a second "censored" version made?
What happens at your event is your responsibility. We are only responsible to shoot what happens. We will not make moral decisions on whether to leave potentially offensive footage in or cut it out. If you would like some footage from your event cut out of your video after you receive it, tell us immediately EXACTLY what you want removed and we'll make a second version with the changes. The additional editing time will be charged hourly. TOP
F. More Questions About Us
1. Who is Esteban Escobar?
Esteban is the owner of Great Expectations Video Productions.
He is a seasoned video producer and a very skilled editor. His
experience includes work for Paramount Pictures, The Montel Williams
Show, The Apprentice, extreme sports videos, corporate videos, CG
effects, countless weddings, script writing and directing. TOP
2. Are you members of any videography associations?
Yes. We are members of WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers
Association International). This organization sets standards and strict
rules for its members which they are required to follow to maintain
membership. We continue to be a recommended video production company
with them in excellent standing. TOP
3. Is your equipment professional?
Absolutely! We only use high-quality professional equipment.
In fact, we have tens of thousands of dollars worth of video and
editing equipment that we use everyday for projects. TOP
4. Is your video "broadcast quality"?
Broadcast quality is a funny term to professionals in the
video production business. The term was certainly invented by people
that don't work in the industry. Have you ever seen a low-quality local
commercial on broadcast television? We sure have. No one really knows
how to define "broadcast quality". Anyone can say that their video is
broadcast quality, so it's not saying much. However if by "broadcast
quality" people mean a quality suitable to be used on shows like The
Montel Williams Show or The Apprentice, then yes. We have done work for
those shows and our video quality compares with the quality of
their cameras. TOP
5. How long have you been in business?
All of the people that make up Great Expectations Video
Productions have been in or around the video industry individually for
a considerable amount of time. Esteban was working in video under his
own name when he returned to the United States in April 2004 after 5
years of living in Chile. Great Expectations Video Productions was
officially established in 2004. TOP
6. How can I contact Great Expectations Video Productions?
Office Phone: (301) 560-1463
Fax: (240) 238-8729
Email: info@gevideo.com
Website: www.gevideo.com
TOP
G. Long-Term Questions
1. What happens to the original tapes that you record?
They are stored at our studio. TOP
2. What if I want more copies in the future?
We will send you a master copy of your video along with the
finished product. Keep this master sealed and safe! We will also keep a
master copy of your DVD on file for you at our studio for at least one
year after delivery. After one year we do not guarantee that we will
conitune storing the master. If you ever want additional copies all you
have to do is contact us. If we still have a master of your project on
file we will make copies from our master. If not, you can send us your
master for additional copies. TOP
3. What if I want edits made to the video in the future?
Once you receive your project you will have 14 days from the
postmarked date to view it. When you have told us that you have seen it
and are happy with it we remove the project from our editing system.
Once that is done edits are costly if not impossible. So make sure that
your video is just the way you want it before we remove it from the
system. If you think you might want edits in the future we can save
your project onto an external hard drive (for an additional cost) which
you can then store. In this case we can make edits at any time very
quickly and efficiently. TOP
We hope this answers all of your questions! If you have any more, feel free to call or e-mail us at the information listed below.
Great Expectations Video Productions
Office Phone: (301) 560-1463
Fax: (240) 238-8729
Email: info@gevideo.com
Website: www.gevideo.com