Video Sharing for Grown-Ups!










 

 

Professional Videography Contract Essentials You’ve had a great meeting, reviewed sample videos, found the right program for your budget, and heard glowing references from other couples--in other words, you’ve found the perfect videographer. Now it’s time to sign on the dotted line. But before you do, be sure these essential points are included in your videography contract. Contact Information Contracts should include the name, address, telephone and fax number of the videographer or studio you’re hiring. Because many weddings take place after business hours and on weekends, be sure to get the mobile phone number of someone who will be on-call and available on your wedding day. Likewise, you should provide the videographer with contact information of your designated wedding-day helper. A wedding coordinator is an excellent choice, as is a trusted family member or friend. Date, Time and Venue You may want your videographer to start shooting when you walk down the aisle, or perhaps hours before as you put the finishing touches on your makeup. Whether it’s the ceremony site or your beauty salon, the starting location’s name, address and telephone number must be in your contract. If your videographer needs time to place cameras and microphones before guests arrive, finalize their arrival and set-up time. Be sure to discuss the conditions of your wedding site, as your videographer may need to make adjustments for sound and light. Including these provisions in your contract will help your videographer properly prepare for your big day. Contracted Hours Include the number of hours you expect the videographer to be at your event. If you hire an experienced videographer, chances are they’ll have a good idea of how long they’ll be needed. Still, if you’re unsure what time your event will end, ask your videographer to stay until a specific activity has taken place, such as the last dance or the getaway. Many videographers agree that the last hour of a reception can be fairly repetitive, so don’t be alarmed if your videographer suggests leaving before the event is officially over.   Who’s Coming Make sure your contract lists the full names of your videographer and any assistants who will attend. If your venue has a dress code—like yarmulkes for men or covered shoulders for women—be sure to include it in your contract. On the same note, explaining the level of formality of your event is both critical and considerate. Since you won’t be sending your videographer an invitation, it’s important to let them know if your fairytale ball is strictly black tie, or your outdoor soiree is “jeans optional.”   Equipment Finalize the number and types of cameras your videographer will be using to shoot your wedding. If a single camera is being used, be sure the contract states that an equivalent camera will be readily available as a backup, should technical difficulties arise. Your videographer should agree to use a pull-out screen, a confidence head, or a color monitor to check the quality of footage and sound throughout your event.   Program Details Make sure you thoroughly understand the specific products, services and details included in the video program you’ve selected. How many copies of your video will you receive? How long will the final video be? Are you buying the raw footage, or just the edited video? Will your wedding DVD include a “special features” section where you can add running commentary or a chapter for family pictures? How easy is it to order additional copies?   The Bottom Line What is the total cost of the program you’ve chosen? If possible, get a line-item breakdown of the costs, in addition to a list of upgrade and reorder costs, as well as overtime fees. Make sure a payment schedule is clearly spelled out. Your deposit amount and the date it was paid should be included, as well as the balance of fees owed and their due dates. Cancellation Policy What is the videographer’s cancellation and refund policy? How long before your event can you cancel the videographer without losing your deposit? Does the videography studio guarantee their work? What happens if they are unable to perform the services they’ve been hired to do? Once you and your videographer are clear on the details, sign the contract and remember to keep a copy for your records.