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FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
• Should you videotape your simcha?
• Why shouldn't you have a friend or relative do it for free?
• Will I be able to watch my DVD in America?
• What distinguishes a "high end" video from a "low end" video?
• How do I prepare for your simcha?
• What will my presence be like at your simcha?
• How do I work with photographers?
• How long are my finished DVD/videos?
• How long will it take to finish your DVD/video?
• How do I determine my prices?
• How soon before my simcha should I book?
• Do you have references?
• Should you videotape your simcha?
Imagine what it would be like to watch your parents, or even your grandparents wedding. Most couples say their wedding day went by so fast that they could hardly remember anything that happened; did I dance with Aunty Betty?, they try to recall. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest regrets couples experience after their wedding is deciding not to have professional video. A wedding is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that should be documented and relived with future generations. Although good photographs capture singular moments, there is no substitute for a living, breathing, vocal account of one of the most defining events of your life.
• Why shouldn't you have a friend or relative do it for free?
Unless you're related to Steven Spielberg, we can't emphasize enough what a huge difference there is between home video and a professionally-produced video. Your friend or relative may have great intentions, but it's highly unlikely they have the equipment (professional cameras, wireless microphones, editing gear...) a professional has. They also probably don't have the know-how or experience to produce a quality, or even watchable video. Also, do they have the stamina or readiness to be on top of all the especially important moments? And wouldn't you prefer them to participate in your simcha? Ultimately, to make great video, the person you hire must be meticulous in searching out the best angles and experienced enough to anticipate the best moments. Your wedding story is simply too important to leave to chance.
• Will I be able to watch my DVD in America?
All Israel television and film use the European PAL format. America uses the NTSC format. What this means is that film shot in Israel cannot be viewed on American televisions. Sass Video is one of a few videographers in Israel who is able to produce your event DVD in both PAL and NTSC.
• What distinguishes a "high end" video from a "low end" video?
High end videos require no excuses and capture the day's essential moments. The sound is clear and crisp, the images have accurate color and the camerawork is smooth. The pace is quick and captivating, never dragging on longer than necessary. Special effects are content driven, not just used because they "look neat".
• How do I prepare for your simcha?
I start by gathering lots of information to gain an insight into the personality of the main players in the simcha; I need to know what's important to you. I go over the events of your simcha with a fine-toothed comb and familiarize myself with the key people involved. I arrive well in advance of the function to determine the best way to set up my equipment. My goal is to have a thorough understanding of what to expect from the simcha from beginning to end.
• What will my presence be like at your simcha?
Unfortunately, the traditional attitude of videographers and photographers in Israel is being the center of attention, and in some absurd way, are the most important element of the simcha. SASS Video takes the opposite approach. A truly skilled videographer with the best equipment does not need to have his presence felt to get the perfect shot. There is nothing more troubling to a guest than missing the entire wedding ceremony because the videographer and photographer are standing right in front of the chupah. I use a very discrete setup, involving no cables or overpowering lights. My three-chip digital cameras do an excellent job of picking up quality images in low-light situations and I use a small light only when absolutely necessary.
• How do I work with photographers?
I do have a recommendation for a specific photographer, one I have worked well with in the past. Nevertheless, my goal in working with any photographer is to negotiate where each of us will be working and what to expect from one another.
• How long are my finished DVD/videos?
Typically, my finished DVD/videos will be around 60-90 minutes. Don't be fooled into thinking that a longer video means a better video. All SASS Video DVD/videos include chapter markers to facilitate skipping through scenes or jumping to selected chapters in the film.
• How long will it take to finish your DVD/video?
Typically, videos will take between 4-8 weeks to complete depending on the season. I regularly spend upwards of 50 hours editing a video. My clients and their families will all report that it will be worth your wait.
• How do I determine my prices?
My prices are based on one variable: time. The more footage I have to work through, the more time will be required to edit your video. All tallied, I'll spend up to 70 hours with a single client. When you consider that most photographers generally spend half that amount of time on a single project it's no wonder that good videography should cost at least as much, if not considerably more than photography.
• How soon before your simcha should you book?
Popular seasonal dates fill up quickly. It is not uncommon to book 6 months to 1 year in advance.
• Do you have references?
Absolutely!!! References in Israel and America are available upon request.
studio: +972 (0)2-993-4529 -- mobile: +972 (0)54-545-1969 -- email: info@sassvideo.com
© 2005 SASS Video. All rights reserved.
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