Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Michael Scot Films offers wedding and commercial videography in California and Idaho. Explore the ins and outs of my videography process, unique approach and find answers to common questions. Have a question not covered here? Feel free to reach out. Your cinematic journey with Michael Scot Films starts here!
At Michael Scot Films, I specialize in wedding and event videography, as well as commercial films, offering a versatile range to suit diverse storytelling needs.
I embrace a unique blend of documentary and cinematic techniques, ensuring an authentic and visually compelling portrayal of your story. Documentary style filming has me being as unobtrusive as possible during the shoot. I use the poses that the photographer calls for, as well as just natural movement and situations. When editing, I use cinematic transition, coloring, slow motion, and timing.
The best ones do! We are part of a team, whose job is to make your event perfect. I try to let the photographer pose and direct as much as possible, so I am not stepping on their toes. Communication is key. When I do need to direct you, I try to do it in a way that the photographer can work with as well. Want to know more about how I work with your wedding team? Inquire here.
Absolutely! I work closely with my clients during the discovery process to understand their unique vision, ensuring that the final video aligns with their preferences and themes. During the editing process, we can discuss stylistic qualities and elements, music, and the overall look of your film. I love to include my clients in the production process. After all, this is for you!
For weddings, I work with a content creator. Their job is to show the behind the scenes parts of your day. My job as a filmmaker is to document your day the way that your guests might see it. Totally different jobs! I can refer you to a content creator, or hire one on your behalf.
For business films, I can act as both, and ofter use content creation in my business plans. We can create a series of content for your website or Youtube channel.
I love a good adventure! Michael Scot Films primarily offers wedding and commercial videography in California and Idaho, but I'm open to traveling for destination weddings and events. My kit is extremely travel conscious! Additional travel fees may apply, and details can be discussed during our consultation. Schedule a call with me and let's talk about it!
I would be the first to tell you, I am extremely biased, and YES. The photography takes moments of time and captures them in still form. Videography takes the entire moment and captures it in moving picture and SOUND. As a filmmaker, documenting the sounds of your day are just as important. I have literally had photographers tell me that they think film is just as important, as well as more difficult to produce!
Short answer is YES, but it may not be included in your collection, and you may not necessarily NEED it. I try to include all of the important audio, speeches, and shots in your films. If you decide you still want the raw footage after receiving your finished film(s), I keep all raw footage for at least a year.
I include royalty free music in my films as part of the process. If you decide you want to use a copyrighted song in a video, I am happy to explore it, but note that many songs range in the thousands of dollars just for one-time use. It also becomes difficult to share on social media, because you have to prove to the service that you have a license to use that song, and sometimes it's not so easy to get ahold of Instagram and Facebook! Usually, the best scenario is going royalty free, and I can let you help me pick music if you like!
I offer high end wedding film collections, as well as commercial and business films. For businesses, I can provide films for training, demonstration, advertising, and reports. I can also offer content creation services on a retainer basis.
Business video often can be produced for between 3-5 thousand, depending on the content requirements, editing, and length. Everything is determined by how long it will take to plan, film necessary content, edit, and make revisions before final approval. I do free consultations to help determine cost, and my rates are very competitive. Schedule a call or zoom meeting and we can discuss the options!
The most important thing is to decide who the final video is for, and the 2-3 most important goals to achieve. The video must be written in advance with these things in mind. Then, it's just a question of filming the right content, and editing it so that it's interesting and informative.
My extensive experience in commercial videography involves understanding your brand, message, and goals. I tailor our approach to showcase the unique elements that define your business or service.
Absolutely! By following and filming your processes, we can train your employees or customers effectively and save you time and money, because once the video is made, no other training is required. We can also use timelapse and screen recording to show longer processes and computer based content.
I make a point to use small cameras that are 4k, so the image quality is fantastic, but the cameras can be located in spots where they are not as obtrusive. As a documentary filmmaker, it's my ultimate goal to keep things small and record the most natural and unobtrusive footage I can.
When I was in film school, I started filming demo reels at my job at a comedy club. Comedians would hire me to film their set, and then edit the best jokes into a demo. From there, I was asked by a friend to film a wedding with him, and I started filming and then editing weddings part time. I started my own company in 2002.
Ready to Craft Your Unique Story?
Have more questions or ready to embark on your visual journey? Get in touch to discuss your vision, explore personalized videography services, and let’s turn your moments into cinematic masterpieces together. Let’s bring your story to life and make it unforgettable!
