We’re in the middle of a long awaited transition here at Digital Creations.  At no additional cost to our clients, we hope to be shooting weddings exclusively in high definition (HD) by the end of July, 2008.  Even though we’ll be shooting, editing and mastering our videos exclusively in HD widescreen, we'll initially be delivering content on standard DVDs. Not many people even have a Blu-ray DVD player yet but many people do have a widescreen HDTV along with an up-convert DVD player to watch standard DVD's on their HDTV.  You may be wondering: Why shoot, edit and master the video in HD if it's not going to be delivered in HD. That’s a fair question, lets see if I can answer it. 

Making the move from to standard-definition (SD) 3:4 screen ratio to high definition 16:9 widescreen ratio, is pretty much like starting our business from scratch.  We have to purchase all new equipment.  Beginning with new HD cameras, new computers, software capable of editing HD video and even new on-camera lighting, all of which is quite expensive when summed up.  Then there's the additional cost and time involved in authoring Blu-ray not to mention the cost of blank Blu-ray disks which are still quite expensive.

So, we've decided that we'll adsorb the cost for the new equipment and software without passing that cost on to our clients.  This will enable us to shoot, edit and master everything in widescreen HD but deliver the final product to you in widescreen SD without charging any more for our services.  Although it will be delivered on SD DVD's, it will be widescreen preventing you from having to stretch your wedding video all out of proportion to fill your entire screen on your new widescreen HDTV.  Not only is the widescreen a bonus, you'll receive a higher quality viewing experience since the footage is shot, edited and mastered in HD in the first place.  If however you want your product delivered in full Blu-ray DVD a surcharge of $500 will be required.  Finally, the fact that your video is mastered to HD, allows us to re-author your wedding video at a later date to HD Blu-Ray disk when your ready. Another option is to download your video over the internet in the HD Apple TV format, which I think will most likely be the desired format within a couple years.

If you have any questions please leave them via the comments link at the bottom of this post. Thanks for reading!

Over the years I’ve adopted several procedures to help keep you, the client(s), in the loop when it comes to the postproduction of your wedding video. The first method I started using several years ago was the web cam.  When I begin editing your video, I have the output of my computer connected directly to a web-cam which provides a constant video feed during live editing sessions. There is no audio feed, but you get a good representation of the shots you’ll see in the final product.

Since starting this blog I’ve been publicizing an editing queue to let you know your position in the queue.  That’s worked out nicely except I feel I’ve missed the mark.  It lets you know when I start editing your video, but it doesn’t really do much for you during the editing process as far as keeping you advised of it’s progression.

In an attempt to keep you posted on a daily basis as to the progress of your edit, I’ve implemented yet another program to keep you in the loop.  Basically it’s an online, web-based project management solution designed to collaborate with other team members and customers alike. Although I don't outsource any editing, and don't have a need to collaborate with other employees on the editing process, I feel the additional effort and cost involved in subscribing to this online service is well worth it.  Not only does it help me keep on track with the project, it keeps you the client in the loop without having to ask.  The client is no longer in the dark, nor do they have to wonder how close I am to  being finished with their project, because he/she can monitor the progress themselves and any given moment in time.

There are many tasks required in editing a complete wedding video. I break each section of a project down into individual sequences and estimate how much time it’s going to take to complete each sequence.  As I start to work on a sequence I "clock-in". If I need a break or when I'm complete, I "clock-out" and the software keep track of the total time spent on each sequence as well as the time required to complete the entire project. Knowing how much time it takes me to complete a process allows me to provide you with a more accurate estimation as to the total time required to finish a project. As an example, the father/daughter dance is a sequence, as well as the grand entrance at the reception venue.  Sometimes one sequence has to be edited before another can be started.   For instance, I can’t start to edit the short ceremony edit until the long form edit has been completed. Likewise, it’s much easier and less time consuming to accomplish the wedding day highlight sequence last rather than first simply because I’m more familiar with the total content once I’ve edited everything else.

So here’s how it works. Once I start to edit your video, I’ll provide you with a link and password which you'll use to login to your project. You don’t have to worry about messing anything up, you can’t really because it’s client proof .  For the most part, you are provided with read privileges only as far as specific task elements are concerned. However, there is a discussion forum for each project. This is a great feature to foster collaboration on the project. It’s an area where you can post questions, concerns, or add insight.  There will be times that I may need information from you and I will use this area as a central collection point.  There is also a file or document upload area where you can provide me with needed assets such as the wedding program contained in a text document that I will use for the rolling credits.

The email notification system is a fantastic feature!  It keeps you informed about the ongoing activity concerning your edit, without having to be logged in 24/7. You can simply read the email notification details to be aware of changes within the project or specific task currently in progress. Email notifications are sent automatically, but this is a preference that can be configured as you deem necessary.  Here is the really cool part! When I get ready to begin an editing session, I'll change the status of the task which will automatically generate an email to inform you that a live edit is about to begin and will provide you with a link to the web-cam should you have the desire to monitor the editing session.

I could go on and on about this program, I’m quite excited about it.  However, I must bring this web log post to an end. Please, if you have questions about this new procedure don’t be afraid to post them here.  Just click on the comments link below and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.  I would also like some feedback from you, and how you perceive this idea.

Next Day Edit - Directors Cut Runtime: 5:38  iPod Download		View Laura's Bridal Prep  Runtime: 5:32  iPod Download

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Each fall, our backlog keeps us in the editing bay well past the end of the year. We attempt to have your wedding completely edited and authored to DVD within about 12 weeks after your wedding, however that’s not always possible considering the end-of-year workload.  We realize this may be longer than some clients desire to wait, but we must be fair to all of our couples and edit each wedding in the order it was shot. Also, do you remember the old saying?  “Good things come to those that wait”?  Well, I never did like that saying myself, but it has some merit to it.

The Next Day Edit - Directors Cut (top left) is an add-on option developed to reduce your anxiety while you patiently wait for your final product. It's essentially your wedding day highlight video. The difference is, we stop production on everything else and make this edit a priority.  We'll go to work immediately following your wedding day and start editing your highlight video and have it posted online within 48 – 72 hours. We'll provide the Internet address for you, your family and friends at the reception so they can access your Highlight online. If you wish, we can provide the necessary information in advance so you can add it to your wedding program.