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Frequently Asked Questions
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General Production FAQ	Wedding Videos FAQ
Technical Information FAQ

• Do you like their demo material?
• Did they answer all your video questions?
• Can they do it for a reasonable price?
• Do they have the experience to tackle your project?
• Do they offer high quality digital for every step of the process formats?
• Do you trust the company representative?
• Can they meet your deadline?
• Do they understand your business

2) Why should I choose Ryan G. Christen Productions?

RGCVP offers creative production expertise along with the dedication to learn your business, create the best presentation meeting your budget and deadline---every time. We can help you with everything from general concept design, to script writing to final custom DVD creation. We can even offer storyboard drawings of production ideas before shooting the first second of video! We will also help coordinate with cable and communications companies to get your project on the air if desired! We are video professionals who take extreme pride in our work. We put the "pro" in production.

3) How much does a video cost?

There are a considerable number of variables involved with production costs. For some projects such as weddings we offer production packages with the details and costs already designed.

Custom video presentations are a little more complicated. What if someone asked "How much does a house cost?" You might say "it depends on a lot of factors. I need a little more information. You would need blueprints, land information, material descriptions, etc.
A lot of variables must be considered before a fair production budget can be created. See below for a typical list of variables. Although We typically budget a video by line items. But, A rough rule of thumb for custom productions would be between $500 to $1000 per finished minute, depending on variables.

Our production estimates are free. We will outline every detail and cost before you commit to anything.

4) What information will RGCVP need to create an estimate and begin production?

• How long do you think the program should be?
• What is your message?
• What is the purpose of your video?
• What visual and graphical elements do you want to show?
• Where do we have to travel to get these elements?
• What is the estimated shelf life of your video?
• What is your deadline? What factors will influence your deadline?
• How much do you have budgeted to spend on your video?

5) How long does it take to make an original custom video?

Smaller projects such as television commercials may be completed within a week. For longer custom productions, the process can take several months from our first meeting to a completed master. Our production estimates include a general timeline for every step of the process. During pre-production planning we create flow charts and production schedules for everything from script writing to DVD authoring.

6) What are the steps to making a custom video?

Planning meetings determine the budget, scope, audience and objective of the video. Next we create script outlines for each segment of the video, and then draft scripts. After a script is approved we create any necessary storyboards, shot lists, and graphic design. We then begin principal shooting and interviews. This step can often impact the script, so a final editing script is written and approved. Next a rough draft of the edited video is produced. After this has been approved, we complete the soundtrack, audio work, and any needed credits. Finally we master the project to the format of your choosing (VHS, MiniDV, DVD, etc) and the dubs are made.

1) Why spend money producing a wedding video, when I am already spending money on a photographer?

While most everyone still hires a professional photographer to document their wedding, more and more people are adding videography to their list of wedding services. A wedding video is often more moving and entertaining than a photo album. Explaining the moment surrounding a photograph can prove difficult. A wedding video captures the emotion, and the sights and sounds of the event! The tears of joy, the laughter, and the love of the day will be forever captured. Years from now you could show your wedding to your kids and family. With a wedding video even those close friends and family who may have been unable to attend can share in the excitement of your special day. And, down the road, if you find yourself planning your child’s wedding what better way to plan than to show them your wedding!

2) What should I look for when searching for a good videographer?

A) ALL DIGITAL PRODUCTION- You want to make sure the videographer is using digital cameras and edits on a digital system. Digital and 3-Chip DV cameras produce better images than the consumer-grade video cameras that you can find in Best Buy or Circuit City. Digital cameras produce more vibrant colors and sharper images. But, without digital editing there will be quality loss. When converting from digital to analog the sharpness and vividness fades. If converting back to digital to produce DVDs more quality is lost. It is very important that the process begins with digital shooting and REMAINS high quality digital through the entire production process.

B) MULTIPLE CAMERAS WITH BACK-UPS -You want to make sure the videographer is using more than one camera to document the actual wedding ceremony. Using a single camera to document an event leaves you very few options when it comes to editing. If an unexpected tape or equipment problem develops precious moments will be missed. These moments cannot be recreated and your final video will have gaps. Also make sure that if you pay for two or three cameras that your Videographer has back-ups. With RGCVP if you pay for a three camera shoot, we bring four. You will get exactly what you pay for, and quite often, a little extra with us.

C) ADVANCED CAMERA SKILLSYou want to make sure the videographer has advanced camera skills. Skills that may differentiate the trained professional from one of your aunts or uncles may include:

GOOD COMPOSITION- shots that are well framed, with subject near the center, with minimal "head room."

A STEADY HAND- Minimal camera movement or "shake"

PROPER CAMERA DYNAMICS– An understanding of camera movements. Camera movement can be used to add emotion or feeling to an event. No movement can make events feel longer, and result in poor final video. Too much movement appear jerky, and frantic. The trick is finding the perfect balance. Ask videographers for a demo tape and review it carefully.

PROPER EXPOSURE- shots that are well lit and composed without distracting shadows or on the other end of the spectrum, ‘burning’ colors. Again, we advise that you ask videographers for a demo tape and review it carefully.

D) QUALITY IN-HOUSE EDITOR -Finally - and most important - you want to make sure the videographer is a great editor, and not just working with one. Shooting and editing can make or break a production. Both are an art. If the editor has not met you, and did not experience your event firsthand he or she will not be able to produce a video that captures your personalities, or the emotion and felling of your event. A Videographer that simply passes off your tapes to a contracted editor or large production house will end up handing you a final product that is often produced in a ‘cookie cutter style’. The best way to judge an editor's work is to look at it, and listen to it to determine if the style pleases you. You should personally meet the editor, and that individual should be at your event!

3) Should the videographer attend the rehersal?
YES, and this should NEVER cost extra. Even if is a fairly standard wedding ceremony at a location where the videographer has worked previously. Wedding reherals determine where people and decorations will be placed. If you will be moving from place to another during the ceremony (I.E. lighting a unity candle, special readings, or other actions) any Videographer that has not attended the rehersal may be caught “off guard” or “out of position”. This can result in distractions during the ceremony as he or she scrambles to capture the moment, or worse, can result in missed shots.

4) Isn’t videotaping intrusive. LIGHTS, CABLES, STANDS, ETC...?

Good wedding videographers should be able to work with the natural light at your location. Generally couples want a specific look and feel during the ceremony. This should not be compromised unless absolutely necessary. Videographers should also film-to-tape so that editing can be done off sight to eliminate cables and wires. Also, videographers should have several hours of battery supply to eliminate the need for power cords. In the event of live action broadcast screens or on sight editing, wireless video transmitters should be used.

5) Why does audio matter so much?

Professional audio is AS IMPORTANT as good video. Minor video errors like being slightly out of focus or off center frequently go unnoticed. But, if you can not hear the sound, it is immediately noticed. Audio matters. You want to hear the bride when she whispers that immortal, "I do." And, you want to remember your soloist's beautiful rendition of "The Wedding Song." RGCVP uses multiple microphones. We use wireless mics help capture both the groom/bride and hidden area mics as a back-up. Remember, it is just as important with audio to have back-ups. If a signal from a mic is lost you may have a $1000.00 wedding video with no sound.

6) Should I have my wedding put on DVD?

We absolutely recommend DVD. It is the best way to preserve your wedding forever. And, the quality of DVD is far superior to analog videotape. Remember, you are paying for a high quality full digital production, why have that knocked back to a lesser quality analog VHS in the end. With DVD you also get the added benefit of being able to skip to your favorite parts of the ceremony or reception. It is definitely the way to go. And, if you do not have a DVD player, you can always register for one at your favorite department store. They are inexpensive and could be a great gift from a friend or family member.

7) How soon will the video be ready?

Normally, the final master will be completed within six weeks to eight weeks. If you have a more urgent need, we can complete a rush job for a small fee. Please feel free to call us as often as you like to check on the status. We will be happy to keep you informed of our progress. We know that you will be eager to experience the day all over again.

8) What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept all standard forms of payment. Cash, checks and major credit cards are accepted. Credit cards are accepted through our online service, PayPal.