What can I do if I don't like our video?

If you're not happy you should definitely mention it to them and see what they'll do about it. Be very clear in what you want from them from the start - outline exactly what you're not happy about just as you have here. Might be worth checking your contract too to see what that says as that might help you. Good luck!

? I think I might write it in an e mail so I can plan what i'm going to say and make sure I include everything.

From what you describe the content quality is outragious.
By your description this was obviously filmed and edited by someone with little knowledge of either wedding procedures (missed the entrance down the aisle) or their cameras. Auto colour balance is real amateur stuff (orange and grey cast). They couldn't even be bothered to colour correct in post production.
Your description of the time taken for the finished product suggests they do this part-time, as the max for our very busy studio at peak time is usually 8 weeks.
I would suggest, if you don't make headway by a serious complaint to the company, checking if they are a member of any professional video organisation and make a formal complaint. If only to save future brides the agony of watching their day unfold like this.
Hope this helps. ?

Thank you so much for your reply dreammachine. I really thought us walking down the aisle would be a key part of the DVD and am shocked it hasn't been included.

We weren't told when we booked that it would take 6 months to get our DVD, he merely told us that it took 3 weeks to edit. We presumed we would get our video about a month after the wedding. But it turns out it takes him 3 weeks from when he starts which is about 5 months after the wedding. I have to send 3 or 4 e mails everytime before he answers one.

We were told to "try and think of around 5-8 songs/instrumental pieces/ soundtracks any form of music that you prefer to go into the film". - but it only has 2 songs with the edited video the rest is just speeches and vows. They asked us who would be doing the reading, but it doesn't include this.

When we were complaining about how long it was taking we were told "I am sorry if there was some kind of mix up but we always, always state at least 8 weeks for completion.

Just to give you a brief explanation of things. We complete around 4-6 weddings through the summer and autumn and as we edit on professional systems using professional editors each project can take around ten days. I more than anyone want each project to get out as quick as possible but to maintain our high standards, time is a factor we have to deal with, and this is exactly the same for the other handful of broadcast standard wedding film companies in the UK."

I don't think we have paid the price for someone who is playing at this part time. I'm really gutted we used them. The website says "xxxx offer some of the most modern, highly creative and cutting edge wedding films in the UK. The Bliss production crew are all TV and Film industry qualified. We also use the very latest world standard HD editing platforms."

I can't see anything on their website or brochures that say they are part of a video organisation so can't complain to them.

As a videographer, i can not believe that some companies treat peoples special day with such little respect.?
I agree with dreammachine - white balance of cameras and including staple shots are basic stuff.
If i was you, i would call them and begin with asking them to fix the problems you have outlined - its pretty easy to colour correct all the footage- especially with their 'world standard editing platforms'!!
So then at least it will look more watchable between the two cameras -they should at least do this for you, and make sure its free of charge!
It may say in the contract (as it does in mine) that you have to notify them with any disputes in writing within 60 days.

Mrsm. The word bulls**t springs to mind in every description of their capabilities and the obvious crepe they have delivered.

Email their details to me through my profile and I'll see if I can trace them through pro organisations. Though judging by their comments, it's doubtful they have proper credentials.

I would be asking for a full refund to be honest, it sounds appalling, at the very least something a family member could of done!

I've been looking at videographers, and to be honest what you paid is (or from what i've seen) the top end of the scale price wise, so I think you had every right to expect something far more than you've recieved.?

Thank you so much for your all the replies. Dreammachine I will PM the details through to you and thank you so much for offering to help.

I doubt I will get anywhere with them as trying to get an e mail reply is a joke, they don't answer their phone anymore as their answer phone says "we are currently dealing with a backlog of wedding videos and are currently editing them".

I wish we had never booked them, its such a shame that this is starting to leave a bad feeling about our day.

I don't think we have a leg to stand on when trying to get any compensation, its not something you could say you would take to court over as they have given us a DVD - a rubbish one but they have delieverd one. ?

Unfortunately they aren't members of the IOV (www.iov.co.uk) and I don't think they are members of the APV (www.apv.org.uk). Both organisation offer a mediation service in case something like this happens.

How does your video compare to the samples you were shown? Are the montage clips roughly the same amount as on their other videos?
No excuse though for the colour discrepancy! [V]

So sorry to hear you're having problems with them ?

What a shame such an important thing has turned out so crap. And you paid top wack too-I`ll certainly be looking out for that videographer. Hope you get things sorted ?

Hi Mrsm. I will help all I can. If operators like this aren't dealt with firmly, they will go on to ruin other couple's memories too.
It's in every good operators interest, as this quality rebounds on all good production companys and many couples in their area will think this is what all wedding DVDs are like. Who wants a wedding DVD like this?

First, send a registered letter asap informing them of your disappointment and ask them what they intend to do about it. Inform them a reply is requested within 7 days as further action will be instigated if not received in that time.
I would suggest a serious re-edit with key scenes and colour correction as a minimum + a refund of 50% is in order.
See what their response is first. ?

quote:Originally posted by NeoShoegal
Unfortunately they aren't members of the IOV (www.iov.co.uk) and I don't think they are members of the APV (www.apv.org.uk). Both organisation offer a mediation service in case something like this happens.

How does your video compare to the samples you were shown? Are the montage clips roughly the same amount as on their other videos?
No excuse though for the colour discrepancy! [V]

So sorry to hear you're having problems with them ?

id="quote">

The montage clips are the same style, quick changes between scenes, but the quality isn't the same. The showreel wasn't very long but it showed the bride before she was about to walk down the aisle and then as she walked down. It also had guests arriving at the service which ours hasn't got. The package does say Arrival of Guests,
Ceremony Filmed in Full. One of my close friends that did a reading isn't even in the video once! There are lots of friends and family that you don't see at all.

I did expect our video to have more montage clips in it. What would be the average length of other things in a DVD that aren't the vows and speeches?

Maybe I am expecting too much. He did do a lovely clip of the sun setting which he has speeded up, but if we only have 8mins of clips I would rather have friends and family.

Just going to see if i can find the showreel to watch again to compare it.

quote:Originally posted by dreammachine
Hi Mrsm. I will help all I can. If operators like this aren't dealt with firmly, they will go on to ruin other couple's memories too.
It's in every good operators interest, as this quality rebounds on all good production companys and many couples in their area will think this is what all wedding DVDs are like. Who wants a wedding DVD like this?

First, send a registered letter asap informing them of your disappointment and ask them what they intend to do about it. Inform them a reply is requested within 7 days as further action will be instigated if not received in that time.
I would suggest a serious re-edit with key scenes and colour correction as a minimum + a refund of 50% is in order.
See what their response is first. ?

id="quote">

Thank you again, I will sit down and watch the showreel and then compile a list of things that are wrong with our DVD. I think its a really good idea to send it recorded delivery.

Thanks everyone for your help.

quote:Originally posted by Mrsmcd!


The montage clips are the same style, quick changes between scenes, but the quality isn't the same. The showreel wasn't very long but it showed the bride before she was about to walk down the aisle and then as she walked down. It also had guests arriving at the service which ours hasn't got. The package does say Arrival of Guests,
Ceremony Filmed in Full. One of my close friends that did a reading isn't even in the video once! There are lots of friends and family that you don't see at all.

I did expect our video to have more montage clips in it. What would be the average length of other things in a DVD that aren't the vows and speeches?

Maybe I am expecting too much. He did do a lovely clip of the sun setting which he has speeded up, but if we only have 8mins of clips I would rather have friends and family.

Just going to see if i can find the showreel to watch again to compare it.

id="quote">

If it said guests arriving then it should have that! I also can't believe they didn't capture your friend who did the reading (so they didn't even leave the reading in???) or so many of your other guests ?
Without seeing the DVD, I can't really judge, but they do seem to have made some major mistakes [V]
8 minutes of edited to music is rather low. You mentioned they only used 2 of your songs, is there any other music? How long is each "section" of the DVD?

Having checked, it would seem this company is not registered with either the IOV, the APV or the smaller Guild of pro video.
For the money you have paid should have an expectation of professional, high quality film and editing.
The only clip I could find online seems to suggest they film in auto -as exposure, focus and colour, drifts to self correct many times. This is not the filming standard you should expect from a professional. ?

Sorry to hear that you have had problems with your DVD. I think you have received some very good advice on here, and fortunately there are some kind videographers around.

Given that you paid £1200, I would most certainly think you should be asking for them to re-do your DVD presuming that they did actually get the additional footage that you asked for.

Good luck

TG

If it said guests arriving then it should have that! I also can't believe they didn't capture your friend who did the reading (so they didn't even leave the reading in???) or so many of your other guests ?
Without seeing the DVD, I can't really judge, but they do seem to have made some major mistakes [V]
8 minutes of edited to music is rather low. You mentioned they only used 2 of your songs, is there any other music? How long is each "section" of the DVD?



The service part of the DVD is just our vows. There is a very short clip of me about to sign the register, but it doesn't show us signing it or H signing it. They have totally left out the section where my friend did a reading. There is also no video footage of her and her partner (plus quite a few other family members like my cousin and H's uncle and cousins) I understand they can't get everyone in the DVD but by filming the guests arriving that would have at least covered that?

The first section which is me getting ready, H getting ready, Me arriving at the hotel and the start of the ceremony is 3mins 32 (music lasts for 3mins 24! This was put to one of our song choices)

Then we have our vows

The 2nd montage section is us half way down the aisle leaving then the photo's outside, a clip of the room being set up for the meal, us walking into the meal, cutting the cake and some clips of the magician we had. This lasts for 3mins 20secs and is to another of our song choices.

It then fades into the speeches.

Our first dance song then comes on and it goes to us walking onto the dance floor and straight into our first dance.

The video then ends after our first dance. (The music is coming from the DJ)

So the only music is our 2 songs we selected and the first dance song. 8 mins was actually longer than it is, the 2 montages only last 6mins 44 secs! I really feel like we have been totally ripped off.

WOW!!! ? That really sucks. Sorry to be so blunt about it. Did they have a camera malfunction or something??? I really can't find any excuse why they would leave so little footage.
And not to put in anything else of the ceremony, no readings??? That's just criminal. What were they thinking??? Sorry, I'm just shocked!

Like dreammachine said, send them a recorded letter. I would demand to get all the original tapes they shot on the day and as much of a refund as you can get. With a bit of luck you can get another videographer to edit it properly. From what you've mentioned it all looks totally unacceptable.
I would also suggest to get in touch with the IOV (www.iov.co.uk). Although he isn't a member they should hopefully be able to offer some advice on how best to deal with him. And if ever it would come to small claims court or something, they might be able to act as a governing body to prove that the product your received was substandard.

Again, so sorry you've been let down by your videographers ?

NeoShoegal thanks for your response, I'm glad its not me being unreasonable! They were recording with 2 cameras so even if they had a camera malfunction they should still have the footage on the other camera. I think he just wanted to get our DVD out to us as I have been pestering him for the last few months!

I will ask for the original tapes, I didn't realise someone else might be able to put together a DVD from this for us. At least that way we would have the main parts of the wedding on it.

I will give him the chance to change the DVD and add the reading, bridesmaids and me walking down the aisle first. But if it means waiting another 6 months I wont be too happy!

Do you think someone else would mind editing a film that they didn't shoot? Hopefully if I manage to get some money back from him this would be a good option. Once he has replied to my letter I will inform the IOV as you mentioned.

? Thanks again to all of you, you have all been really kind and helpful with your advice.

I am a professional videographer and qualified member of the APV. It is such a shame that this wedding has been spoiled by a let-down of this type. It is easy to be given assurances by a supplier either in person or through a website.

A showreel is never enough to guage a videomaker's work - it will always be best bits. Always view as many companies as you can, and always ensure the contract you sign is clear about what you get. It should also reassure you that your videographer has appropriate insurance to cover a major catastrophe. Always meet with your videographer and ensure you are comfortable with their attitude, professionalism and do make sure you know exactly what they will be filming and how.

As someone has said earlier, the company should be asked to fix the colour problems at the very least and provide a personalised cover. If they have missed or badly filmed other parts of the day then they will be unable to supply them. If they are not prepared to provide a refund, they should at least be offering a discount. Your statutory rights as a consumer always allow you to request a refund if you are not satisfied with a product but much will depend again on the signed contract. You have paid a significant amount of money and can therefore demand a high quality piece of work.

I hope you have some success and that despite your missfortune, other prospective brides may benefit from some of the comments in this thread.

quote:Originally posted by Mrsmcd!
NeoShoegal thanks for your response, I'm glad its not me being unreasonable! They were recording with 2 cameras so even if they had a camera malfunction they should still have the footage on the other camera. I think he just wanted to get our DVD out to us as I have been pestering him for the last few months!

I will ask for the original tapes, I didn't realise someone else might be able to put together a DVD from this for us. At least that way we would have the main parts of the wedding on it.

I will give him the chance to change the DVD and add the reading, bridesmaids and me walking down the aisle first. But if it means waiting another 6 months I wont be too happy!

Do you think someone else would mind editing a film that they didn't shoot? Hopefully if I manage to get some money back from him this would be a good option. Once he has replied to my letter I will inform the IOV as you mentioned.

? Thanks again to all of you, you have all been really kind and helpful with your advice.

id="quote">

Hi just caught this thread from another post in a Video Forum.

I am saddened to read the disappointment of Mrsmcd!, having filmed weddings for over twenty years, filming and editing apart from being a difficult skill , it is all about talking to the couple to get what they want and explain what they may not get due to difficulties on the day.

I have always found that people who come from a "Professional Background" e.g. the beeb do not normally have a clue about weddings as weddings run them selves and wait for no cameraman, so you have to be on the ball and be at the right places at the right time.

The price is what I would have charged for one camera as there is a lot of work in a wedding, not just pictures but also the audio, often overlooked. I always get potential clients to view previous weddings, so they know what other have received in the past. I know from experience demos show just the best bits and so can lead you into a false sense of quality available.

With the requests, this can be a difficult area, I do get request for certain things on the day like walking down the isle, some bit sin the garden at the venue. The trouble with getting the aisle shot is you are at the mercy of the vicar and if you are not in a good position or cannot move it is not going to be possible, if you can see the start of the aisle, you certainly wont when the congregation stand up and won't catch the bride till she is most of the way down. Filming in the venue is not a problem but if it rains then what.. It all boils down to communicating to the client, what the problems on the day may be and see if they can help you sort them out by speaking to the vicar , who will take more notice of couple then us.

DO speak to the company an let us know how you get on, see if you can see the master footage (assuming you have the equipment to view it, or go over there), that will show, if they bits they have missed are there on not. Hopefully the bits will be there and you and you can then go forward and request the changes be done.
If the worst comes to the worse then do come back on here and may we or someone else may be able to help if you can get the master footage.

If they is a deadlock give me a call there may be an another option still open.

I have checked with teh IOV and they do not come up as members.
You can still use the IOV arbitration service if required though there is a fee, if they are not members


All the best.

Z Cheema www.svsweddings.co.uk

quote:Originally posted by Mrsmcd!
Do you think someone else would mind editing a film that they didn't shoot? Hopefully if I manage to get some money back from him this would be a good option.
Any good operator will hopefully help with a re-edit, though on past experience of editing badly filmed weddings for clients disappointed with their operators work, I can say that this is an unenviable task and very, very time consuming and the most eppensive part of the process, especially if the continuity is lost, or in this case everything was filmed in auto. A silk purse from a sows ear springs to mind.

To save anyone else the agony of seeing their wedding DVD badly produced, please let other hitchers know if you make any progress with either obtaining the camera tapes and a refund or if they have a professional conscience and will re-edit to your satisfaction.
Best of luck!?

Hi,

I am also sorry to hear about the outcome. It seems their may have been a communication breakdown. This is no excuse for not providing you with a beautiful representation of your wedding day with the key moments included.

If the supplier states he will film the guests arrival etc, then this should be included in the final edit.If you wanted the whole ceremony then this also should have been fulfilled,

There are many things that can go wrong whilst filming any live event, and that is why it is so important to always think ahead so that the videographer is in the right place at the right time.

Whether the videographer missed the key moments, or just did not include them, I do not know.

As for the price, I believe this to be at the lower end of the market for a 2 camera and crew shoot, provided they are qualified and skilled in their trade.

It is a lot of money however when the final production is of this substandard quality. I cannot comment on the video, and I do believe their are always two sides to any story. I trust what you are saying is true. It would be interesting to get the company to have their say here also if they feel they have been mis-represented.

That would give them the opportunity to explain why they choose to edit in such a style as to leave the key moments out.

I would also echo Z Cheema's post that it is not always possible all of the time to get every single detail of the day, and this should have been discussed with you prior to your wedding, with clear indication of what may or may not be in the final edit.

As a professional I believe that it would be in the interest of the company to put what is wrong right, and I truly hope that you are able to reach a compromise, or indeed that he will release the master tapes to you so that another company can re edit the footage to your satisfaction should he not wish to do so.

If you wish to PM me at any time for advice then please feel free.

Kind Regards,
John De Rienzo.
http://www.derienzo-videoproductions.co.uk

If they aren't in the IOV or the APV, then you could always try two things that work for non-weddings related suppliers of goods or services: Trading Standards and the Small Claims Court.
I second what other people have said though about getting the tapes.
A good editor would be able to salvage something for you then at least the day isn't lost for ever.
Lots of people have offered to help you but you're welcome to contact me if you need any specific advice.