Many of my jobs come in through other companies, and are not under the "White Cat Media" brand.
I've been in situations where clients have consulted with me, decided to go with another video company -- and then I showed up on the day anyway to do their filming.
This is not a big industry.
Often, a photographer has sold a photo/video package -- and I’m the one supplying the video, just under another name.
Now, these sorts of jobs can vary wildly in terms of preparatory information.
I've often been in the situation where the only information I get is a text message the night before: "Hope you're still awake. For tomorrow, please show up at [address] at [time]." And that's it.
So, I show up blind -- no names, no plan -- and just figure it out as I go. And it always goes fine.
Why am I telling you this?
Firstly, you generally don't need to worry about your videographer, whether it's me or anyone else.
Any experienced videographer can usually roll with the punches. We're used to walking into a church or a venue we've never been before, and quickly working out where to hide equipment bags, where to position cameras, how to record good-quality sound. This adaptability goes with the job.
Second reason for the story: what I've described is worst-case scenario. But now let's contrast it.
For Hollywood films, they plan like crazy before filming. There's too much money riding on the outcome.
They scout location.
They discuss mood boards, colours, music.
They think about lighting, blocking, set, props, costumes.
They storyboard.
They break the storyboard into a shot list.
They build a schedule.
They design contingency plans.
So, this is the opposite of rocking up with a camera, a cup of coffee and good intentions and saying, "Let's go! Let's film this shit!" Instead, the process is a lot more efficient -- and less risky.
Now, with weddings, to be honest, much of the same applies. There isn't the budget for extensive planning beforehand, but preparation still matters. And just like with Hollywood, the more money involved, the more you can expect that your video team will "derisk the project" with advance planning.
And this is where video and photo often diverge. Experienced videographers are all about logistics. But few photographers will do much planning at all.
