Step into the world of wedding cinematography with Dave Williams, the creative force at CinemaCake Filmmakers. From childhood curiosity to capturing love stories on film, Dave shares his journey from pharmaceutical sales to the enchanting realm of wedding videography. Explore the nuances of his craft, from pre-production intricacies to the dance floor’s luminous magic. Get ready for an insider’s peek into the synergy between cinematic storytelling and the rhythm of unforgettable wedding celebrations. Join us for a glimpse into the artistry that makes every moment a timeless masterpiece. 📽️💖
1. How did you get interested in cinematography?
Since I was kid, I had access to super 8 cameras and eventually video cameras, sometimes carrying a full size VHS deck and a full shoulder camera down a ski slope on family vacations. I spent years in sales; Paintball business, copiers, fax machine, then big pharma. While in pharma, I was kind of the video nerd in meetings, scripting sales skits, presentations, etc. In 2001, another sales rep asked me if I had ever shot a wedding because she was going to get married soon. I said, “I’d love to!” She asked, “How much.” I responded, $800.” I then spent the next two weeks and $7500 getting what I needed to shoot this $800 wedding video. I was hooked. My best friend, Steve, assisted me with the shooting and the editing.
2. What was the catalyst that made you interested in being a professional videographer?
After two years of juggling my pharmaceutical clients (doctors) and brides, I had to make a choice. I was spending more time in Jefferson Hospital’s cafeteria talking to potential wedding clients on my Nextel than I did calling on my doctors. My wife, Sheryl, supported my dream of going full time in video production.
3. Do you meet with the bride and groom to discuss the type of vision they have for their wedding?
Yes, and pre-Covid, many of those clients came into the studio to meet in our theater. Post-Covid, Zoom became our primary meeting tool, giving us the ability to see our clients, learn their stories, and understand their needs. Zoom also allowed us to customize our presentation and show our work. Our discovery Zoom is with Sheryl for weddings and events or with me for corporate clients. The pre-production is the most important part of any production.
4. How do you work with the band leader at an event?
We mostly work with bands at events and the band leader is our first point of contact. He or she can either make a party successful or kill the vibe. We’ve seen it all. The best bands have great bandleaders who can read the room, excite the crowd, and make every other vendor’s life a lot easier. For example, A band who understands what the catering team needs, can make the difference between a party that gets awkward or runs seamlessly. Our interaction with the band is more behind the scenes, but just as critical. For example, we don’t want to miss moments that only the band knows about. CinemaCake pre-party work with the band includes lighting, audio capture, and even camera positions. Aunt Milly wants to grab the mic and sing with the band? We’re prepared. Tim McGraw is showing up to the reception as a surprise to everyone except the father of the bride and the band? Guess who also is in the loop… CinemaCake.
5. Discuss the importance of working with the band leader and band in coordinating the timeline for the event?
It is not always obvious how important the relationship is between the wedding filmmaker and the band. At CinemaCake, many clients order our Dance Medley, which is a 10-12 minute add-on, standalone film of all the fun and crazy moments that happened on the dance floor. This film is cut to the actual music from the band that night. Recording a band takes a lot of audio know-how and good communication between the film crew and the band. Some bands even have the capability of providing CinemaCake with a multi-channel recording, giving us a great deal of flexibility in post-production, creating a beautiful mix that will sound great in a home theater. https://sidmillerband.com/videos
6. Discuss the importance of lighting the band and the dance floor.
The band is the center of the entertainment at any great party, but some clients and planners overlook the importance of lighting the dance floor and the band. I’ve seen so many band members actually come out on the dance floor to interact with the dancing crowd. The crowd should be able to see them. CinemaCake always works with planners, decorators, lighting companies and bands to find that perfect mix of light.
– Dave Williams
