The Perfect Shutter Team in Biz X magazine
Here’s a transcript of the interview:
First just talk a little bit about the history of the company (when it started, how it got started, experience level and so forth)…
Perfect Shutter was started in the summer of 2009. The three of us are all longtime photography hobbyists who happened to start dabbling in videography. We all enjoyed it so much, that we decided to start Perfect Shutter and offer wedding videography. 2010 was our first full year in business, but our style really caught on and we’ve already filmed 19 weddings.
What services do you offer to Windsor area residents? (Can people from the Detroit area/suburbs hire you?)
Our main focus is wedding videography. As well, we do some commercial videography (mostly for web, and one commercial which has appeared on Cogeco Cable). We are available to work in Detroit. We have a strategic partner in Michigan that we work through/with, and we’re looking to grow in that market. We have also filmed numerous weddings across Ontario including Hamilton and the Niagara area.
What kind of equipment do you have?
We’re part of the new generation of HDSLR film-makers. Our equipment bag includes two Canon 5D Mark II’s, and two Canon 7D’s. We love these cameras because they capture beautiful HD footage, with the “movie look” of film. As well, the cameras are small and unobtrusive, so as not to disturb the couple and guests. Also, the small form factor allows us to get candid shots and unique angles not possible with big, bulky cameras. In addition, we have a full set of cinematic video gear including wireless sound equipment, dollies, a slider and a Steadicam.
How do you approach different events like a wedding or party…do you have a unique personality or style?
Our style is modern and cinematic. It’s our contemporary, story-telling ability that really sets us apart. We capture the day’s events candidly and creatively. We film genuine moments as they happen naturally, with emphasis on the details that make each couple unique. Then, through careful sequencing and editing, we produce a story-telling video that’s modern, stylish, and powerful.
As for our personalities, we’re just fun-loving, creative people. We love meeting couples and hearing their stories. We love the technology behind what we do and we’re always continuing to educate ourselves. We love working in the wedding industry and networking with other talented entrepreneurs in Windsor. And of course, we love weddings.
I know you can’t give exact details on pricing, every event is different, but what can clients expect? Are DVDs included in pricing? Is there cost for travel? Do the get raw footage?
Our video packages start at $1900 and all include a cinematic highlight video that the couple can share with all their friends and family on Facebook, or via e-mail. In addition, our couples can include fully-edited coverage of preparations, the ceremony, the creative photo session and the reception. We don’t offer raw footage, because we film in the cinematic style; we don’t just set up a camera and let it roll. Rather, we emphasize quality over quantity. Depending on the package though, couples can expect a fully edited DVD up to three hours in length. Three DVD’s are included, in leather bound keepsake cases. For the coming year, we also expect to be authoring to high definition BluRay.
We have filmed weddings in Michigan, Hamilton and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Travel fees are very modest, because we simply love traveling and filming different and interesting locations.
Is there one or two things you think that customers should keep in mind when hiring a videographer?
Find a videographer that has a solid portfolio and watch their samples. Choose one whose style matches what you picture for your wedding day. As well, ask your photographer for a recommendation. They’ve probably worked alongside many videographers and can help you choose the one that is right for you.
Anything you’d like to add?
The videography studio is only one half of Perfect Shutter; we also offer a photobooth rental service. We have photobooths operating in Windsor and Toronto and we can travel to service all of Ontario.
We’re currently renovating a studio space for photography and videography. The Perfect Shutter Studio will be open in early 2011, for our portrait and commercial work. It’s a store-font near the University, that will be half modern, and half funky & vintage, depending on the type of shoot required. We’re looking forward to it!
