Secrets Behind A Same Day Edit

There was much anticipation for this past weekend. PPE was super busy jumping from one rehearsal to another, wedding to wedding, and a special event. I was constantly on the phone with vendors and finalizing two weddings for this weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday night, I didn't sleep until 3a.m. and awoke at 9a.m. Overall, I had a great weekend and I can't wait to share all the wonderful photos from some fab photographers!

Today, I want to share an up and coming Cinematographer, Loyd Calomay. Loyd is the owner of Red 5 Studios. On any given day, you will find Loyd filming concept videos, meeting with clients, editing, shooting weddings, and ensuring his wife is comfortable as they await the arrival of a baby boy. I met Loyd at Bev and Ja's wedding. He blew my socks off with his amazing Same Day Edit. On Saturday, the "Dream Team" (as Bev marked PPE, Ja Tecson Photography, Red 5) came alive for Gwyn and Jon's wedding at Skirball Cultural Center.  Before I show the SDE, I asked Loyd to provide readers what it takes to produce a SDE:

"I ask the bride or couple for a set of songs that could possibly be used for the video (I usually ask for 5 fast and 5 slow songs).  But most of the time they trust my judgment and they give me the freedom to choose a song that would fit their wedding day.  In the case of Gwyn, she sent me the title of the song by Colbie Callait and she asked if it would work.  I heard the song and thought it would be perfect.  It had a nice, calm feel and based on your description of the venue decorations (lots of white, serene) I thought it would fit the theme of the day.  I study the song prior to the wedding day, so throughout the event I have the song "playing" in my head and I'm editing the shots in my mind as I'm shooting.  Time is critical, and every moment counts.  We have a crew of 3 when we do SDEs, 2 shooters and 1 assistant to log/edit footage.   As soon as we're done with pre-ceremony, we begin logging footage on our way to the church and during the ceremony.  Someone will begin cutting the footage (Hazel or AJ), looking for shots that would tell the story.  Once the ceremony is over, we log footage needed from the ceremony.  I will shoot the newlyweds along with the photographer (Ja is great because he does them right away before he brings in the rest of the entourage).  Then I take over the editing during the cocktail hour.  I will take a break to shoot the grand entrance/first dance (I always suggest having the first dance right away so I can throw it into the SDE for a major "wow" moment).  Then it's back to editing while my shooters cover toasts and any other events prior to the video presentation.  I'll ask couples and their coordinators to have our presentation as late in the program as possible so that we can do the best job we can.  It's hard work under a lot of pressure but it's the best feeling to have the couple experience watching the video with their family ON their wedding day!!!  It also gives their guests a peek at things they didn't see (preparation, first meeting, the bride waiting in the limo, close up shots of the ceremony)."

Gwyn & Jon | Same Day Edit | Skirball Center from Red 5 Studios on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG