Videography FAQ | Portobello Films™

At Portobello Films wedding videography, we make unique, personal, handcrafted, modern wedding videos. Filmed and edited by discreet broadcast professionals. Based in London, we supply personalised packages to our customers from all over the UK. Portobello Films is part of television and film production and services company Future Farm Productions Ltd.

*Portobello Films is a trading division of Future Farm Productions Ltd. Company registered in England and Wales. Company number 6305460

Please find below a list of the most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the thing you are after just send
us an email to FAQ@portobellofilms.co.uk or give us a ring anytime between 10am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

How do I book?
Firstly give us a ring, or email, to check if we are available. If we are free we can hold the date for up to 7 days. By which time you will need to sign a copy of the contract and pay a deposit of 30%. The outstanding balance should be settled 10 weeks before the agreed date. We are able to accept all major forms of payment. Those using credit/charge cards through our PayPal account will not incur a handling fee for deposits.

Are there any conditions attached to your 3 week turnaround?
We like to edit the footage straight away while memories are fresh, often starting the 1st cut on the following day. We don't over book, only shooting 2 wedding videos per weekend. So providing we have everything you wish to include in your film (photographs, music etc.) at least 10 days before your wedding day. Then we think 3 weeks is more than enough time. Why wait longer?

What music can I have?
Anything you like. The copyright covers live recorded music such as a choir and ceremonial music and also any pre-recorded tracks from your favourite artists.

What will you wear?
Just because will film broadcast, it does not mean we will turn up in combats, a fleece, and a safari waistcoat. (although we can if you like). Nor will it be in those awful shiny suits so beloved by “videographers”. Our aim is to blend in and we will dress appropriately, with any suggestion welcome.

Will you really blend in?
Approachable but invisible is what we aim for. Unlike the photographer who actively encourages participation with the camera. Our stock in trade is to document natural live scenes. This is achieved through a combination of; subtle positioning, selecting the correct lenses and audio devices, a confident familiarity with the equipment and of course good planning. Wherever possible we contact the venues to discuss shooting positions, people flow and lighting conditions.

What input can I have?
As much or as little as you like. Leave everything to us, or you can use our experience to get exactly what you are after. Should you wish to describe your expectations in abstracts, such as classical, sunny, formal, modern, funky, or fun. we will know just what you mean. We have a whole host of ideas that we can discuss with you to help you make the most of our services.

Can I have a camera each for the bride’s and groom’s separate preparations?
Absolutely, this makes for a great film. Once the footage has been editing and the sound tacks mixed, the preparations add fun and a bit of drama to the whole proceedings and of course show the couple’s last moments of singledom.

What is the significance of a Shooting Director?
The Shooting Director is ultimately responsible for the look and technical competence of each film. While wherever possible remaining faithful to the basic grammar of film making. Or. Making sure there's no shaky bits, and being mindful of which side people enter and leave the frame. When working with a second wedding videographer the Shooting Director co-ordinates scenes and shooting angles, insuring there is a rhythm of, close up, mid and establishing shots.

Will you edit out all the audio from our day and replace it with music?
We sound mix the audio from your wedding day and your chosen music tracks together into an harmonious "soundbed" where each audio source complements the other.

One or Two Cameras?
One wedding videographer offers a lightness of touch but by its very nature it is constrained to a more documentary style. What two videographers gives you is pace. For eg. During the ceremony we can cut between a close shot of the couple - tighter on their hands - then cut to a wide of the audience. Whereas one camera would need to capture all those moments in just one shot. Therefore if you like the idea of a documentary style then it's one camera. If you wish to have a result that is closer to television or film, then go for two.

Can you film messages from family and friends on the day?
We often find that once the first dance has finished, and guests start to unwind they tend to notice us for the first time. Often wishing to conduct mini interviews and to generally wish the happy couple, best wishes for the future. We think this is great, and right throughout the day we are available for requests.

What other stuff can you do?
All kinds of things. For example we can place a camera for time lapse to cover all kinds of stuff, like the preparations at the reception, or the brides home. We can rig up a Wedding Video Day Diary, where family and friends can leave personal messages and thoughts. We can even incorporate your own video footage into the final film. In fact anything that you have seen on TV from mini cameras placed in the wedding car, to swooping over head aerial shots of the garden reception, we can do the lot.

How long will our film be?
That is up to you and the natural rhythm of the day. Generally a wedding video will play for 40 mins to an hour for one and two camera shoots. Using the facilities in the Diamond Lounge, clients can expect 60-90mins feature length film. Which can extend to 120mins with highlights, extra footage and “back stage” .

What is progressive scan ?
Simply put shooting in progressive scan offers a single complete still of each frame shot. As apposed to it’s earlier or consumer version, interlaced video. Often shortened to “p” and “i” as in 1080p or 1080i. Each frame of interlaced video is actually 2 frames laced together in strips giving you half the information from each frame of video. Progressive scan footage on the other hand, is a procession of complete, full resolution frames, much in the same way that film works. Typically progressive scan footage is a standard for “quality broadcast” .

If you film in HD, will we be able to watch it on my normal TV?
What we do is film in the highest quality HD footage possible. Thereby having the master filmed in the highest resolution possible. We can then export the final edit into any format, viewable on any TV with any DVD player. Then when you upgrade your TV and DVD we can export your film as it was intended, in sparkly 1080p or 1920 p HD.

How long do you keep the HD masters in archive?
We hope to keep the wedding video masters indefinitely, and you will receive an annual status report. Your production will always be available for extra copies and remastering in both HD and SD.

Do you offer reduced rates for publicity, advertising, or to appear on your showreel or wedding video samples?
A not unheard of practice in the world of “videography” is trade discounts or extra services in return for satisfaction quotes, or exaggerated showreel examples. It is not something we do. We select video examples only after the event and our satisfaction quotes, have been unsolicited.

Will you pass on my details for cross marketing?
We don't do that either. All of your personal details remain with us, we do not pass them on to anyone else. If you book with us, you will not find yourself inundated with offers from, floral designers and cake makers.

What else should I be aware of ?
When selecting a film or video company we would suggest the two big questions to ask are; Who is actually filming my wedding video ? and How old is the equipment they are using? Below are real extracts from an ad posted under the lo/no pay section of a free website. “We are looking for people to help out on some wedding video shoots. Looking for people with own equipment....It is expenses only at this stage but potential for paid work in the future....” Quite a extreme example but one that highlights the importance of a convincing answer to who is actually pressing the record button. The next thing is how old is that record button. Ask for the name of the camera and when it was last serviced.Then Google search “camera name - release date” or alternatively give the camera a quick search on ebay.

Do you use lighting?
Lighting is just a part of what we offer in the Diamond Lounge and contrary to expectations. We often use lighting to illuminate the architectural and landscaped surroundings, rather than the guests themselves. We tend to shy away from directly lighting people. In a fluid and dynamic environment they run contrary to a naturalistic portrayal of events. Although depending on location it is something we consider for interviews.

How do you record the sound?
Remotely and cable free. We use a range of Sennheiser radio mics transmitters and receivers. Which means that the mics transmit the audio to the cameras, enabling them to move further away from the subject, for a more naturalistic approach with no conspicuous cables. We record several channels of audio this way. Then in edit, we rebuild the sound so that different audio sources such as, speech, laughter, and ambience, all compliment each other. Rather than competing in a noisy hub bub, which is so often produced when recording sound, using only the camera`s onboard mic.

How will you get to the venue?
Depending on location (in or out of London) we either hire or use the company LPG converted Landrover. Wherever possible we make ecologically based decisions and our Discovery emits just 7% of the particulates compared to a diesel Discovery.