The Creative Process of a Child

It's so fascinating to watch a child at work on a piece of art. Their imagination is still so vibrant and fresh, it hasn't been suppressed by the rules of the grown-up world.  I think what a child can tap into so easily, we as adults have to work harder to achieve. And to add to that, we seem to be too concerned about creating the masterpiece and striving for perfection that perhaps we don't get the same satisfaction of completion no matter what it looks like in the end. The fun for them is just in doing it. Those times, few and far between, when I'm able to really get creative is an enjoyable child-like experience, one where I can be in the moment and feel like I'm being fulfilled. When it comes to art, whether you're talented at it or not, I think it's a wonderful means of expression. I can't say that every film I create is a masterpiece in my eyes (I am serving clients with different goals and it's important to keep them happy) but I try to always do something extra that's different to keep discovering and challenging myself so that I can get that crazy shot or keep my style unique. It's something that helps me enjoy the process. It can turn a long day into something fun and rewarding.

Recently I had the pleasure of being involved in filming a video for my kids' school; Ecole Oriole Park Elementary during their art week. A full week they decided to focus on art and give the students a chance to explore, learn and discover about painting, dance, drama and more. Watch the highlight video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed filming and editing it. Truly this was a rewarding experience. And yes, there may be a couple cameos from my girls.  

Lynn & Chris - So many Tales to Tell

A wedding film is an awesome thing to create. Every wedding is unique. And it's not up to me write the script but rather to discover it. Everything said... the events of the day... the ceremony service.... the speeches at the reception; these all help tell the story, not just of the day but of an incredible love two people share. Each story is different so each wedding is different. And when I do an edit I love to see how it sometimes just falls into place. Most every time it surprises me as what I intended to do as "director" of the film is changed as something works itself in perfectly. And I have to be open to that because it isn't my story... it's yours.

The Wedding of Lynn & Chris was one completely rich with story. They just have such a neat bond. And as I have just finished editing their Main Feature Edit I wanted to share their Recap video. It gives you a glimpse into all the many wonderful little stories I had to work with. One of them was the story of Jaka, who being pregnant and on bed rest, was not able to attend the wedding. She was a bridesmaid. And although she was far away in a hospital somewhere she was still very much included in the day. Early in the day she sent Lynn flowers. Emotions started rolling. Then thanks to the amazing power of technology the bridesmaids used an iPad and FaceTime to make it so she was right there catching it all as Lynn put on the dress. It could have been an Apple commercial because they used the same technology to allow Jaka to personally deliver her speech via an iPhone. It had so much impact. Absolutely amazing.

Then Chris and his groomsmen were jamming it out crazy style when we arrived to shoot the groomsmen getting ready. It was terrific. Chris must be able to play 10 instruments, he blows me away. Music is a shared love for Lynn and Chris so it made such an addition to their film. Then... their speeches were amazing. So much content and incredible words said gave me so much to work with putting together their edit.

So as you're planning your day, the one thing I try to encourage couples to do is to really act on these things that will create that incredible story. Guys... find something different to do in the morning. I know it takes you 5 minutes to get dressed but there's so much more that you could be doing so we don't have footage of you just hanging out drinking beer. Although that's still part of the day, there are other things too. Just be creative. If you want ideas, I'd love to throw a few out. Are you going to give each other a gift? This is such an opportunity to really give a background on your love because we can film both of you receiving and reading the card. It helps build the emotion in the film and tell the story that much better. Couples... don't throw away speech at the end of the night. I know you're going to thank everyone from the flower girls to the caterers but don't forget the one who is standing beside you. Each of you should take a moment to publicly express your feelings for the one you have married. From your films perspective this will drive it home and give me the best content I can. Usually it fits near the end of the film and just emphasizes the incredible journey you've made together and why it all happened. Think about it. I love making films. You just love each other. Now let's make a movie. ACTION!

Sope & Seyi's Same Day Edit - Calgary

Lately we've had the privilege of filming a few Nigerian weddings and events. Each time is so enjoyable because it's truly a celebration and for Mosope and Oluseyi it was not hard to have that feeling of celebration especially with so much dancing and culture. We were given a unique opportunity to capture not only the church ceremony but also the traditional Nigerian Ceremony. It's really a time where they praise God, and experience not just the joining of two people, but two families. There's a lot of singing, praising, bantering and dancing all in an effort for the groom and his entourage to find acceptance from the bride's family. Finally the bride and her party arrive and are greeted with dollar bills and an array of gifts on a table. Among the gifts is a box containing a ring, gifted by the groom and when Sope found it and accepted it Seyi put it on her and the families rejoiced. It really added to their recap to be able include these celebratory moments and really feel the culture deeply ingrained in the couple and all participating. It made the edit a little harder but definitely worth it when you're able to see more of a story as and allow a little more of their personality to shine through. Enjoy Sope and Seyi. A Cultural Experience.

Josie & Joel - Same Day Edit - Red Deer

I am so excited to be able to post about our first Same Day Edit of the 2011 season! And it was so nice to film on a gorgeous July day. Josie and Joel both have this serious laid back side, but also a fun and crazy side too. Filming their day was so enjoyable. For a lot of the past year the 2 of them have been living apart and so the excitement was evident. Joel had some special journals he's kept over that time where he wrote his thoughts and was counting down the days hours, and minutes until the big day. Watch for the shot. What a neat idea, and such a wonderful thing to look back on in years to come.

I must say though when they told me the ceremony was going to be held at St. Mary's Parish I was a little worried since it is a pretty dark church. I've filmed in this church before and knew the challenges of low light but since we shoot with all DSLR cameras it merely meant changes our lens choices (one of which is my new Canon 50mm 1.4). I was very happy with the result. The shots in the church were magnifique!! It was actually hard to choose during the edit which shots to put since I had such great stuff to work with from all 3 cameras. Which reminds me... I need to send out props to my 2 assistants Tyler and Jennifer who really came through for me with some fantastic content throughout the day. The groomsmen definitely gave Tyler some original stuff to work with as you'll see. We shot the day with 2 Canon 7Ds and a Canon 60D... a great combination.

And for the vows... I chose to latch onto something a little different. The priest read some of their thoughts about each other which I thought was unique. It's one of those things that really helps to the story of their love. So included parts of those instead since it really added more to it and gave the feeling of them writing their own vows.
And as for the Same Day Edit... what's interesting is a lot of times when the DJ hears we'll be stopping the dance to he gets worried it's going to kill the momentum of the evening and clear the dance floor. In almost every case the exact opposite happens. The Same Day Edit gets everyone so pumped and excited it throws everything up a notch because of the experience of reliving all those amazing moments again. Here's some incredible ones. I'm excited to share Josie and Joel's Same Day Edit. Enjoy.

Kenya Kondo - Wait Album Release - Edmonton

It's interesting how my wedding films don't just appeal to brides. Lately I've been getting inquiries from others because they want me to approach an event or even business in a story-like and cinematic fashion. This is what brought Kenya Kondo, a very talented singer songwriter in Edmonton to seek me out for his album release concert. It's always a pleasure to try new things and I'm very pleased with what we were able to capture for him and his band. It was a very important night for him and he wanted us to capture not just the concert but the story surrounding the album release. The comments we were able to record from him created a perfect bio and highlight for his band. I encourage you to give a listen to his music. It's a very unique and upbeat form of alternative, jazz and rhythm and blues. Check out his website and enjoy this incredible highlight filmed at the Haven Social Club, truly a diamond in the rough when it comes to hang-outs in Edmonton.

Kelsey & Brandee's Recap - Red Deer, Sylvan Lake

I know with spring finally arriving in Alberta we don't really want to think about snow anymore. But with the playoffs going on I should be able to get away with this post. The shots we did out in the hockey rink turned out just fabulous. Kelsey and Brandee's wedding was in January and although it was a little cold the freshly falling snow gave it such a warm appeal. It was the perfect day for snowmobiling so kudos to Kelsey for resisting the urge to spend a day ripping up fresh powder. When you enjoy winter, there's never a better time for a wedding. It just makes for some fun footage. Enjoy.

Details - Sinead & Brett Same Day Edit - Red Deer

It's all about the details. For Sinead and Brett their relationship is all about the little things, doing those things for the other to make them happy with no thought of themselves. And it's those little things that can tie us together with emotion. That's love. In a wedding there are so many little things that make up the big picture. The flowers, the centre pieces, party favors, and heirlooms. Most importantly the people that have come so far to be a part of that day and the emotion inevitably displayed by them as they experience the joy with you. Details like Sinead's family's broach that was pinned to her dress for good luck. And the card Brett had delivered to Sinead. Thankfully a wedding film captures and preserves all those details I've described. A lot of the details hold so much story and for me it's all about uncovering it and telling it. A photo can show a detail but it can't always tell the why like film can. Why is that so special? Years from now a grandchild can watch this wedding film and feel the same emotions their grandmother felt. Film just has so much more depth and our generation is so lucky to have it. I love it when couples understand this. Sinead & Brett were such an easy couple to work with. I love it when I get a couple that says "We love your work, do whatever you have to do to make that happen, we trust you completely." It just makes what I do so much better. And we really had a great time working alongside photographer Malou Farrell of Infinite Eye. We were able to feed off each other's creative juices and it gave us some really good footage. And I also need to give a shout out to Peter Michaels from The Big 105 Live DJ Show for providing the sound and most importantly keeping the party going while I was finishing up this amazing Same Day Edit. He knows how to rock it.

Well enough said, here's Sinead and Brett's Instant Recap (our first Same Day Edit of 2011)