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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO

 
 


X-DP_Diamond
Imported Account

Nov 12, 2002, 11:47 PM

Post #1 of 17 (1340 views)
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REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO Can't Post
I need some advice from others concerning revisions to final videos. The following is what I do and what has happened to me as a result. If anyone out there can please give me some advice on how to handle my current situation, I'd really appreciate it. I already know that the first thing I'll change is my business literature, reflecting timely manners for re-edits. I apologize in advance for how long this e-mail is.
Part of my service is to supply clients with a copy of the finished video with time code, to view and decide if they want any revisions made to the final video. I charge for re-edits and offer raw footage purchasing. I don't have clients pay me in full up front. Instead, I charge a non-refundable deposit and have the clients pay me the remainder of the balance before they receive their final video. As a result of my business practice, I'm now re-editing a video that was shot and edited in August.
Part of my dilemma is that my client is the MOB, not the Bride.
I sent my client the time code video, with additional business literature, reminding that I charge for re-edits and do not give raw footage away, but offer them to purchase it. I waited for a response and left messages for her.
After 2 weeks of not hearing from my client, I ran into her in a restaurant. She commented on how much she enjoyed the video and then made me aware that she sent the video to her daughter (who lives out of state) and was waiting for a response before she contacted me.
I waited two more weeks and received an e-mail from my client, which informed me that her daughter would be sending me a list of revisions and that if I had any questions to contact her (MOB), but couldn't until after November 9, because she would be on vacation.
A few days later, I received a list of revisions from the Bride. Nothing too much and not a lot of work. The Bride also commented on how lovely the video is. So, in between working on other projects, I've started re-editing this August Wedding.
I've almost completed the revised video, and was preparing to send out an invoice by the end of the week.
Tonight, I received an e-mail from the MOB, not asking the status of the video, but rather stating that she now has her very own revision list to give to me and would like to add some additional guest footage of particular people and wanted me to cut out a part of her dancing because she doesn't like the way she looks (why didn't she tell me this stuff before)? She then asked if she could see the raw footage because she knows that I don't know who the particular guests are that she wants added.
Am I being a hypocrite with my business practice, or is this client trying to pull a "fast one" on me? Do I again remind this client that if she wants to see the raw footage (just to use to show me who she wants added into the revised video), that she has to pay for it? In my opinion, I think this client may want to see the raw fooatge to give me a revised revision list. On top of all of this, this client still owes me over $600.00! I really don't have the option of sitting down with this client and watching the raw footage with her because she lives so far away and I am pretty busy with current projects.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Please and thank you,
DP Diamond
diamondvidprod@aol.com


X-Coleman
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 5:24 AM

Post #2 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO Can't Post
     I think you need to give the MOB a deadline when no more changes can be made. Let her know that you are busy and that she is costing you money.
I think that your policy of sending a tape with timecode on it is flawed. In my opinion you are almost begging the bride to find fault with your video. Just confidently give them the finished product and tell them how much they will enjoy the video. They see you as the expert and if you act as if the video isn't great then they will start to find fault with it.

Coleman


X-Brian
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 6:01 AM

Post #3 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
We get payment in full before even showing up to any event.
Copy and paste the following to your contract. You may lose a few clients because they don't like the terms, but it sounds like this Bride and MOB are clients you wished had walked away from your contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Pricing & Policy: (Company name) is not obligated to produce services or products until all required payments are rendered. A fee of $###.## is retained upon acceptance of this contract. The fee is nonrefundable, but may be reapplied (subject to availability) if the event is rescheduled. A final payment of $_______ will be paid by the Client no later than midnight, two weeks prior to the scheduled event. Failure to remit payment by midnight of the specified date of _/_/__ automatically releases (Co. name) from this agreement and the $_____ fee is retained. All special services orders such as copies, keepsake cases, and additional editing require pre-payment.

Service Coverage: The parties agree that (Company name) will furnish the services of a professional videographer as stated within this contract. Upon signing this contract and entering into this agreement, the Client accepts ans approves of the professional and creative judgement made by (Co. name) as to the outcome of the final produced video as outlined in the package description within this contract. Any addtional editing beyond the final product requested by the Client due to change in taste or information will be subject to additional charges. All reasonable efforts will be made to produce the final video within three to five months following the wedding date, contingent upon the Client supplying VBM with all the necessary photos, information, and other materials. Production shall take no more than twelve months following the wedding date.
Limitation of Liability: The client agrees not to hold (company name) or its associates liable for any faults in tapes and/or footage caused by the actions of other persons, photographers, videographers, manufacturers (professional or otherwise). While every reasonable effort will be made to produce and deliver outstanding video of the wedding events, (co. name)cannot gaurantee delivery of any specifically requested images or audio due to the fact that weddings are uncontrolled events. (Co. name's) entire liability to the client for claim and/or loss arising from (co. name's) performance is limited to a refund to the client of the amount paid for services.


X-Joel_Peregrine
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 10:42 AM

Post #4 of 17 (1340 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi,
Like Coleman and Brian said the wording of your policy is the problem, not the fact that you don't collect the final payment or that you offer to make adjustments. It usually takes a situation like this to fine tune how you offer your services so you don't get taken advantage of. I don't collect the final 1/3rd until the program is 'accepted' and I offer to adjust the program for up to a week after they've received it, which I calculate as two weeks from the day it is mailed, just to be on the safe side. If they say they want to send a copy to someone out of town I send that copy and the clock starts ticking when that person should have received it. A letter goes with each preview copy (all of which go out at the same time) explaining that they have a week to specify changes, either by email or phone. If after that week I have not heard back (which is 50% of the time) I master the program to DVCAM and DVD and mail out the final invoice. The other 50% of the time I just get a 'it's great' email or phone message. I'd say I do small changes on 25% of my programs. As an example I just got an email from a client asking that I put back in the part where Grandpa knocked over the floral arrangement when he was being seated. Go figure. The change took me all of 5 minutes. So far I've had no problems with this arrangement and no requests for changes that have taken more than a few hours. If I get a request for changes after mastering I'll charge for it, but so far that hasn't happened. And as for collecting all your money upfront: that's a personal decision. I guess if I hired someone to do something I wouldn't want to pay for it in it's entirety until I saw what I was getting. Just me...
Joel Peregrine
Peregrine Video Production
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
www.RememberTheFeeling.com

: I need some advice from others concerning revisions to final videos. The following is what I do and what has happened to me as a result. If anyone out there can please give me some advice on how to handle my current situation, I'd really appreciate it. I already know that the first thing I'll change is my business literature, reflecting timely manners for re-edits. I apologize in advance for how long this e-mail is.
: Part of my service is to supply clients with a copy of the finished video with time code, to view and decide if they want any revisions made to the final video. I charge for re-edits and offer raw footage purchasing. I don't have clients pay me in full up front. Instead, I charge a non-refundable deposit and have the clients pay me the remainder of the balance before they receive their final video. As a result of my business practice, I'm now re-editing a video that was shot and edited in August.
: Part of my dilemma is that my client is the MOB, not the Bride.
: I sent my client the time code video, with additional business literature, reminding that I charge for re-edits and do not give raw footage away, but offer them to purchase it. I waited for a response and left messages for her.
: After 2 weeks of not hearing from my client, I ran into her in a restaurant. She commented on how much she enjoyed the video and then made me aware that she sent the video to her daughter (who lives out of state) and was waiting for a response before she contacted me.
: I waited two more weeks and received an e-mail from my client, which informed me that her daughter would be sending me a list of revisions and that if I had any questions to contact her (MOB), but couldn't until after November 9, because she would be on vacation.
: A few days later, I received a list of revisions from the Bride. Nothing too much and not a lot of work. The Bride also commented on how lovely the video is. So, in between working on other projects, I've started re-editing this August Wedding.
: I've almost completed the revised video, and was preparing to send out an invoice by the end of the week.
: Tonight, I received an e-mail from the MOB, not asking the status of the video, but rather stating that she now has her very own revision list to give to me and would like to add some additional guest footage of particular people and wanted me to cut out a part of her dancing because she doesn't like the way she looks (why didn't she tell me this stuff before)? She then asked if she could see the raw footage because she knows that I don't know who the particular guests are that she wants added.
: Am I being a hypocrite with my business practice, or is this client trying to pull a "fast one" on me? Do I again remind this client that if she wants to see the raw footage (just to use to show me who she wants added into the revised video), that she has to pay for it? In my opinion, I think this client may want to see the raw fooatge to give me a revised revision list. On top of all of this, this client still owes me over $600.00! I really don't have the option of sitting down with this client and watching the raw footage with her because she lives so far away and I am pretty busy with current projects.
: Any advice would be appreciated.
: Please and thank you,
: DP Diamond
: diamondvidprod@aol.com


X-Judy_Handley
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 11:00 AM

Post #5 of 17 (1339 views)
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High maintenance MOB's [In reply to] Can't Post
I know just what you're going through. I just finished with one MOB that drove me crazy. My contract says all that stuff about creative control being MINE. Some people just don't read it.
My guess is that your MOB doesn't realize that she's costing you money. You have to tell her. In a nice way, but still tell her that you have other clients waiting and you need to move on (even if you don't).
The hardest thing in the world for me to do is say NO to a customer. But I'm learning to do it and how to say it in a nice way.
This is a tough one that you've just got to decide how you want to handle.
Judy
: I need some advice from others concerning revisions to final videos. The following is what I do and what has happened to me as a result. If anyone out there can please give me some advice on how to handle my current situation, I'd really appreciate it. I already know that the first thing I'll change is my business literature, reflecting timely manners for re-edits. I apologize in advance for how long this e-mail is.
: Part of my service is to supply clients with a copy of the finished video with time code, to view and decide if they want any revisions made to the final video. I charge for re-edits and offer raw footage purchasing. I don't have clients pay me in full up front. Instead, I charge a non-refundable deposit and have the clients pay me the remainder of the balance before they receive their final video. As a result of my business practice, I'm now re-editing a video that was shot and edited in August.
: Part of my dilemma is that my client is the MOB, not the Bride.
: I sent my client the time code video, with additional business literature, reminding that I charge for re-edits and do not give raw footage away, but offer them to purchase it. I waited for a response and left messages for her.
: After 2 weeks of not hearing from my client, I ran into her in a restaurant. She commented on how much she enjoyed the video and then made me aware that she sent the video to her daughter (who lives out of state) and was waiting for a response before she contacted me.
: I waited two more weeks and received an e-mail from my client, which informed me that her daughter would be sending me a list of revisions and that if I had any questions to contact her (MOB), but couldn't until after November 9, because she would be on vacation.
: A few days later, I received a list of revisions from the Bride. Nothing too much and not a lot of work. The Bride also commented on how lovely the video is. So, in between working on other projects, I've started re-editing this August Wedding.
: I've almost completed the revised video, and was preparing to send out an invoice by the end of the week.
: Tonight, I received an e-mail from the MOB, not asking the status of the video, but rather stating that she now has her very own revision list to give to me and would like to add some additional guest footage of particular people and wanted me to cut out a part of her dancing because she doesn't like the way she looks (why didn't she tell me this stuff before)? She then asked if she could see the raw footage because she knows that I don't know who the particular guests are that she wants added.
: Am I being a hypocrite with my business practice, or is this client trying to pull a "fast one" on me? Do I again remind this client that if she wants to see the raw footage (just to use to show me who she wants added into the revised video), that she has to pay for it? In my opinion, I think this client may want to see the raw fooatge to give me a revised revision list. On top of all of this, this client still owes me over $600.00! I really don't have the option of sitting down with this client and watching the raw footage with her because she lives so far away and I am pretty busy with current projects.
: Any advice would be appreciated.
: Please and thank you,
: DP Diamond
: diamondvidprod@aol.com


X-DP_Diamond
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 11:52 AM

Post #6 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Thank you to all for the feedback.... I have changed my contract and business literature reflecting deadlines for revisions.
I beleive that my policy of sending a copy of the finished video with timecode is essential. For example, a photographer sits down with his/her clients and goes thru the proofs to decide which photographs they want and don't want - that's sort of the same practice that I do. If I were a client, I'd want the same done for me, as well. I don't perceive my videography/editing as being faulty, I just give the client the option of "approving" the master. This is the most important day of their life, and if they want something changed to reflect the most important day of their life, than I think I can reasonbly do this for them. The Bride has MINOR revisions that are of reason, however the MOB is almost to a point where entire revisions may have to be implemented. When this is all said and done, I will continue to offer revisions from viewing the timecode copy, just within a deadline.
Thanks again for all of the feedback; it helps me out tremondously!
Thanks again,
DP Diamond
diamondvidprod@aol.com



X-Scott
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 3:25 PM

Post #7 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
I do the timecode thing and one week for changes as well. The wedding I just shot last weekend, they moved out of town, so once the tapes go out, that's it. Nothing eventful really happened, and how much footage do you need of guests doing nothing but sitting around the dinner table?


X-Eric
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 3:38 PM

Post #8 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Coleman,
I agree with you that this "proof" policy is flawed too. I understand the concept and if people want to run their business that way they have every right to do so...
So far, no one has given convincing arguments that explain a good reason to do so. Like you said, you are basically asking your clients to tell you what's wrong with the final video and how they want it to be fixed. Heck why not invite each client over to sit in on the edit??
If everyone is so concerned that they don't think the bride will be happy with the way they edited her wedding video... why bother with proof copies and just let them sit in with you and tell you how to edit her wedding??
This comparison that photographers do it so we should too doesn't make sense either. If photographers let the client come pick out which proofs she wants in her photo album that would be the same as the videographer letting the bride come over and pick out which raw footage clips she wants in her wedding video.
Not quite the same as sending her a final video proof copy asking what changes she wants??
I don't know of any professional photographers that send a completed photo album to the bride asking her if she wants any changes? (and then doing this for free!) By a completed album, I mean all pictures have been corrected, album layout designed with specific matte pages, etc.
Photographers spend a lot of time correcting photos and designing layout/assembling albums just the same as we spend a lot of time editing the raw footage into the final product. I don't know any photographers that do this with their final product!
Some people I guess feel the need to give away their time for free...
I would be nervous if I had a home contractor come over and install a pool and then ask me if I think everything is OK with the pool? What are you asking me for?? What's wrong with the pool that you're not tellnig me??
That's why I PAID you to install the pool. I don't know anything about installing a pool and you are the expert so how would I know if everything is OK? I want a professional to come over, install the pool, and then tell me that I have the best pool around ;-)
Of course, I would do my research first and pick out the best person for the job! Just as a bride would for a wedding videographer!
Eric Noble

======================================
: I think that your policy of sending a tape with timecode on it is flawed. In my opinion you are almost begging the bride to find fault with your video. Just confidently give them the finished product and tell them how much they will enjoy the video. They see you as the expert and if you act as if the video isn't great then they will start to find fault with it.
:
: Coleman


X-Coleman
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 5:40 PM

Post #9 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Awesome post Eric and exactly what I meant!


X-Crystal
Imported Account

Nov 13, 2002, 11:47 PM

Post #10 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
 
: I would be nervous if I had a home contractor come over and install a pool and then ask me if I think everything is OK with the pool? What are you asking me for?? What's wrong with the pool that you're not tellnig me??
: That's why I PAID you to install the pool. I don't know anything about installing a pool and you are the expert so how would I know if everything is OK? I want a professional to come over, install the pool, and then tell me that I have the best pool around ;-)
I actually (spelling may be off but I am a proffessionall lol)
had a doctor that I went to for a very serious problem tell me "So, what do you think we should do? Maybe we should run some tests. What do you think?"
I felt very nervous and never went to her again.
Crystal


X-Andy
Imported Account

Nov 14, 2002, 7:50 AM

Post #11 of 17 (1340 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
I'm a little confused by all the responses on this. How can a customer as for revisions to a final video unless they have a copy of the raw footage (with timecode) to compare it to?

: I need some advice from others concerning revisions to final videos. The following is what I do and what has happened to me as a result. If anyone out there can please give me some advice on how to handle my current situation, I'd really appreciate it. I already know that the first thing I'll change is my business literature, reflecting timely manners for re-edits. I apologize in advance for how long this e-mail is.
: Part of my service is to supply clients with a copy of the finished video with time code, to view and decide if they want any revisions made to the final video. I charge for re-edits and offer raw footage purchasing. I don't have clients pay me in full up front. Instead, I charge a non-refundable deposit and have the clients pay me the remainder of the balance before they receive their final video. As a result of my business practice, I'm now re-editing a video that was shot and edited in August.
: Part of my dilemma is that my client is the MOB, not the Bride.
: I sent my client the time code video, with additional business literature, reminding that I charge for re-edits and do not give raw footage away, but offer them to purchase it. I waited for a response and left messages for her.
: After 2 weeks of not hearing from my client, I ran into her in a restaurant. She commented on how much she enjoyed the video and then made me aware that she sent the video to her daughter (who lives out of state) and was waiting for a response before she contacted me.
: I waited two more weeks and received an e-mail from my client, which informed me that her daughter would be sending me a list of revisions and that if I had any questions to contact her (MOB), but couldn't until after November 9, because she would be on vacation.
: A few days later, I received a list of revisions from the Bride. Nothing too much and not a lot of work. The Bride also commented on how lovely the video is. So, in between working on other projects, I've started re-editing this August Wedding.
: I've almost completed the revised video, and was preparing to send out an invoice by the end of the week.
: Tonight, I received an e-mail from the MOB, not asking the status of the video, but rather stating that she now has her very own revision list to give to me and would like to add some additional guest footage of particular people and wanted me to cut out a part of her dancing because she doesn't like the way she looks (why didn't she tell me this stuff before)? She then asked if she could see the raw footage because she knows that I don't know who the particular guests are that she wants added.
: Am I being a hypocrite with my business practice, or is this client trying to pull a "fast one" on me? Do I again remind this client that if she wants to see the raw footage (just to use to show me who she wants added into the revised video), that she has to pay for it? In my opinion, I think this client may want to see the raw fooatge to give me a revised revision list. On top of all of this, this client still owes me over $600.00! I really don't have the option of sitting down with this client and watching the raw footage with her because she lives so far away and I am pretty busy with current projects.
: Any advice would be appreciated.
: Please and thank you,
: DP Diamond
: diamondvidprod@aol.com


X-DP_Diamond
Imported Account

Nov 14, 2002, 8:22 AM

Post #12 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Andy,
My clients look at a final copy of the finished video with time code and if they want something taken out of it, music changed, title added, etc, then I make that revision for them. If they ask me to add more footage of something particular I scroll thru the raw footage first to see if I have it, and then incorporate it. If they want to see the raw fooatge, then they have to purchase it, even if it's something they want to be incorporated into the final video. Perhaps I'm flawed with doing this, but thus far this one client has been the first out of 4+ years to want a revision made- I guess I'm lucky. I offer to make revisions to the "final" video; raw footage doesn't pertain to revisions unless they purchase.
DP Diamond
diamondvidprod@aol.com



X-DP_Diamond
Imported Account

Nov 14, 2002, 9:08 AM

Post #13 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Eric,
Is it really that difficult to offer a client a revision? They pay for it. I really think that if I was a client and wanted the most important day of my life caught on video and wanted something changed of REASON, than I should have it done. Perhaps it's just me. The option is there for them. So, I guess a good reason to do so, is to reflect customer service and give the customer what they want. If "I'm basically asking my clients to tell me what's wrong with the final video and how they want it to be fixed", then I guess that's how you perceive it; I don't. Why is it such a sore spot to offer revisions? If a revisions is made, they pay for it. It's a service I offer and many others don't. I never ask a client "what changes" they want. I offer them revisions at cost, if they want changes made -it's another fee added. I guess we got off track here....I don't give my time away for free and I don't ask clients to tell me what's "wrong" with the video", either. It's just what I offer to do as an additional service and you and many others obviously don't. Thus far, this is the first revision I've ever had to make. Thanks for the post, but you really didn't give me any positive feedback that encourages my current situation - instead you argued that revisions are more or less, asking a client "what is wrong with the video". Again, it's an additional service that I offer and if revisions are made, they pay for it. How is this not a good argument? Shouldn't a customer have the option?
DP



X-Hector
Imported Account

Nov 14, 2002, 6:35 PM

Post #14 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Why do you do the things in that way? Why the clients need to make a final approval? You can change your working method by showing a real wedding demo at the time you take notes of their comments about what they like or not.
I think you as the editor have the rights to make cuts or bring the video the feeling you want. Remember: the client don't know what you recorded or what you cut. Apply to this the notes you wrote before. If they liked your demo then they will like the edition you will make to them. ... and any fear to cut this method it's in your mind. Try it!
Hector

: I need some advice from others concerning revisions to final videos. The following is what I do and what has happened to me as a result. If anyone out there can please give me some advice on how to handle my current situation, I'd really appreciate it. I already know that the first thing I'll change is my business literature, reflecting timely manners for re-edits. I apologize in advance for how long this e-mail is.
: Part of my service is to supply clients with a copy of the finished video with time code, to view and decide if they want any revisions made to the final video. I charge for re-edits and offer raw footage purchasing. I don't have clients pay me in full up front. Instead, I charge a non-refundable deposit and have the clients pay me the remainder of the balance before they receive their final video. As a result of my business practice, I'm now re-editing a video that was shot and edited in August.
: Part of my dilemma is that my client is the MOB, not the Bride.
: I sent my client the time code video, with additional business literature, reminding that I charge for re-edits and do not give raw footage away, but offer them to purchase it. I waited for a response and left messages for her.
: After 2 weeks of not hearing from my client, I ran into her in a restaurant. She commented on how much she enjoyed the video and then made me aware that she sent the video to her daughter (who lives out of state) and was waiting for a response before she contacted me.
: I waited two more weeks and received an e-mail from my client, which informed me that her daughter would be sending me a list of revisions and that if I had any questions to contact her (MOB), but couldn't until after November 9, because she would be on vacation.
: A few days later, I received a list of revisions from the Bride. Nothing too much and not a lot of work. The Bride also commented on how lovely the video is. So, in between working on other projects, I've started re-editing this August Wedding.
: I've almost completed the revised video, and was preparing to send out an invoice by the end of the week.
: Tonight, I received an e-mail from the MOB, not asking the status of the video, but rather stating that she now has her very own revision list to give to me and would like to add some additional guest footage of particular people and wanted me to cut out a part of her dancing because she doesn't like the way she looks (why didn't she tell me this stuff before)? She then asked if she could see the raw footage because she knows that I don't know who the particular guests are that she wants added.
: Am I being a hypocrite with my business practice, or is this client trying to pull a "fast one" on me? Do I again remind this client that if she wants to see the raw footage (just to use to show me who she wants added into the revised video), that she has to pay for it? In my opinion, I think this client may want to see the raw fooatge to give me a revised revision list. On top of all of this, this client still owes me over $600.00! I really don't have the option of sitting down with this client and watching the raw footage with her because she lives so far away and I am pretty busy with current projects.
: Any advice would be appreciated.
: Please and thank you,
: DP Diamond
: diamondvidprod@aol.com


X-DP_Diamond
Imported Account

Nov 15, 2002, 8:48 AM

Post #15 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Hector,
Thanks for your comments. Here are my answers to your questions:
: Why do you do the things in that way?
I don't "do" things this way. I OFFER at cost to make revisions.
:Why the clients need to make a final approval?
Shouldn't the client have the option of approving what they are paying for to reflect the most important day of their life?
:You can change your working method by showing a real wedding demo at the time you take notes of their comments about what they like or not.
I show full wedding demos and an abridged demo to all of my clients with a consultation first; we discuss what they want and what they like/don't like. I let them keep the abridged demo.
:I think you as the editor have the rights to make cuts or bring the video the feeling you want.
I agree.
:Remember: the client don't know what you recorded or what you cut. Apply to this the notes you wrote before. If they liked your demo then they will like the edition you will make to them. ... and any fear to cut this method it's in your mind. Try it!
I already do.
DP




X-Doug_Graham
Imported Account

Nov 15, 2002, 4:05 PM

Post #16 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
These kind of reviews and revisions are appropriate to a corporate video project, but not for a wedding video, in my opinion.
My contract says I have complete creative freedom. I make the decisions what to include, and what to leave out, and I never show the raw footage to the customer. If I make an error (like misspell someone's name on the titles or credits), I'll fix it, but otherwise, NO RE-EDITS.
Does that sound too hard-hearted for you? I'll tell you, it saves a LOT of time, and time is money. Most brides and MOBs don't really know what they want anyway. If you do a professional job, and give them a product with good shooting, lighting, audio, and edit points that make creative sense, they'll be delighted.
The stills photographer doesn't ask the bride's opinion as to what shots would look good. He's the pro, that's why he's getting paid, and he decides how to light and pose the bride. As the videographer, you should give yourself the same creative freedom. Let the client choose the music and the stills for the photo montage, and then gently move them out of the way for the rest of the process. That part is your responsibility, what you're getting paid for!
Regards,
Doug Graham


X-Luis_L
Imported Account

Nov 19, 2002, 1:20 PM

Post #17 of 17 (1339 views)
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Re: REVISIONS TO FINAL VIDEO [In reply to] Can't Post
Brian,
Great wording, very clear on what is to be expected. As a possible future videographer, I would like to thank you for providing this information to head off any possible trouble.
You may want to make a slight spelling correction as noted below, if this is your actual contract.

: Service Coverage: The parties agree that (Company name) will furnish the services of a professional videographer as stated within this contract. Upon signing this contract and entering into this agreement, the Client accepts **(AND not ANS)** ans approves of the professional and creative judgement made by (Co. name) as to the outcome of the final produced video as outlined in the package description within this contract. Any addtional editing beyond the final product requested by the Client due to change in taste or information will be subject to additional charges. All reasonable efforts will be made to produce the final video within three to five months following the wedding date, contingent upon the Client supplying VBM with all the necessary photos, information, and other materials. Production shall take no more than twelve months following the wedding date.