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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
the dreaded "Back Log"

 
 


chrissyology
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May 27, 2005, 7:40 AM

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the dreaded "Back Log" Can't Post
I'm starting to fear the "back log" monster. With a four month old to cater to, I know I'm gonig to really stretch myself once the weddings start flying in. I've read a lot about this beast and I am curious (while I still have time to be):

1. What is the average (wedding season) back log?

2. Tips and techniques for conquering/prevention of the "back log" monster?


szerangue
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May 27, 2005, 7:57 AM

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Re: [chrissyology] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Chrissy, for me, but there are lots here with more experience... I have a 4 - 6 week turnaround from the time I start editing. The backlog will just depend on how many weddings you shoot and many weeks you have between events. If you shoot 12 weddings a year but only 1 a month, you may not even have a backlog all year. If you shoot 12 weddings a year but 4 a month, your backlog will be substantial.

My tip... do not overbook yourself, but it is hard to turn down the money.







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Maybe a life could be saved.


scotthayes
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May 27, 2005, 8:25 AM

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Re: [szerangue] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
I typically set myself to do one section per day. so, if you do bridal prep, ceremony, post ceremony/reception highlights and full reception, your looking at 3-4 days of editing, then one day authoring and designing covers/labels. I am about a week behind right now due to some other projects, but I can usually do a wedding per week. If you shoot for the edit, you will save yourself from going through a lot of footage.






If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!


szerangue
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May 27, 2005, 8:30 AM

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Re: [scotthayes] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
I keep saying this wedding business is parttime but I am working probably 6 hours a night editing. I look for the day when my shooting and my editing improves enough to allow me 1 week per edit. I would hesitate to tell a newbie that they could edit an entire wedding in one week. Just my thoughts, for what its worth. Shoot to edit is a great concept and one I continue to try to master, however, shoot to edit is most likely a foreign term to most newbies just starting out.







Cancer - Step Outside the Box.. by Ty Bollinger

Maybe a life could be saved.


Storm Crow
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May 27, 2005, 8:43 AM

Post #5 of 18 (831 views)
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Re: [chrissyology] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Chrissy, First off having a backlog is not always a bad thing. It means your successful and in demand. Secondly It is all about managing your time and getting to work when you need too. My maximum backlog last year was 19 and I was sweating about that. I've chiseled it down now to single digits and streamlined my edits so I can now accomplish the same things that used to take me two weeks to do in now 3 days if I really wanted to work on nothing else. When Vegas 6 arrives today hopefully I will see some improvement in render speed and I can get things doen even quicker. I shot 30 weddings and three events this last year. 2006 is looking good so far and 2005 is looking good also with bookings still coming in. I'm sure I will have another backlog but I will not let it get as big as it did this last year. Alot of this last year was software and computer problems but those demons are behind me for now.
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Jenn M
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May 27, 2005, 9:26 AM

Post #6 of 18 (809 views)
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Re: [chrissyology] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
I don't know that there is really an "average" - it varies so greatly, depending on the type of video you produce, how many bookings you accept, and what your package includes.

Our backlog is scaring the he!! out of me right now. But it's my own fault. I can't pick up the pace - I lose all track of time when I start editing b/c I love it so much. So, we list our ETA (estimated turn-around) at 3-5 months for spring and summer dates; 6-8 months for fall and winter dates.

One thing that I believe is very important, especially if you anticipate a longer ETA is to TELL THE COUPLE up front, even before booking, so they know what they are getting. We have lengthy discussions and demonstrations when they meet with us as to why it takes us longer. Most are very understanding and even say, "I would rather it take longer if it's going to be better - it's understandable." Those are my favorite Clients b/c I know I'm going to do a kick a$$ job on their video - b/c I won't feel the pressure of a deadline. However, the ones who say, "Is there anyway we can get it sooner than that?" - they make me nervous. My answer to them is "If it's a problem, you may want to consider someone who offers a more basic program." B/c I know myself too well. I can't rush it. I'm too obsessive. And like I said, enough people seem to appreciate that, so I'd rather work with them.

It hasn't been an issue for us for a very long time - the issue of a disgruntled Client who calls yelling that they don't have their video yet. The two reasons for this, I believe, are 1) our insistance that they meet with us for a demo and 2) our frankness in addressing our ETA during that meeting. We don't try to hide it. Like one bride said, "I won't worry, now that you've told me. As long as I know upfront...")

Oh, and I forgot, the other reason I believe it hasn't been an issue is b/c of our Editing Schedule on our website. Couples can go there and keep track of the progress by checking where they are in the line-up. Sooooo many of them tell me how they go on there and count how many names are ahead of them and watch as they move up on the list, getting all the more excited as it gets closer. So that has really been working for us.

In the beginning, your ETA shouldn't be too long. You won't have as many jobs and you will probably start off with fairly basic packages. BUT it's always better to overshoot the projected ETA, so if it does take longer than you anticipate, you are covered. If it takes less time, it's a bonus.

If you take the time to explain to couples the "why" of things, they are more likely to understand and appreciate your honesty. If not - you probably don't want the problem, er, I mean job. Also, if you try to be secretive and skirt the issue just to get the booking, you are only fostering postential problems for yourself. As with everything, communication is key.

PS When is your first gig?


Coleman
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May 27, 2005, 10:02 AM

Post #7 of 18 (774 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Not all here suffer from a huge backlog. I think one reason I can work quickly is that I have shots that work and I reuse them over and over. For example, I start each wedding out with the outside of the church with a dutch tilt to reveal the steeple. Then I show sign that says the name of the church. Then I get a shot inside from the center aisle at the back. I use this shot for my main title screen. For each and every part of the wedding I have shots I know I need and I make sure and get them. That way when it's time to edit things go pretty quickly. At first I would spend 60 hours per wedding but that was mainly trying to shift through the hours and hours of footage. Another time saver for me is that I do the highlights section in chronological order and I don't stress if the music match perfectly to what is happening on the screen.



Coleman


szerangue
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May 27, 2005, 10:11 AM

Post #8 of 18 (765 views)
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Re: [Coleman] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Coleman, sounds like you definitely have a plan. I don't mean to offend but I hope I don't get to the point where my weddings are so cookie cutter. Perhaps after time, I don't know, but like Jenn, I am so particular about my edits that I spend a lot of time of the smallest detail, including matching the footage to the music. To me,that is very important. By the end of the edit there are a few mistakes that I end up letting slip by because I know I just cannot spend anymore time on the project, but by then the wedding is playing out the way I wanted it to and I know I have done the best I can and I feel comfortable delivering a unique movie to each of my clients.







Cancer - Step Outside the Box.. by Ty Bollinger

Maybe a life could be saved.


Coleman
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May 27, 2005, 10:28 AM

Post #9 of 18 (753 views)
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Re: [szerangue] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
No offense taken. Edius helps because it is so fast and I never wait for rendering.



Coleman


szerangue
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May 27, 2005, 10:37 AM

Post #10 of 18 (745 views)
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Re: [Coleman] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Wait till you start editing HDV... I use Edius Pro 3.31 and am editing all HDV footage... don't need to render until I start applying various filters, rendering then is a must if I want full playback.







Cancer - Step Outside the Box.. by Ty Bollinger

Maybe a life could be saved.


Coleman
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May 27, 2005, 10:39 AM

Post #11 of 18 (743 views)
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Re: [szerangue] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
HDV? You are my hero!! I watched a local news guy shoot some footage with the FX1 and I was so jealous.



Coleman


szerangue
Veteran


May 27, 2005, 10:41 AM

Post #12 of 18 (739 views)
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Re: [Coleman] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Coleman, I tell you, the footage is spectacular, especiall the ones where everything is right, the lighting the colors, the exposure. But even when it is not exact, such as a dark dance floor, the picture is just awesome. Drawback, we need more power, Captn'







Cancer - Step Outside the Box.. by Ty Bollinger

Maybe a life could be saved.


RustyB
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May 27, 2005, 1:30 PM

Post #13 of 18 (693 views)
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Re: [szerangue] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
I don't like to consider mine cookie cutter, but sometimes it seems they are. If you do a LOT of weddings, then you'll find that many of them are pretty cut and dry, and getting something dramatic to use can be difficult. Many times the bride is too busy to take any "prep" shots, or the whole bridal party is just extremely not interested in being in front of the camera. Some churches are too restrictive, so good ceremony shots are difficult. Getting all the same shots at the reception can become routine, since they're more or less all identical.

Now, if you're charging a lot more, and doing fewer weddings, it might allow a person to spend more time with each couple, and work with couples that are genuinely interested in having a unique video. Since I'm full time, and still charging a medium price, I have to do lots of weddings. I treat each one like it's a masterpiece, but most of the time there's not much spectacular to work with.

I think Chrissy wants this to be her full-time gig, so she can spend more time at home. If so, she might find herself like me, working for a lower price to keep the gigs coming in and build up a referral base. That's where the backlog can sneak up on you if you don't stay on top of it. If it takes me over a week, including shooting, capturing, editing, rendering, meeting the client, scanning pictures, and EVERYTHING else associated with the business, than I get behind. Sometimes I have weekends off, so that helps, but then there's transfer work, photo montages, projections at rehearsals, etc...Crazy

I'd really like to cut my weddings in half next year...I'd really like to do better wedding videos, and spend more time on each one, and hopefully charge more! In the meantime, I'm getting setup to do more VHS-to-DVD converisons and very high quality Super8 telecine to DVD or MiniDV for you film makers, and even photo montages, for extra $$$.

Don't let the backlog scare you off Chrissy, just stay on top of them, and try not to do 50 weddings a year by yourself....it's very bad for your health! Laugh

In Reply To
... I don't mean to offend but I hope I don't get to the point where my weddings are so cookie cutter.....


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ADP Wavefront
Enthusiast

May 27, 2005, 1:59 PM

Post #14 of 18 (684 views)
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Re: [chrissyology] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
I bounce my FCP project file back and forth with my partner/editor back home in New England. This is actually gonna be the first season we do this. I'm hoping to have us both edit the videos by working on different sections so we can get them done within 2 weeks after the shoot. Stylistically were similar so it should work.

V.U. California Crew, L.A. Chapter


Brackish
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May 27, 2005, 2:02 PM

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Owen May
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May 27, 2005, 2:12 PM

Post #16 of 18 (681 views)
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Re: [szerangue] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
Shane --

One week to edit a wedding? It doesn't have to be that way. I wrote a book on the subject. Really did. E-mail me if you'd like another perspective. (For you, a BIG DISCOUNT :)

vidwiz@wi.rr.com (where you can make a GREAT living full-time in this business.)


Owen May
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May 27, 2005, 2:22 PM

Post #17 of 18 (668 views)
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Re: [szerangue] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
No such thing as a cookie-cutter wedding. 'Tis a figment of the imaginations of videographers chained to their edit stations 20, 30, 40 hours per project.

I've yet to experience a bride who compared her video to anyone else's video that I've produced with a plan. Always a plan. And for this I am paid ~2k or (~$65 per hour of effort.)


RustyB
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May 27, 2005, 2:45 PM

Post #18 of 18 (657 views)
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Re: [Brackish] the dreaded "Back Log" [In reply to] Can't Post
I just placed my order this week, and because of THEIR backlog (to keep it on topic), I should be able to go pick it up in 45-60 days. If my wedding backlog is not too terrible after the next couple of very busy months, and if I don't have many Super8 transfers lined up, I might do like a half-price offer for VU'ers, or better. I need some guinea pigs to run through it, and after buying the machine I can't afford to buy and process anymore film myslef for a while! (I bought it with the money I was saving for a new video camera, since my VX2000 is starting to get dropouts.) Tongue

I'm still trying to figure out what the going rate is. I'm advertising 20 cents per foot, plus $35 per DVD or MiniDV(for us NLE users) tape used. So if you have one cartridge, it would be $10 for the capture, and $35 for the tranfer to MiniDV; $45 total. If you had a 400 ft reel, it would be $80 for the capture, + $35 for tranfer to one MiniDV tape, at $115 total. Not too expensive! The process using the Workprinter will be slow, but the awesome quality of the transfers should be worth it. Send me a private message if you don't have my website address, as I'm working on an order form right now, and should have it on there this weekend.

Chrissy, it's these little "side projects" that can increase your backlog, but it's good to diversify if you can. Doing mostly weddings, and lots of them, can really burn you out. Not to mention fill up hard drive space. I have four hard drives loaded to the max right now, waiting on customers to error check their weddings, so I'm getting nothing done this weekend as the backlog grows....

In Reply To
When do you get the telecine machine? Any ballbpark idea on pricing
per 50 foot roll?
And how does that work with negative film? Or will you only
be offering telecine for reversal film?


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Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Fusion Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc