FAQ's

How much experience do you have?
Greg and Matt Riccardi started their videotaping career in 1987, when they were just high school students. They started out by shooting plays and sporting events that were held at the school (Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ). Soon thereafter, Greg, as a freshman in college, began videotaping for Dean News Service (a free-lance news gathering firm based in Union, NJ). It was during Greg's tenure at Dean that the basis of their shooting style was formed (news/documentary style-see What is your shooting style/philosophy?). Although they put the actual business on the side during college, they continued to gain experience (and pay some room and board) through their college years by free-lancing for other companies. It was in March of 1993 that they restarted Videoccasions. Kaan Tulgar, a master videographer and filmmaker with 16 years experience, joined the company in May of 2000 as production manager and videographer. Videoccasions now has a total of 6 additional videographers, all of whom were personally trained by Matt, Greg, or Kaan.

Do you have any references?
Are you recommended by anyone we know or may recognize?
We can confidently say that we are the most highly recommended video service in New Jersey. The following NJ reception sites consider us an extension of their hard-earned reputation (we are the video company that they recommend and prefer to have work at their facilities):References

And, as a testament to the fact that our shooters are both extremely unobtrusive and easy to work with, we are even recommended by five churches in our area.

We're concerned about the video being unobtrusive...
Unobtrusiveness of their videographer is usually a main concern for most couples and it is what we consider to be one of the biggest advantages we have over many of our competitors. We are extremely unobtrusive. There are no tripods, wires or cords lying around, nor are there any carts or contraptions for people to trip over. We shoot everything from the shoulder (hand held) and we arrive to your affair dressed in formal attire (tuxedo) so that we fit right in to the elegance of your day. The equipment that we use is powered by battery belts that we wear--so we are essentially no more obtrusive than if you were to have a friend or relative videotape. See some photos of us in action and on location.

Still concerned about unobtrusiveness? DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...ASK THE EXPERTS, OTHER BRIDES AND GROOMS! We encourage you to check out our huge references page. Many of our brides and grooms appreciated how we were at their wedding -- especially those who were very concerned about this issue to begin with!

Do you use those blinding lights?
Absolutely not...

1. The lights we use on our cameras are low wattage lights -- our all new, broadcast quality digital cameras are extremely light-sensitive and do not need a lot of light to get a high quality picture.
2. In addition to using low-wattage bulbs, our lights use diffusers (smoked pieces of glass) that cover the front of the light. This makes the light soft instead of piercing.
3. We do not use any annoying room lights either!
4. Video doesn't lie...See for yourself! We can gladly show you hours of raw footage, right from our editing shelf, and throughout, you will rarely ever see anyone visibly interrupted by the presence of the camera (no squinting, etc.). Put any company you see to that test.

What kind of packages do you offer?
We have a several packages available that range in price and features. However, we can easily customize one for you if that suits you better than a particular pre-set package. see packages page.

Some of the elements you can have in your video package:

• Video Photo Album shown during the cocktail hour or some time during the reception
• 3-5 minute Recap of the Bride's Prior and the ceremony shown during the reception
• Visual aids package for the best man's toast (Video Photo Album, screen and projector)
• Live simulcasting with screen during the reception

Do you have any samples we can view?
Absolutely. Simply come in for an appointment or ask for one to be sent to you by mail.

Do you have backup equipment and people?
Yes. Each camera setup includes at least two of everything...Cameras (of the same quality), wireless microphone setups, lights, and battery packs. We limit our availability so that at any given time we have at least three additional shooters available on a moment's notice.

Will the layout of our location(s) present a problem for you?
We have never had a layout present us with a challenge that we couldn't overcome.

How much equipment do you normally carry with you?
For each camera that you secure in your package, it will typically be the videographer, his two cameras, and other backup equipment. An entire camera setup fits on one lightweight, medium sized, collapsible hand truck.

What are "freelancers" and do you work with them?
Freelancers are subcontractors who work for more than one company, and typically own their own cameras. We do not work with any freelancers.
The problem with using freelancers is threefold...

• Consistency of the camera type and image -- There are about as many brands and models of cameras in the professional video world as there are in the consumer world. How can you be assured that the quality that you see in the salesperson's office is what you are going to get for your video? At Videoccasions, all our cameras have a consistent picture quality and image, and because we own and maintain all equipment, what you see is what you will get.
• Age and maintenance of the cameras and other equipment -- Proper and scheduled maintenance and upkeep of video equipment is necessary to ensure that it will function well when in use. At Videoccasions, we are constantly upgrading the cameras that we use and execute a regular maintenance program on all of our equipment.
• Consistency of the shooting -- It can be very difficult for a freelance videographer to remember how one company prefers to have their events shot as opposed to another. Our videographers only shoot weddings for us. In addition, we hold meetings where we critique each other's work and share new shooting ideas on a regular basis. These also guarantee that what you see when you come in to book with us is absolutely what you are going to get.

Freelancer Test: Ask the video company that you are considering how many weddings they can shoot on any particular day. They should have that many cameras -- with backup as well -- in their office. If they tell you that their shooters keep the cameras at their homes, this can be a tip-off that their videographers are freelancers.

Do you work alone or with assistants?
You will have one person per each video camera that you book in your package, unless you reserve a second camera for either the ceremony, reception, or both.

How do you dress when videotaping?
Our videographers are dressed in formal attire (tuxedo) or black-on-black attire.

What kind of cameras do you use and what format do you shoot on?
We use only 3CCD (3-Chip), broadcast quality digital cameras, and we shoot on a digital format. Nowadays video equipment companies are making 3-CCD home cameras. While these cameras may be digital, they cannot compare to the image-processing power, low light capability, professional lenses and steadiness of the image that only 3CCD broadcast quality (full size) digital cameras provide. Make sure you see the camera in the office of any and all video companies you are considering.

Do you own your own equipment?
Yes, we own and maintain all equipment. The advantage that this gives us is that we have complete control over the equipment that will capture your important memories. Each piece of equipment in our studio is regularly maintained and tested to assure that it is functioning properly.

Do you work from a story line or basic plan that has been created ahead of time?
Our style is to capture the moments of your day as discretely and unobtrusively as possible (see shooting style). We can certainly set up various skits or scenes that you may want us to shoot if you have such things in mind, but we will otherwise never ask you and/or your guests to "do this" or "say that" on your wedding day.

Will we have to act?
Not unless you want to. See shooting style or story line.

How do you ensure that the vows are captured clearly?
We will give the groom a wireless microphone to wear, and that will capture the vows for both the bride and the groom.

When we book with you, do we get everything the videographer shot that day, or no?
Yes. For weddings, the raw footage (on separate VHS tapes) is included in every package we offer.

What is your shooting style/philosophy?

1. We use a news/documentary style of shooting. This essentially means that our goal is to show the viewer what happened that day without setting anything up. We never have you or your guests either "say this" or "do that".
2. We also shoot a lot of raw footage compared to what we know most other companies do. Many companies limit the raw footage that they shoot to minimize the editing that they will have to do later on. With us, even though your tape is typically edited down to a two-hour version, we do not shoot, say, just two and a half hours of raw footage. In fact we guarantee that much as a minimum, and typically shoot upwards of 3½ to 4 hours of footage, and sometimes even more, depending on what is happening at your wedding.
3. One of the most important things we will bring with us when we shoot your event is our "50-100 years from now" attitude. Our belief is that raw videotape is cheap relative to time. Imagine you are watching a videotape--with the crispness and clarity and sound that we are able to reproduce today--of your parent's wedding. What would you like to see? How much footage would you like to see of each one of your family members and friends? For how many of your parent's relatives would that video be the only remembrance you will ever have of them? These types of questions are what drive our videographers to capture as much footage as possible, even getting those shots that most would never expect. Our staff of the best shooters in the business is excited by the prospect of capturing this footage for you!

Do you get any "out of the ordinary" types of shots?
We are famous for our "Limo Chase" segment. We actually videotape the limousines driving on the road from the ceremony to the reception! While we cannot guarantee this shot due to factors that may arise on your wedding day, if we do get it, your family and friends will be amused and amazed.

We've heard horror stories about couples having to wait forever to get their videos back after the wedding. How do you assure this will not happen with us?
We here at Videoccasions are very organized. While we ask that you allow us 12-15 weeks to edit your video from the time that you provide to us all the necessary elements (the photos for the beginning segment, the EDL (see editing process), the music selections, etc.), your video editing taking that long would actually be unlikely. Our average turnaround time, even during the busiest times of the year, is about 10-12 weeks. Don't forget that the reception sites that recommend us do so for not only our quality, but for the fact that our service and reliability is unmatched in our business.

When will you arrive to start videotaping?
Typically we will arrive to start taping one hour prior to the ceremony time if that is where we are contracted to start. If we are contracted to shoot a home prior segment or a pre-wedding photo session, then we usually arrive two hours prior to the ceremony time plus the time it will take to travel to where the ceremony will take place, if any. We will certainly accommodate you if your event timetable requires us to alter our standard arrival times.

Do we get a say in the editing process?
Yes you do. Your raw footage (the VHS or DVD version that you will keep) will be ready three weeks after your wedding. When you come to pick them up, you will receive an Edit Decision List, or EDL, where you can specify the scenes that you definitely want to be included in your edited master, as well as those you definitely want edited out. It will also ask you what your preferences are with regard to various special effects, like slow motion and black and white. We do this to ensure that your video will be edited exactly the way you want it the first time.

Do we get to choose the music that will be dubbed in?
Yes. We have a constantly updated list of songs that we will automatically send you two months prior to your wedding date. Along with this list will be a music selection form where you can specify which songs you would like to have play during the various segments of your video. If you would like to use a song that we happen not to have on our list, simply give it to us on tape or CD and we will give it back to you when the editing is completed.

When will the video be finished? Here is the timetable for the editing of your video...

• Your raw footage will be ready approximately 30 days after the event. At that time you will receive an Edit Decision List, or EDL, that allows you to choose the scenes that you definitely want in and definitely want to be taken out of the edited master. You will have 30 days to complete this and return it to our office.
• You will receive the edited video no later than 16 weeks after the date that we have received all the necessary information from you (the photos for the beginning, the music selection sheet, the EDL, etc.)

What are the terms of payment?
Usually there is a deposit upon signing the contract, a second payment due a month prior to the wedding, and the final payment is due after the wedding. We do not expect you to pay for everything before you get anything. We can be flexible with your payment schedule if you should need it...just ask!

Does your company offer a written agreement?
Yes.

Are you insured?
Yes. Our policy covers us for up to $1,000,000.00 in case of an accident. Our certificate of insurance is on file at most reception sites in the area.

Can I request a specific shooter for my wedding?
Yes.

What happens after we book with you?
Once you book with us, you can sit back and wait for us to contact you! Everything as far as the shooting and editing preferences are generally handled via mail, fax, and over the phone. We will remind you of each of these every step of the way, for our computerized to-do list automatically reminds us to send you whatever you need. In addition, you will not typically need to make any pre-wedding appointment.