Hey! I made a massively in-depth course all about how I edit wedding films in Adobe Premiere Pro! 😁 You can signup here: weddingfilmframework.com

I've always done between 6-10 minute films and although I offer Doc Edits as an add-on, 95% of my couples don't bother with them. I think the key is to work audio segments of card readings, vows and speeches into the highlight film, that way it enhances the story and encapsulates all the key elements of the wedding. I also charge a high price for my Doc Edits to almost prevent people ordering them. I don't overly enjoy putting them together, but if a couple is willing to pay that higher price I'll do it. Win win.

@jtperceptions

4 жыл бұрын

Mitch, do you have an example on your website of how you price on your website I could see? I have been thinking about setting documentary films as an add-on as well.

This is so me... I started my business at the end of 2005 and always provided a long for edit. I WAS getting burned out. When 2009 rolled around, the economy crashed, I was having problems with my marriage as no money was rolling in because the economy collapsed. I quit at the end of 2009 and went back to my 9-5 job. I was so burned out from doing those long form edits that I hated editing after a while. Well, fast forward to today, I am ready to step back into wedding videography. I'm going to do some things differently this time including offering just a highlight as a package option and only offering a long form if couples really want it.

About 95% of my clients want to see everything I filmed. So I give them what I call a edited "Longplay" version. They feel cheated if I don't give them everything (except the horrible footage). I also include a 3-4min short film/highlight because I know they'll want to show family & friends who won't want to watch more than 5min worth. Great video/discussion. My business partner & I fight over this topic all the time. Tried offering short film style 20-30min a few times and it was a nightmare to deal with the clients. No matter what the contract agreement said, they wanted more. BTW Great topic.

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Where are you based? I have a theory that depending on your country/city that clients may want different lengths. :)

@martydenson_mfm

5 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt I'm in Dover, Delaware. We shoot in mostly in Delaware & parts of Maryland (Eastern Shore).

@SuperHamrick94

5 жыл бұрын

This is exactly how it is here in western Ohio. People want the longer stuff, but the 5 min cap is good for social. plus, people are cheaper here than the bigger cities lol

@martydenson_mfm

5 жыл бұрын

@@SuperHamrick94 Lots of cheaper people in this area as well (mid Delaware).

@RayValdezPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

That's my same problem. A lot of people where I am from think longer is better and I try to explain that it isnt as entertaining to have a long video. One day I will re-edit shorter videos for my own promos because I dont like long videos at all. I am in Philly. People don't want to pay anything but want the most.

10 seconds no more no less!

@nhlanhlasithole2899

Жыл бұрын

Lmao faxxx

@Donbros

Жыл бұрын

I like this. Can film 30 weddings in a week like that XD

Thanks for the love, Matt! Everyone has to find their sweet spot.

Hey Matt, thanks for covering this. I'm in the 1HR + Doc style and 6-7 min highlights camp.(in my experience my clients in Ireland want majority of ceremony + speeches but there seems to be a market emerging for shorter edits only) I might add a highlights only package and see how it's received.... I read through some of the comments and for the people that think it's a rip off, well the client knows what there getting and the price, all beforehand .They are free to look around to get other quotes. Another comment was "you're there all day filming, you might as well give it to the client" What about the monster edit that needs to be done! Sound, song choice, cutting to a beat or not..... (Might have to learn to edit the length of my comments first :)

I love the advice of watch what others have made. It’s seriously how I improve and change my edits. But yea… end of the day happy editor(you) and happy clients will be what drives your business.

Dude, I stinkin’ love this!! I made a vid about this topic and totally agree with you. I’m so glad someone with far more influence than I put this out there! I love the theme of “freedom” when it comes to wedding filmmaking. Side note, started wedding filmmaking over two years ago and you were one of the big influencers in helping me grow and learn. Now I have my own channel about video creation/wedding filmmaking and it’s opened up so many other opportunities. Just know your content has made a very significant practical impact on my life! Appreciate ya!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Jordan! Glad I've been able to help you out. :)

Matt, I love you. 5 Years from now, you will shoot my wedding. :)

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

I am so down!!! Your long hair flowing in the wind in slow motion is going to look so good!

I'll be honest man, you kinda blew my mind. Any weddings I shot I always provided them with a doc edit (roughly 30-45 minutes) and their highlight films. You offering just (basically) highlight films and (I safely assume) still getting business just made my day 😁

@RayValdezPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I think it depends on setting expectations for clients. If you tell them from the start the video is 10 min max and put it in the contract they will understand. if you dont state they might think they will get a 9 hour video and get upset.

Bro, I've binge watched dozens of your videos the last couple of weeks. I just filmed my first wedding ever in Dallas, two days ago. Dude, you are a baller man. Thank you for eveything. Blessings to you, your family, business, and channel!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Hope you didn't sweat too much! Texas Summer weddings are no joke 😂

Hey Matt, thanks for the video. A great example of paradigm shift hehe. What an eye opener. Now more people such as my self are more confident to shoot with much freedom to capture and showcase moments as we feel best for our clients. Keep those awesome vids coming bro. Cheers!👏

Thank you Matt. This help me a lot. I give the couple two videos. One 2 minutes long and other one hour long and I actually get so excited to edit the short one and then I don't edit the second one too happy. That can result with a video that does not bring out all my potential. I'm going to think about what I want to offer.

This video was just what I needed. I’ve just finished filming my second wedding (on my GH5 after watching your video) and have been wondering about the different editing software and processes and couldn’t find anything as comprehensive. Now July 1st I’m so excited to get stuck in to your master class! Also I’ve been wondering about the edit myself, I think I’m going to opt for a 5 minute music video style with additional longer clips on a separate USB so they have it all. Anyway thank you so much for giving me the confidence to get out there and do it!

I've just now noticed that I've used your videos two answer more than a handful of my questions and I finally just subscribed lol. Thanks for making videos that are relevant and useful to the average day photographer / videographer!

When I was getting started in 2006, I based my packages on some other videographers packages in my area. My top package came with 'unlimited hours' of filming on wedding day. A couple bought that package and on wedding day, about 4 hours into the reception where it was just open dancing, I asked to the groom how long he wanted me to stay. He said the whole night till they turn on the house lights. I think I filmed for 12 hours or more that day. That was the last time I ever offered 'unlimited hours' of filming. I know we are talking about edit results on this video, but this was a time that I changed my mind about what I was offering.

@whoismatt

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome back :)

So excited for your course! Wish you the best.

HI Matt. I love your work and video's. I just checked out 31 films and OMG..They are amazing in their own way and style. Thanks for all your knowledge and expertise. Pardon my English. I'm From Curacao and we speak papiamentu natively and learn English as a second language in school.. It's a small Island 40 miles north of venezuela and about 30 miles of the coast of south America. Just did my 1st wedding 2 weeks ago and looking forward to grow in this industry. Thanks again Matt

That's amazing - btw, I loved your answer to this question. I'm actually working on a course myself but it isn't really going to be a beginning to end process, which I love BTW, and totally feel a lot of wedding pros could benefit from. I wish there was more of them when we first started in 2007. My focus is going to be on building faster films by focusing on the storyline -- my forte, so to speak. Super excited. The industry needs more of this.

Although its subjective... but I would love to know your thoughts on story edits. Linear storyline vs Circular storyline? Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge, it's so nice to hear such honest thoughts!

your videos are so incredibly useful and not just random information and speaking in general ,you truly open my eyes, thank you for this!!

Love your content! My wife and film weddings in Nashville! Keep up your great work!

The way Matt says "documentary edits" makes me so happy.

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

DOCK-umentary Edit

Great video Matt 👍🏼 I’d love if you could make a video about how you specifically tackle creative blocks on the editing side (since you mention it at the end). I’m looking forward to your next live film review!

Thanks Matt I actually like this approach

You're the man. Thanks for all the info for years now!

Great video as always Matt! Excellent topic as well! I would also like to get your take on how you work with and around the photographer at weddings. Thank you for a great video and channel!

Matt, this is an awesome video. I have found myself wondering how my style fits in this wedding video paradigm. Right now I am a full documentary / highlight kind of editor. With this video you let me know that's ok! If the clients like it, cool! 😎 Love your videos!!

Giving this video 5 beards...always on point, Matt. We still deliver doc edits along with trailers but it's an option. The longest doc edit we've delivered was 2 1/2 hours and it felt like we edited the Godfather II.

Just shot my second wedding Saturday! So excited to start editing!

@martydenson_mfm

5 жыл бұрын

The editing is the exciting part. Filming is the exhausting part, but still fun.

@BirdmanYT

5 жыл бұрын

@@martydenson_mfm Agree with you completely!

Love all your videos, can't fault you man 👌🏼

Oh wow, I just opened KZread to search for videos on the length and your video popped up. I feel some sensei vibes!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

I made this for you!

Thanks for the video, Matt. As always, engaging and informative and spot-on with the topic. I can't imagine that it's as easy as you make it look, to come up with the topic, organize/outline your ideas, make the video, and then it all comes together and flows. Kind of like a Seinfeld episode! I just officially decided to do photography and video as a business, got my business license last week. Your videos are very much appreciated!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

SERENITY NOW!! 😂😂 Thanks Lance!

@HuntressMedia

5 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt INSANITY LATER! 😂😂😂

Thank you Matt!

My package that I sent to potential clients says highlight film 4-7 minutes for $xxxx... and full length ceremony additional $250 (which is easy for me since I’m already filming the full ceremony on a tripod for the highlight)

Such a great video topic!

Matt when is the course coming!?? I cant handle the suspense!

I've been doing videography for quite some time. I've been taught by both cinematographers and videographers. Some were professors that studied with actual Hollywood directors. There is a basic formula. From what I've learned and implemented, there is a point where the attention span and patience meet.

Tnks, you really saved my editions.

Hands down the best tips I’ve watched out of all 10 videos of wedding tips 😂

Hearing you say 31films was surreal because theyre also in my top 5

Thank you for this !

thank you! your amazing !

Thanks Matt

I think this is great feedback Matt. My own opinion/experience is 5-6 min as you can tell you’ll full story within that timeframe . Some audience will eventually start losing Interest after a while.

Your voice is so soothing

You're such a likeable fella! good stuff 👍🏼👍🏼

Several years ago when I was trying to "find my style", the best advice was what you said here -- your style is what turns you on. The question I still have with wedding videos is what type of feedback did you get from your customers after you eliminated the longer options? Did you get any pushback, and questions about why you weren't offering them, or did they just not care? Did they ask for lower rates because they weren't getting as much as you gave the year before?

So true! Greatz from The Netherlands🙌

Hey Mat! Thanks a lot for the video. I wonder if you provide your clients all the original clips. Some clients would want the original clips if they do not get the documentary edits. They always want more...

great advice!

Love your videos man! I started to make my behind the scene videos from weddings)

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Sweeetttttt!

1:30 Matt's Musicbed debut! haha

I've always stop to watch your videos, but I dont do wedding films! Hahaha. Love your vids man, keep up the good work!! 👏🏼

You've changed the way I think about movies (sorry for my english) big THX form Poland

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!!

Thanks for thr advice

love this! thanks :)

wow! 45mins? 1hr? Im about to film my first wedding. My plan was to give them a 6 - 10min edited and them give them all the raw footage (cutting out stuff like me moving camera, adjusting, etc)

Great info thank you 🙏

Our most popular is without a doubt the 8-12 minute cinematic in west Michigan. That’s almost all we get hired for.

Hey Matt, thanks for the great content. By the way, you have amazing audio. Could you please share what equipment you're using or your editing style? affiliate links are welcome..

This is a great video!! My biggest frustration right now is editing the two different lengths I offer. My work flow seems so redundant and sometimes frustrating. Do I edit the long version and make the short version from that...? Or? Help! I would love to watch your full edit video but I use Final Cut Pro, so I’d rather watch a full edit like that (not to be so choosy, sorry lol)

My movies are between 3 to 4 hrs. With a 5 to 10 min highlight video. I think it's way to much but clients want it that way, I had a couple of clients who asked for the whole unedited footage lol. Nuts!!!! Close to 7 hrs of video...

yoo bro i'm so so so glad i came across you bro you made me laugh and learn something here in a very and pretty easy way bless up

@capturelife4264

2 жыл бұрын

this is my second account

Hi Matt would you please share which software you use to burn yours weddings to dvd thanks

Solid advice, been super stuck on this topic, think this video helped me break through, really appreciate the insight, I'm just starting out, found this very liberating! How do you feel about collaborating with others editors on films? I kinda crave the interactivity and space to think tank projects, but I've yet to actually collaborate with another artist/editor, have you done it before? I'm sure it can be frustrating to collab on edits. :-? I'm not attached to controlling the outcome, things are usually better with outside insight. Thoughts?

Hey Matt, I’ve been a photographer for years and shot plenty of weddings? Now starting to offer videography as well and will be shooting my first solo wedding in a few weeks time with 2 cameras set up on tripods and me walking around with a gimbal. What’s your thoughts on filmora 9 for starters as I purchased that. Also all 3 cameras are 3 different brands. A7R, canon T6 I believe Americans call it and a Pentax K3. Do you think the videos will be easy to match up for style to be consistent? I’m also considering a camcorder with 5axis gimbal instead of the dslr and mirrorless bodies..... thoughts on camcorders?

Hi matt, do you use any of the skin smoother or beauty box plug in for your wedding video ? I been ask by other couple that can I make their skin look better as their skin quite bad

Matt would you recommend giving clients discs or usb? What’s the best method for burning Blu-ray?

Make a Top 5 wedding filmmakers video! This was great man. It's true. There are no rules and that's the greatest part!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Good idea 😉

Hey Matt. LOVE your channel. I'm curious, have you ever made a list of essential wedding shots? Like bare minimum crucial shots? I'm starting to shoot weddings and I'm realizing that I'm shooting waaaaaaaaay too much footage. It seems like I can be much more efficient once I know the in's and out's of the moments that people actually care about, plus I won't have to buy a new hard drive every time I shoot a wedding! 4K ProRes is a B@#$%

Hi Matt, Thank you for sharing your experience. I would like to share, that my first video also was in the same location in the same church around 2015. And also because it was my first video, I did a lot with the project, delivering not just a highlight video, but also, so many chapters in Blu-Ray, I spent more than 1 month. But really, I was not sure how and what to deliver, neither the length, I just wanted to do the job, and with not a good gear, but striving to be creative. Certainly, on these times, I still have certain questions, gaps, that I don´t know how to handle, for example, How much a video editor should charge for a whole video wedding project? Delivering just the highlight video, or a "Full Package" with every chapter of the wedding that happened? including multi-cams, color correction, color grading, search of music for backgrounds, creating the history, or the "Script". etc... Really, I have a lot of questions Greetings! David.

Before I even listen to this video thus avoiding any biases I'll say, it all depends form the couple's involvement throughout the shooting and the same for the other participants, the venue and other factors. In my days, between 2000 & 2012, I sometimes produced video of as little as 29min or films as long as 80 to 90 min all religiously filmed on two cameras where mine was always on steadicam.

today's video at the perfect moment!!! Love you!!!, sorry i admire you, :)

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Love you too!!! 😂😂

@conlineordonez3768

5 жыл бұрын

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson 🥳🥳☺️☺️☺️

I have listed in my contract weather my client want shorter film (about 20-30 minutes in length ) an average length (about 30-45 minutes in length ) or Longer version ( more than 45 minutes long, can be up to 2 1/2 hour long). Time mentioned is just approximate and to get an idea of what you can excpect. It depends on the event itself & there is no way of knowing how long your edited film will be until after the event and editing have completed. I do mostly Asian wedding (Indian) and some of my client want short and some want longer version, this way I can satisfy all my clients. However, I do sell the highlight trailer, that's an extra.

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the insight! I've definitely seen longer Indian/Asian wedding films. :)

Is your cours also good if you edit with Davinci resolve?

Matt, you mentioned that 31 Films was in your top 5 of wedding filmmakers. What are your top 5??? Thanks.

Such a beautiful voice plz sing at my wedding

Recently I just started making linear videos. I just cut down the ceremony to just vows and speeches. the videos end up being like 15 min. Its still kinda creative but linear. I dont know if they will accept the artistic nonlinear videos where I am from. The last thing i need is someone asking where is this and where is that in the video.

"there is no council of wedding film elders out there passing judgement.." bruh. so true but this made me laugh 😂 do what works for you, great advice matt!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

I forgot to mention that there may actually be a council of wedding film elders in the UK. Something similar to the knights of the round table.

@AdamWingFilms

5 жыл бұрын

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson probably related to the legend of the monopod in the stone. I was never much good at history..

@353photo

4 жыл бұрын

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson That would be the Knights of the Top Table then.

10/10

where can i findout how to edit weddings course on final cut pro x?

@whoismatt

4 жыл бұрын

Check out White in Revery’s FCPX editing Masterclass

ELDER COUNCIL OF WEDDING FILM MAKERS PASSING JUDGEMENT 😂

some of our clients want to watch the whole event. that means the video plays for around 3-5 hours long (12 hours of shooting).

Link to your first film?

Hi Matt, I Live In the Caribean, Wedding Is my Hobby too! My thing i like to spen time on it. As A Bonus Add an Slide Show, So My Question,Normaly How Much Can I charge For an Hour Wedding Film?

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

I would figure out what it costs you to film the wedding (travel, music licensing, camera gear cost etc) then charge double that.

@FSK6995

5 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt OK ok ,will figure out, thanks!

Just watched this video in 2022 and I’m completely mind blown by how many people here are saying how long they have edited their wedding videos 😳 I don’t think that kind of time exist anymore lmao

3-5 minutes! The way to go! At least that’s what I do.

@martydenson_mfm

5 жыл бұрын

3-5 min as your final film? I have filmed hundreds of weddings and have only had one couple ask for a 30 min cinematic film style. All the others.....want one long edited final version 60 - 120 min long.

@ColonExtras

5 жыл бұрын

@@martydenson_mfm motivecinemas.com

Dtown in the building! Where are you

I see your package above with the lenght of the film. ( I am a wedding, business noob here ) So when your client is like, " I see the 5-7 min option but can i also get the whole ceremony?" Would that be a no, because its not in your plan, or do you say, sure for an extra fee? Dude you're my Casey Neistat for weddings bro lol!

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Haha thanks! The full ceremony is an add-on option ;)

@JoshuaCassady

5 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt Thank you for your time man! I know you are super busy! You deserve way more subs and views than I see here. I'm praying for ya homie! Blessings!

lol nice presentation

Here we give the full ceremony even if it’s two days (that’s the norm generally). Short edits are rather the bonus. Am working to break away from that. Too much burnout.

Matt do you do video in Newport News VA?

@whoismatt

2 жыл бұрын

Yup filmed up there a few years ago

@psalmsinservice7856

2 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt ok I thought I saw Andy and Clarissa in there from a church I used to attend. You do wonderful work.

@whoismatt

2 жыл бұрын

Haha yup that’s them, love them!

@psalmsinservice7856

2 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt ❤️yep they are a great couple 😊

So, when you say "Linkth" do you mean "Length"?

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

No, I mean Linkth from The Legendth of Zelda.

Shorter edits, would not then, cover speeches from start to finish?

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

Correct, I choose the best parts of the speeches for the film.

damn...I'm stuck in the documentary style weddings...argh!

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a council of elder wedding wizards though?

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

I would join so fast!!! 😂 My beard is ready!

5-7min is average...really depends on coverage..

@whoismatt

5 жыл бұрын

I find it really depends on where your business is located too. I've spoken to European wedding filmmakers that have much longer edits. :)

@martydenson_mfm

5 жыл бұрын

Clients in the area I shoot weddings think they are being cheated with only 5-7min of a final product. Lol I agree you can tell the full story of the day in no time at all if filmed properly & then edited well. Just finished an edit that was 1hr20min long. Client emailed me and said "it's perfect, we love it, we're absolutely blown away". I guess my clients want to actually see all 5min of the Cupid Shuffle line dance at the reception. Lol

@EverythingFilmmaking

5 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt My average seems to hang around the 7-9 minute mark..I'm sure everyone will have different workflows..

@reztheson

5 жыл бұрын

Marty Denson story of my life. I once gave a client 35 mins wedding film, he said I should comply everything I filmed that day and sent it over 😂😂😂😂. I’m like this fool wants to crash my computer

@martydenson_mfm

5 жыл бұрын

@@reztheson I hear you man. I've had clients ask for every clip I shot, which in some cases is about 5-6-7 hrs of footage. And some still ask if there's more. I'm thinking to myself like - dude I gave you random footage of a cardinal, a leaf blowing on the ground, and a tree branch. Did you think I would leave out something even more important that was related to your actual wedding? Lol Of course I would never actually say this to a client, but I'm sure as hell thinking it as I'm very politely saying "I'm certain I included all that I have but I'll do a triple check".

Does it matter what you like or your client? You could offer a variety of products of varying lengths and costs, no? If someone really wanted a documentary style and was willing to pay you a lot of money to do it, wouldn't you find a way to do it even if it didn't entice you creatively as much? I think Matt realized his initial approach and cost structure didn't match his effort level. Maybe if he made 10x for the same effort he wouldn't have burned out as fast and found an outlet for his creativity another way. Still, I really enjoy how Matt makes the clients most important day more about himself than the client.