Baraat! The Coolest Entrance…..EVER

April 29, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

I’m getting on a plane in 8 short hours but wanted to get one more blog post in before I shove off….

The groom’s entrance. Usually it consists of either walking from the back of the church up to the alter or sneaking in from the side. Heck, the audience doesn’t even stand up for him when he comes in. In Hindu weddings, it’s a little different. Here’s what Wikipedia says…..

Baraat is Hindi for a marriage procession. In north Indian communities it is customary for the bridegroom to travel to the bride’s house on a horse, accompanied by his family members. This often becomes a huge procession, with its own band, dancers, and budget. The groom and his horse are covered in finery and do not usually take part in the dancing and singing; that is left to the “baraatis” or people accompanying the procession. The term “baraati” is also used to describe any invitee from the groom’s side. Traditionally, baraatis are pampered extensively by the bride’s family. The baraat headed by a display of fireworks, accompanied by the rhythm of the dholak or melam, reaches the meeting point, where the elders of both the families meet and welcome the groom with garlands and aarati.

The Rajput Baraat

A Rajput baraat consists entirely of male members. The bridegroom is usually dressed in a gold achkan, with an orange turban and a churidar or jodhpurs with jootis. The baraat members also must wear achkans or sherwanis with jodhpurs and safas (colorful turbans). The procession to the bride’s house looks rather regal as there is absolutely no dancing on the streets by the baraatis. In fact, all members, including the groom who rides an elephant or a horse, carry swords. The horse is important for the Rajputs.

I had the opportunity to film one of these a few months ago and it was amazing. Check it out.



Chris W

Important Announcement

April 29, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

To my current and prospective clients:

Just wanted to give you a heads up that I will be in Asia on vacation for 10 days starting Sunday, April 29th, 2007.  During that time, I will be away from my phone.  For those needing to get in touch with me, the best way to do that would be through my Yahoo email address, dynamotv@yahoo.com.  I will also have my voicemail set up where you can leave a message and I can retrieve it online.  Your business is very important to me and I will do my best to attend to any needs you might have.

Anyway, I’m going to be bringing my little HD cam with me along with my new Super 8 cam as well so expect some cool home movies!  See you guys when I get back!

Chris W

12 Angry Men

April 25, 2007 | Filed Under Take 1 Productions | Comments Off 

I love a good story. It can make me laugh, cry, angry, happy, shocked, inspired. A good story can create so much emotion. But a story is only as good as how it was told. Over 20 years ago I watched a move call “12 Angry Men”. It was made in 1957 staring Henry Fonda. The whole movie took place in a jury room where 12 men debated on a murder case. I was riveted to the screen and I enjoyed every minute of it. After the movie was over I asked myself why did I enjoy the movie so much? After all there were no action scenes of gun fights and special effect explosions, no bad villains, no grand sceneries…nothing. All it was were 12 guys locked in a room debating and yet it was a great movie. How can this be? And look at all of the awards this movie got:

Best Foreign Actor (win) - Henry Fonda - 1957 British Academy Awards Best Director (nom) - Sidney Lumet - 1957 Directors Guild of America Best Picture - Drama (nom) - - 1957 Golden Globe Best Actor - Drama (nom) - Henry Fonda - 1957 Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor (nom) - Lee J. Cobb - 1957 Golden Globe Best Director (nom) - Sidney Lumet - 1957 Golden Globe Best Adapted Screenplay (nom) - Reginald Rose - 1957 Academy Best Director (nom) - Sidney Lumet - 1957 Academy Best Picture (nom) - - 1957 Academy Golden Bear (win) - - 1957 Berlin International Film Festival Best Picture (nom) - - 1957 National Board of Review


The reason why it was such a good movie is because of how the story was told. The director took the script and with his vision and interpretation, successfully created this drama using what I believe to be the basics of movie making: composition, details, lighting, soundtrack, and most importantly timing. Of course good acting helps a lot too.

As a wedding film guy, my goal is to create movies that tell a good story using those 5 principals. It does not matter if the wedding is extravagant or modest, if the couple is shy or outgoing, if the wedding day is short or long, my challenge is to use my vision and interpretation of the wedding day and create a one of a kind movie for my clients. Unlike Hollywood I have no script to follow, no retakes, no control of lighting…actually no control of anything. It’s a challenge but I welcome it.

The following are short clips of various wedding movies I have produced using those 5 basic principals. See if you can spot them.

Celebration The Party Band

April 23, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

I love working with these guys! Not only are they nice people but they have a genuine passion for entertaining their audiences. They do a great Siege of Ennis, waltz sets, ballads, rock & roll, and then easily transition into some hilarious comedy routines that have wedding guests and myself in stitches. Here's a very brief example of a ballad followed by a rare appearance from The Ballybunion Elvis...

GO Nicholas!!!

April 23, 2007 | Filed Under Take 1 Productions | Comments Off 

I'm so proud of my son Nicholas. His inline hockey team made it to the Finals this year. His hard work over the summer with an instructor has really paid off. His team did not win the Finals but Nicholas left it all on the rink. He gives 100% at everything he does and that is what I'm most proud of. Here is highlights of the game.

All Work And No Play…

April 23, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

...makes Maurice a dull boy so I took off for the entire Easter weekend (though I'm going to cram in a bit of work tomorrow). Shane - who is a Mountain Leader when he isn't charming wedding guests from behind his camera - suggested that we should climb Mount Brandon. 8 of us slapped on some sunscreen and hiking boots and off we went. Half way up I found myself looking for a nice place to lie down and die but when we eventually made the top it all seemed worthwhile - and I'll tell you, Coca Cola never tasted so good!!! Shane explained that we had burned 6,000 calories which is why the sugar rush from the cola was so fantastic. It was a great weekend and several of us have agreed to tackle another mountain in a couple of weeks time and Shane is also going to take us rock climbing. I'd bring the camera but the truth is that I just don't have the time to edit any personal videos anymore. Pity, really... it would be nice to show everyone how friendly hill walkers and rock climbers are. If you haven't climbed a mountain before I'd highly recommend that you try it. Contact a local hill walking club and travel with a guide or experienced climbers (can get tricky under certain weather conditions). I assure you that your body will ache but it's all worth it for the friendly people, amazing scenery, losing 6,000 calories, and the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit. And bring a can of Coke!

Meet Watson Videography’s New Collections Department Manager

April 22, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

Just found this clip online. One of the funniest things I’ve seen in a while. Don’t click on it if you are adverse to salty language!

Chris W

2008 - Fully Booked!

April 22, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

In the past couple of weeks we have had to tell 3 disappointed brides-to-be that we are fully booked for 2008 and are no longer in a position to squeeze any more dates into our calendar. So, as of today, we are not accepting any further enquiries for dates in 2008 but the good news for a few lucky couples' is that we have less than a handful of remaining dates left for the 2007 season. At the end of the summer I will explore the possibilities of expanding the Velvetine Productions team with an Assistant Editor and 2nd Camera Crew but only if I can guarantee that ALL clients receive the same high standard of work that we have become renowned for. I expect to make any announcement on these matters in and around Oct but again, until such time it is with regret that we are not in a position to take on further bookings for 2008. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients - past, present, and future - for their kind support!

Des Bishop & Becky

April 19, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

Stay Tuned

April 19, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

Trying to find the time to keep this Blog updated over the past few weeks has been near impossible because of all the upheaval (not only am I swamped in work and upgrading our entire equipment but I'm also moving house!) but I promise to get things back on track so keep your eyes right here for all the exciting developments ahead. I'm also hoping to have more Featured Vendors (bands, hotels, etc who offer great services that I can show on video) and I'll also give you a peek at some of the fantastic weddings we've covered. The coming weeks and months are going to blow you away because you all ain't seen nothing yet!!! Velvetine Productions are going to raise the bar yet again and you can watch us do so from the comfort of your home. And that invitation is extended to all my Irish videographer peers who are scattered around the country and regularly visit this page and our website That's right chaps... I know you're here :)

Booking Advice

April 19, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

We are booked solid between now, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, and October so, if you were considering Velvetine for any dates during this period please be advised to look at other videography studios to cover your wedding event. We are also in the process of upgrading our computer systems to meet the demands of our ever increasing workload and because of the changeover, we are trying to catch up on all email correspondence... if you're waiting to hear from hear us you can rest assured that we will reply.

Ouch!#@!? My Leg…My Leg….

April 17, 2007 | Filed Under Take 1 Productions | Comments Off 

It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been extremely busy with projects, marketing, and of course tons of editing. As if that was not enough…I am now Mr. Mom too. My darling wife slipped on some stairs and broke her left leg. So now I’m the cook, the chauffer, the laundry guy, the bath guy, the what ever needs to be done guy. But I’m not complaining…life is good and God has blessed my family and I beyond my comprehension. OK, enough of my adventures…back to wedding flicks.

I would like to share a Music Video Recap of Emily and Steven. They had the reception at Comerica Park. How cool was that! As you listen to the lyric of the song, which was Emily’s choice, notice the name on their Tiger jersey. Now that was even cooler!

www.dallasweddingFILMS.com

April 12, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

Hey Guys,

I usually don’t write about the gear I buy but I thought I would make the exception here and talk a little bit about my new toy…..

That’s right a Super 8 camera! I’ve actually been wanting to get one of these for a while since I saw those Real Weddings specials that had some weddings shot in Super 8 by 50 Foot Films. But it wasn’t until I saw some of the work by Kristen from Bliss Productions in SF that I saw the real posibilities of the format and decided to get into the world of Super 8 myself.

So for the next few shoots I’m going to bring this camera along with me and just shoot a roll or two just for fun. Really looking forward to seeing what kind of footage I can get with it and what creative possibilities will open up. As I said a few posts back, it’s going to be a great year!

Chris W

A Full Engagement Diary: Sonali and Prayes

April 8, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

Every wedding has a great engagement story. What better way to tell that story than through video? A couple of months back, Sonali and Prayes sat down and told me the story of how they met and how they got engaged. I thought it was such a cool story that I decided to upload (with their approval) their whole Engagement Diary.

For those who aren’t aware, the Engagement Diary is an optional service that you can purchase in addition to my day of wedding videography services. The best way to think of it is like your own personal version of TLC’s Wedding Story that makes for great reception entertainment. Not only that, but whenever your kids ask how you two met, all you have to do is pop in the DVD. Anyway, here is Sonali and Prayes’ 22 minute Engagement Diary…


Also, for those who might have missed it earlier, their wedding trailer…

Chris W

Keepin It Funky

April 6, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

Thought I'd share some more of my friends wedding video here on the Blog. This is a piece of the groom and bridal prep and it was a great opportunity for me to flex my "funky muscle" in the editing suite!

2008 - Booked Out!

April 5, 2007 | Filed Under Velvetine Studios | Comments Off 

Unfortunately, for all who may be interested in booking us for 2008, I regret to inform you that we are already booked out for next year. Over the course of the summer, we will explore the possibilities of taking on another editor and camera crew onboard but only if I am confident enough that we can still offer ALL our clients the same high standards that one has come to expect from us. Anyhow, I felt it was important to make this announcement because we have already had to tell 3 interested brides-to-be that we are not available for their events. I hope to be able announce some dates after the summer but, as of now and until further notice, we are not accepting enquires for any dates in 2008. Sorry...

extra extra!

April 5, 2007 | Filed Under Wedluxe Magazine | Comments Off 

A Watson Videography First: A Full Wedding (yes a FULL Wedding) Online!

April 5, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

The number one question brides ask me is, “What does a full wedding production look like?” Well wonder no more! Mike and Sarah Davis were gracious enough to let me share this with you and I really appreciate that. While it’s got a few tech issues here and there, I’m really proud of how well it flows and how it’s put together. Here’s what Sarah and Mike had to say about it……

Hi Chris,

We would be honored if you posted part or all of our wedding on your
website!!! I can’t tell you how absolutely thrilled I am with your
work. I never imagined that my wedding day could be captured so
beautifully - with such excitement, emotion, laughter, tears,
EVERYTHING. It is absolutely PERFECT. We can’t thank you enough. We
will be so grateful to you and your team every time we watch the videos
- for many, many years!

You chose the perfect songs - when “In Your Eyes” started playing, I
screamed and looked over at Mike. It is perfect!!!!

We’ve never had a professional video like this of my dad’s band. It
means so, so much.

I could go on forever! Everything is just perfect. Thank you for all
your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. Watching the
videos, I feel like a princess We were all smiling ear-to-ear the
entire night. You have truly given us the greatest gift we could ever
ask for. Thank you!!!!!

So without further ado, Sarah and Mike’s Wedding Story



Chris W

Spring Ahead with a new office

April 4, 2007 | Filed Under Cloud Nine Creative | Leave a Comment 

Ugly Duckling Special Update and EventDV Gives “Supercharge Your Post-Production” a Rave Review!

April 2, 2007 | Filed Under Watson Videography | Comments Off 

Event DV, one of the wedding and event industry’s most respected publications, has just reviewed my latest instructional DVDs: “Supercharge Your Post-Production”. Here’s what they had to say…..

I’ve never met anyone who’s better than Chris Watson at breaking down and deconstructing wedding video styles, at pinpointing and explaining what makes a particular style distinctive. He’s definitely a student of the game who applies the sort of keen and perceptive eye to the work of his peers that everyone in this business should, and it is his ability to synthesize what he learns and combine that with his own creative ideas that keeps his work on the cutting edge of the field. So it’s not just because Watson was recently selected to the EventDV 25 that I approached his new training DVD with high expectations. If he’s that good at explaining other videographers’ styles, how good must he be at breaking down and communicating his own?

I’m happy to say that Supercharge Your Post-Production ($100) doesn’t disappoint. Watson gave me a sneak preview of it at Video 07 in Jacksonville (the last 10 minutes, as it turns out), enough to get across the point that this was not a nuts-and-bolts how-to on editing in your (or his) NLE. Rather, it helps you approach an edit in pursuit of two major goals: producing video that “feels honest” to your clients, and “making [y]ourselves invisible to the viewers through superior storytelling.”

Watson’s approach to the disc is to narrate over a near-constant stream of clips, briefly interrupted by simple black-text-on-white screens that reiterate important points (much nicer than injecting a PowerPoint). The only time Watson’s face appears on the video is in a couple of candid shots of him at a wedding, camera in hand, when the narration is talking about “unobtrusive editing”—keeping the videographer out of the picture (metaphorically) by not overdoing the effects in post. Watson’s narration is well-written, well-paced, and informative……
Check out the rest of the article here……

You might remember I posted an ugly duckling special a few posts back (see original article here). Well I have about 8 copies left and would love to get rid of them this week as I’m going to be out of country starting next week (April 9th). This sale will still go on as long as there are copies left but after next week, you’ll have to wait an extra two weeks to recieve your copy. Plus I could use some spending money! Here’s a sample of what you’ll be getting for the great price of $90 (that includes shipping!)

If interested, please email me at dynamotv@yahoo.com and mention the Ugly Duckling Special to get yours before they jump up to full price!

Chris W

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