Frequently Asked Questions

Q .What video equipment do you use?
A. I use a SONY VX 2000 3CCD Chip Digital MINI-DVD Video Camera.

Q. We have seen other videos were the sound is not very good in the church. What can be done to improve this?
A. We do not have a sound problem. We make use of the latest technology. We use a Sennheise EW100 Cordless Microphones that we connect to the person doing the sermon. It gives that person the freedom of moving around as it pleases him.

Q. Do you use any lights ?
A. The Sony VX2000 is one of the best cameras on the market to adjust to LOW LIGHT Conditions . I do make use of a Kaizler Video Light when required. I also make use of a small on camera PACK LIGHT.

Q. Do you travel?
A. Yes , we travel within South Africa and abroad.

Q. What experience do you have?
A. 8 Years PLUS in Digital Video Recording of Weddings and Life shows.

Q. Are there different Video styles ?
Yes, like in photography you also get different styles in video. I have a modern style with attention to detailed and an eye for something special . I'm always looking for a way to improve the video by just shooting a video at a different angle to make the video more interesting.

Your wedding video is like a Love Story . It is my job to create the Perfect Love story revolving around both the bride and groom. I do not like shooting old fashion style. I can, but it makes the video boring. I want you to watch your video again and again. I have a bride that is watching hers almost on a weekly basis. That tells me I have Captured her moment for life . It is not becoming just another video BUT a Moment for LIFE!

Q. Is working with a photographer a problem?
A. No . It is just difficult working with a photographer that does not care about the outcome of the video. I prefer working with a photographer that keeps in mind that I have also been hired, just like him/her, to capture your special day. A good Photographer and Videographer know the art of working together . Together it is our job to relax the bridal couple and get the best possible /images. Like a photographer, I also require a few minutes to do some special effects with the bridal couple. It makes the video just so much more special. I always stay out of the photographer's way, as he also needs to take the best possible pictures for OUR SHARED CLIENTS.

Q. Who is your preferred photographer to work with?
A. I prefer working with photographers that share my enthusiasm and passion for our work. Photographers that always treat our BRIDAL COUPLE with respect and need to be professional photographers. We need to work together to help create your MAGIC DAY! For more advice on Photography, please contact us for referrals!

Q. Any advice on viewing a demo video ?
A. When you are viewing demo tapes you must be careful. I have found that some videographers use other person's work as their own. That creates false impressions on how that person's work is.

I always give my clients the option of choosing out of about 20 resent and maybe 3 or 4 older that 2 years video's . They can pick any one of the videos . By doing that, I show them that I don't only show them my VERY BEST video. They can see my style off recording. They can even sometimes ask for a specific VENUE and I might be able to show them how it looks there. Once again eliminating the chances of just showing the best Video. By doing this, I also show them that all our video's are the best!

Q. Can you add special effects ?
A.Yes, we do some special effects with the video camera that we later use when we do special effects in the editing stage .

Q. How long does it take to edit a video ?
A. Depending on how many hours have been recorded. The standard is about 2 to 3 hours. That takes about 15 hours in total to edit. It takes for every hour recorded, the same amount of time to be loaded on the computer. After its been edited, it will take again the same amount of time to download to a VHS tape.

Q. How do you make DVD's ?
A. After the edited version has been finalized, we dump it again to MINI – DVD tapes to retain a high quality. We then take it to one of the best DVD Companies to burn your DVD's. By doing it this way, we can provide you with the highest quality of DVD available to us.

Q. How much does a Video cost ?
A. It depends on what package has been agreed to by both parties in writing. (SEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR WEDDINGS)

Q How much time do you spend on a wedding ?
A. Depending on the package agreed to, we mostly spend about 8 to 12 hours on a wedding.

Q. Why do you charge extra for recording after 22:00?
A. We have found that we are mostly finished with recording by that time of night. Sometimes the Bride and Groom delay some of the formalities too late. We would prefer all formalities to be finished by 22:00 so that the BRIDAL COUPLE could enjoy the rest of their festivities . If we have captured all the formalities and function, we would like to create a nice ending to your video.

Q. Why the need for TERMS and Conditions ?
A. It gives you the security of knowing what you are paying for and what service you are entitled to. It also eliminates any misunderstandings.

Q. When do we need to pay a deposit ?
A. ASAP We work on a FIRST DEPOSIT, FIRST BOOKING basis . Your date will be confirmed once we have received your deposit. This eliminate couples booking us and preventing us from booking a couple that is 100% going to use us for their BIG DAY. We will contact you and inform you that there is another couple also interested in the same date as yours.

Q. How much deposit do we need to pay to confirm our date?
A. 40% of Estimated quote

Q. How many copy's of the DVD do we get?
A. 3 Fully edited Copy's with Specially Made Covers from the day's events. (Depending on your packages chosen)

Q. If something happens to our original video copy, can we reorder a copy?
A. We always keep a MASTER COPY of the ORIGINAL just in case something happens to the original.

Q. Can we order additional copies?
A. There is copyright on all the videos we create. We can make additional copies at a nominal charge.

Q. What do you do with the original raw footage?
A. We keep it for up to 6 months. There after we will discard it.

Q. Can you provide us with a quote by e-mail?
A. Yes, but we prefer to discuss our packages and show you in person what quality you can expect. I'm sure you will not buy the most affordable car without test driving it or inspecting it? A lot of couples make the mistake and think they can judge quality with price.
PLEASE NOTE: we are a professional production company and not a brother that just got a handy cam.

Q. Where can we view your work?
A. Our studio is based in the East of Pretoria. We invite all our clients to visit our high-tech studio. Unfortunately we can not travel to your home to show you our work. We have a lot of clients we see on a daily basis. By traveling we will limit the amount of clients we will be able to interview. We will also have a higher production cost on our production if we have to travel to all our clients.

Q. How do I get to Frans du Plessis Productions Studio?
A. Our road directions are available on request. We can fax it or send you direction by e-mail.