Chicago Wedding Films

EventDV magazine - review on VIDEOEXPERTS DVDs

May 2008 EventDV magazine - review of VIDEOEXPERTS 5 Shortform weddings & 10 Wedding Recaps

Continuing Education article by Kris Malandruccolo - read the review of these two DVDs. When you are ready to purchase, visit Steve's Shoot Ta Thrill website.

There's a new sherrif in town and his name is Steve Fowler.  Actually, Steve has been around for 20+ years winning multiple awards on a yearly basis.  He has just made himself more visible in recent years. Recently, Steve has put together a presentation called "Shoot Ta Thrill".    Steve will be presenting this seminar at the IVA Midwest Expo on May 20th.

  For anyone who has wondered what it takes to win a WEVA CE or AAA award, Steve gives you five excellent answers.  The 10 music recaps are really good too! 

Steve is a very good friend of mine so I'm glad to see him finally sharing all that skill and knowledge he has stored up over the years.  Here I am with Steve after speaking at the Connecticut professional videographers association last fall (Steve is from East Windsor, CT).

Tips for Videographers: Where to find the best price for gas

Where can you find the best price for gas in your area?

Let's face it, the cost of gas is outrageous and appears to be going up on a daily basis.  I just paid $3.71 gallon, but have seen gas for $3.95 so it's important to know who has the best price.  The price of gas affects us since we travel for our video shoots.  Some videographers may have to raise their prices or charge a travel fee just to make sure they aren't losing money.

Go MSN Auto . Just go there and enter your zip code and it tells you where you can the cheapest (and highest) gasoline prices according to zip code.  It's pretty amazing.

Tips to Save Gas by CEPro:

• Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
• Don’t start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
• Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind—gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to “volume of measurement.”
• Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first “click” of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.
• Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45 percent more fuel than is needed.
• Do not rest left foot on floorboard pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts “mechanical drag” on components, wearing them down prematurely. This “dragging” also demands additional fuel usage.
• Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30 percent of your gas mileage.
• Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.
• Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.
• Inflate all tires to maximum limit.
• Remove excess weight from inside the vehicle.
• During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.

    

EventDV magazine -The Reel Deal: Win, Place or Show

In  the May 2008 issue of EventDV magazine, Kris Malandrucolo writes about how you can make the most of your bridal show experience.

After not doing bridal shows for over 15 years, I tried two in the past year.  Were they effective for me?  Read the article to find out, and things you can do to help hit the jackpot at bridal shows.

Read my Reel Deal column: Win, Place, or Show

Houston wedding professionals welcome Kris Malandruccolo & The Power of Video

Houston wedding professionals welcome Kris Malandruccolo & The Power of Video on Sunday, May 4, 2008.

(click on photos to view larger image).  Here are some of the local ABC members, Houston Professional Videographer (HPVA) members and WEVA members.

We gathered on a beautiful, sunny afternoon at the Omni Houston Hotel for networking and for my WEVA Power of Video presentation.  Karen Brown, Master Bridal Consultant, and owner of Karen for Your Memories organized the presentation.  She and a few of her fellow Houston consultants had seen this presentation at the ABC Florida Fusion last November, and they wanted to share this with area wedding professionals.

Afterwards, Teresa Westberry, Catering Sales Manager for the Omni Houston Hotel gave "hard hat" tours of the new renovations going on.  The new ballgroom will have a wonderful, large picture window overlooking the pool area with waterfall.

Here I am with Sandy Buller, President of the HPVA and owner of of Sweet Spirit Productions; and Teresa Westbury.  This is a beautiful hotel already and once the renovations are done, this will be an even better place.

We then adjourned out to the foyer area where we had light snacks & cocktails, and even more networking.  A bridal consultant joined WEVA after seeing the presentation because she wants to stay current with our industry.  One videographer told me "It's better for me if other videographers don't get the importance of networking and coming to meetings like these." 

When I left Chicago on Saturday it was in the 50s and raining, but I arrived in Houston to find it sunny and 85 degrees.  My time in Houston was short but full of whirlwind fun thanks to my wonderful friends, Steve & Sandy Dial of Minds Eye Film.   It was great to share a frajita dinner and margarita's - just what you would expect to have when you come to Texas:0   After the POV presentation, several HPVA members went out to dinner and we had more fun before I had to get on a plane back home.  Thanks everybody for the big ol' Texas welcome!!

Kris Malandruccolo to speak in Japan in July 2008

Kris Malandruccolo to present "The Power of Video" in Tokyo & Osaka, Japan.

I am so excited to be presenting the POV in Japan!  This will be my first time there, so I've been doing lots of research on the internet. 

Read the WEVA News Story here

How did I get asked to present in Japan?  When I presented the POV at the ABC National Conference in Orlando last fall, there was an ABC-Japan group that chose to hear my presentation.   They saw some amazing award-winning video clips, and learned about new trends in wedding video. 

It was cool because they had a translator sitting in a sound-proof room and the group of about 25 Japanese attendees wore headsets.  Other people came in to listen, but I told them I was going to speak slowly since this presentation was specifically slotted for the Japanese consultants.   The translator thanked me afterwards and said I did a perfect job.  There was someone in the seminar from Mexico, and she said she appreciated me speaking slower since it helped her understand my English.  She knew English, but "classroom" English and real life talking are two different things.

After the seminar, Yoshi Kohara, Director of Asian Markets for ABC, asked me if I would like to present this seminar in Tokyo.  I said yes immediately!  I am always up for an adventure and trying new things.   Yoshi & I spent months planning this (and we still have work to do), so I'm glad to be able to share this with you.   

I have been an ABC member for over ten years and have written articles for ABC, so I think people are used to seeing my name around.   I am also the only videographer (and just one of two MWV's in the world) to hold the designation of Master Wedding Vendor.   To most videographers it's probably no big deal, but ABC members hold this designation in high regard since they know all the work involved!  It took me 7 years to earn it (you have to do many different things and be at different levels for several years before moving on).  It's a perfect fit for me to be working closely with ABC & WEVA.   I have travelled from coast to coast, and even to Italy, but Japan is the farthest I will have gone to present the POV (Japan is about a 12 hour plane ride from Chicago).   Come back to view my blog as I will be updating my travels here.

Current Wedding Trends for2008 (according to I Do Bride)

2008 Current Wedding Trends According to I Do Bride

It's exciting that "cinematic" wedding videography (not just wedding video) is recognized as a trend - especially since this artistic coverage is best left to the professionals.  If you are looing for a cinematic wedding video, I can help you as this is my style. Please call me at 630-876-9604 or visit my website Elegant Videos by Kris

2008 Current Wedding Trends:

• Designers are pushing wedding dresses with alternative styles and necklines, but brides still favor the strapless gown.
• The biggest trend for bridesmaids' attire is the wear-again dress.
• Couples still prefer traditional white wedding cakes, but custom-designed cakes are becoming popular.
• Consistently designed invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, escort/place cards, menus, and thank-you cards are becoming trendy.
• Cinematic videography is a new and exciting alternative to standard photography and video services.
• Online photo showcasing, which allows couples, their family and friends to view, share and purchase wedding photographs is a rising trend.
• Extravagant weddings that include big gowns, multiple wardrobe changes, towering lush floral centerpieces, gilded place settings, seven course meals, and elaborate desert displays are expected for 2008.
• 1980's fashion styles are popular, including textured dresses, bright colors, wide belts or sashes, big jewelry, and cover bands.
• White gold and platinum wedding rings continue to outpace yellow gold.
• Currently in style are antique wedding rings for men and women, as well as exaggerated, big, bold jewelry.
• Destination weddings are growing in popularity due to all-inclusive packages offered by resorts and easy planning through their websites.
• High-end kitchen gear and practical cooking items are currently popular wedding gifts.

Marketing Tips for Videographers: Help My Business (weekly web show)

Check out the newly launched weekly web show:  Help - My Business Sucks!

I want to share with you a new FREE marketing resource.  This new weekly web show is done by Andrew Lock.  I met Andrew over a year ago when he hired me as an additional camera person at a conference he was videotaping here in Chicago.   Andrew and his wife are lovely, down-to-earth people.

Andrew is adding to his arsenal of things he does (he also answers online tech questions), and now he offers marketing tips at no charge!   Andrew is one of those rare videographers who is well versed in technology and marketing.  So many tekkie videographers spend alot of money on having the lastest equipment, but then find they can't sell their services!   Videographers must run their video company as a business and not a hobby if they ever expect to make a profit.

Andrew's Episode #1 offers great information so I'd say he's off to a great start. The video clip is only 11 minutes so you can easily find the time to watch it. Best of Luck Andrew!   I love marketing (especially free marketing) so I'll be following you! 

Tips for Videographers: Where to Recycle Old Computers?

In honor of Earth Day, I will answer the question:  Where can you recycle old computers and other electronic technology?

I'll bet most videographers have their fair share of unused and outdated electronics sitting around their home or studio.  I know I have one or two old computers that are too old to donate, but I don't want to put it out by the trash either.   Slightly used computers will gladly be accepted by some organizations to give to women's shelters, after-school programs, low-income groups, etc.  Do an internet search to find out who will take computers nearby you.  What if your computer is just too darn old?   It's better to recycle than have it end up in a landfill.

Check out Basel Action Network for more information on electronic recycling.  To find where in your state you can recycle, check out this list.    You can also recycle most things that use plugs or a batteries such as cell phones, small electronics, medical equipment, small appliances, palm organizers, etc.  I was lucky to find a drop-off location close by.  I feel good knowing that I can get rid of some clutter and do some eco-friendly spring cleaning at the same time.

Kris Malandruccolo to speak in Houston on Sunday, May 4, 2008

ABC, WEVA & HPVA team up for "The Power of Video" presentation by Kris Malandruccolo on Sunday, May 4, 2008

I'm going to Houston and "failure is not an option":)  I'll be speaking to the members of the ABC Houston local chapter of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and the Houston Professional Videographers Association (HPVA).   

For the full details of the meeting and how to sign up, read the WEVA Industry News Story on "The Power of Video" in Houston here

A little known fact:  Houston, Texas is famous for its NASA Space Center .  Check out the famous quote from the Apollo 13 movie  (the movie was based in Houston).  Y'all come on down to see me at the Houston Omni Hotel!!

Kris Malandruccolo is a panel speaker at the ADJA-IVA Meeting on April 15, 2008

Kris Malandruccolo, owner of Elegant Videos by Kris, is a panel speaker at the ADJA-IVA Meeting on Tuesday, April 15th, 2008.

Last night was the first time that the Chicago American Disc Jockey Association and the Illinois Videographers Association held a joint meeting together.   This was a moderated panel of four videographers and four DJs.  The topic was "10 Things I Hate About DJ's" but really it was a positive meeting about teamwork and what we can do to help each other, along with sharing any concerns.

I was one of the panelist along with Scott Scheman of A Family Affair Video, Adam Garland of Garland Video Productions and Geoff Slawson of TGS Video Productions.   It was very interesting and of course the issue of lighting came up and using the DJ's audio.  We also shared positive stories of working with DJs and videographers. I thought this was a good, well-received meeting and basically it boiled down to communication.  What I learned is that from now on I will contact the DJ ahead of time to discuss audio needs instead of waiting til the day of, or letting my bride handle it.   I think the DJs learned that a dark room is not good for a videographer.  Suprisingly, only a handful of videographers were using video to market themselves (the smart ones:)

Special thanks to Mike Dodson, (ADJA PR Chair) owner of Photo Booth Express and to the moderator of the panel, Jay Sims (ADJA Membership Secretary) owner Something 2 Dance 2 for setting up the meeting. They invited the IVA to participate and I thought it was a great idea! 

I also shared with them that I thought Peter Merry's book, The Best Wedding Reception...Ever! was a great educational book for DJs.  Peter & I were both speakers at the 2007 AFWPI National Conference, and the July 2007 Los Angeles Professional Videographers Association meeting.  I did a review of Peter's book for the October issue of EventDV magazine.  Read the review here.