Love Story / Interview Questions

[Chris Thomas]

I am about to shoot my first love story on Sunday, and I am having trouble coming up with a good list of questions to ask the couple that will get some good answers, that have the couple really talking... I want to piece together something that has some humor and interest to it.

I did a search but only found the basics.

-How we met
-When we knew we were in love
-Favorite (and least favorite) attributes
-How he proposed
-What our future holds
-What my parents/friends thought of him/her

Any ideas on more questions to ask? Things that worked well for you. Tips or pointers?

The footage is for a couple that is getting married in the Islands, and it will ultimately be pieced together with highlight video from the wedding, played at a reception that will be held upon their return.

[Patrick Pike]

I like to bring in a bit of comedy to lighten the mood, so its good to ask about pet-peeves, embarassing moments, etc. My all time favorite question is "What would his/her mom be shocked to know about?"

This is sure to get some good laughs.

[Billy Dalrymple]

Isn't it hard to get these "love Story" clips from becoming too sappy and corny? I'm sure the humor helps with that but does anyone have any additional ideas?

Is getting a love story done a popular choice?

[Mark Von Lanken]

Chris

We have a montage of several partial Love Stories on our site. Feel free to check them out.

All My Best,

[Chris Thomas]

Never mind the love stories, I was in awe of your camera work! Very impressive and inspiring!

[Mark Von Lanken]

Chris

Thanks for your kind words.

Don't overlook their clothing. Avoid busy patterns. Solid earthtones look nice and consider their body style. Dark colors make people look smaller and of course avoid red or white.

When shooting the fun or romantic scenes, I'll start out with wide shots and have them do simple things. It gives them a chance to get comfortable with you. Once they look natural and are comfortable with you and the camera then you can get closer shots and or romantic shots.

All My Best,

[Jamie Walker]

I just checked out your site. Wow! Very nice...excellent even! :)
Good camera work. What is your camera of choice? and Editing software?

[Mark Von Lanken]

Thanks Jamie

Some of those clips I used a Canon XL-1. In May of 2003 I changed to Sonys PD-150 & DSR-250.

Most of the clips were edited in Canopus Rex Edit or Storm Edit. No Premiere for us. Earlier this year we started using Edius and love it. We have slowly changed over to Edius for about 90% of our editing. Edius works great on our laptop as well.

All My Best,

[Jamie Walker]

I downloaded the Edius demo the other day. Heck, I'm still trying to get the hang of it. The learning curve is going to be pretty steep..<for me anyway>.

take care

[Mark Von Lanken]

Jamie

Give me a call sometime this week. I would be glad to get you started with Edius. It's not really that bad once you have a basic understanding of how things work.

All My Best,

[Matt Sawyers]

Originally Posted by Billy Dalrymple

Isn't it hard to get these "love Story" clips from becoming too sappy and corny? I'm sure the humor helps with that but does anyone have any additional ideas?

Is getting a love story done a popular choice?

I have been pondering this question also, But I guess you got to be able to read your customers whether they are going to like the 'corny' material or not. Iam also sure that in editing, you can make sappy and corny mix really easily to make a light-hearted love story. I think its always a good idea to ask these questions because you will probably get good reaction between the b/g. And THATS something to edit in.
I like it (for certan people that is.)