Post # 1
Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
Oh, there are PLENTY of crappy videographers in this city but no one is a cinematographer! Ugh, I have seen so many wedding videos that look like it was done with a FLIP camera and BORING!!! I put an ad on Craigslist for a cinematographer and posted examples of what I was looking for. Guess who emails me? All the VIDEOGRAPHERS that I didn’t like and they CLAIM they can do the same thing as CINEMATOGRAPHERS! I even asked one guy to send me some examples and what does he send me? a 2 minute video of a ceremony! WTF!?
So, where are all the cinematographers in Pittsburgh hiding? I’ve been in contact with a few cinematographers out of state, but I want to try to support local artists first!
Post # 3
Member
2410 posts
Buzzing bee
@Miss Tattoo:
Are there any decent film schools nearby?
Post # 4
Member
347 posts
Helper bee
@Miss Tattoo: What exactly are you looking for? I’m not sure I know the term. Do you want them to tell the story of your day ? I’m still looking to book someone to but I was leaning towards Big Day–idk they seemed to have the best look.
Post # 5
Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
Stuff like this
http://vimeo.com/18236832
Well really, anything from Stillmotion. They are so great…but they are WAY out of budget! One of their packages is my entire budget!
http://vimeo.com/fifteenminutes (a bee has used him and I cried watching her highlights reel and full length video)
Big Day didn’t come up in my search, so I will have to check them out when I get home since I can’t watch videos at work. Like I said, I want to support local artists, but if I can’t find something like the above, then I will go with fifteenminutes.
Post # 6
Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
@plantains: We do have several art schools here, but everyone who has replied to me has shown me videos of what looks like a camera on a tripod in the corner of the venue.
Post # 7
Member
1087 posts
Bumble bee
If you were talking about photogs I could give you a handful of names but I have no idea for video. I didnt even look into one based exactly on what you stated. Every memory I have of friends wedding vids is super crappy. It has turned me off to the idea completely.
Good luck in your search. What I would do is go onto modelmayhem and see if there are any on there.
Post # 8
Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
Here is my CL ad:
Hi there! I am looking for a Cinematographer NOT a videographer. I want someone who is going to capture our day and tell a story. I don’t want just footage of the event that I could do with my Flip camera.
Samples of the work I am looking for
http://vimeo.com/4538182
http://www.vimeo.com/15494201
http://vimeo.com/18236832
http://vimeo.com/16278043
These are just highlight reels. We would be looking for a highlight reel and a full length feature between 15-25 minutes.
NOW, before you contact me please please please consider your style. If you are just a person that shows up with a video camera and gives me the raw footage, I don’t want you. I need an ARTIST!
So why wouldn’t I just hire these guys? Well, StillMotion is based out of Canada and would charge me $18k to come to Pittsburgh!!! The other guys are in NY. I am considering them, BUT I want to support local artists. I am having such a hard time finding a cinematographer! It’s unreal! Every other major city on the east coast has tons of them and I can’t find ONE in Pittsburgh with the same style.
Art school grads, don’t be afraid to reply! I’ve been to every Pittsburgh videographers website and I am not impressed. I want an emotional piece…not a video that looks like it was shot by Uncle Bob. SO please review the videos. If your style matches, please contact me. THANK YOU!!!
Do you know who has contacted me?! Every videographer that I didn’t like saying that they COULD mimic that style. Ugh, no you can’t! Not from what’s posted on your websites!
Looks like I may have to hire someone from outside of Pittsburgh.
Post # 9
Member
1087 posts
Bumble bee
@Miss Tattoo: “I’ve been to every Pittsburgh videographers website and I am not impressed. I want an emotional piece…not a video that looks like it was shot by Uncle Bob.”
Translation: yinzers in jean cut off shorts and Donny Iris t-shirts that have one video camera they bought at best buy during football off season to start their video wedding business need not apply.
Post # 10
Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
@Miss. Meeps: lol exactly. I don’t have any biters from Pittsburgh, so I’m looking out of state. So much for supporting the local economy.
Post # 11
Member
1767 posts
Buzzing bee
@Miss. Meeps: The fact that you said “yinzers” just made my day.
I’m sorry that you’re having such a hard time. Maybe try expanding a few hours outward? Maybe Philly would have someone great, or something. And if you find someone awesome, make sure to share with us, because videography/cinematography is really up there on my priority list!
Post # 12
Member
171 posts
Blushing bee
I know several good cinematographers, but all are going to charge $5k+.
Try Moho Creative out of NYC; I know them from college and are excellent.
In Pittsburgh, for my own wedding, I used All Pro Video (Bob Hartnett). My video is excellent and I’d be happy to send you a clip if you want to see it, plus Bob is so nice!
Post # 13
Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
@kwynn: Thanks Kwynn. I looked into All Pro last week. I’ve viewed all the samples from the website and it isn’t what I’m looking for. I’ve started to look in Philly and found several. I just hope they don’t charge me an arm and a leg to travel to Pittsburgh!
Post # 14
Member
1074 posts
Bumble bee
Post # 15
Member
1087 posts
Bumble bee
@Miss Tattoo: Yeah let us know when you find someone! Im curious how far away you have to go. By The Way went to a baseball game yesterday pirates vs. indians…..concert after the game….DONNY IRIS….no big deal.
@Miss Fish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4jn1L-riak&hd=1
Post # 16
Member
1667 posts
Bumble bee
Contact Lifestage Films out of Wilmington, NC. They are awesome, not sure where they fall in your budget though. But what a great group of people to work with and amazing results.
