Unveiling the Magic of Wedding Films
Weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new journey. Capturing these precious moments requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of storytelling, and a genuine connection with the couple. Tristan, the visionary behind Kindled Films, embodies all these qualities and more. In a recent interview, he shared his journey, his philosophy, and the passion that drives him to create unforgettable wedding films.
The Journey Begins
Tristan’s professional journey in filmmaking began in late 2018. His transition into the wedding industry was facilitated by Brendan Batchelor from Batchelor Photography. Recognizing Tristan’s struggle with a conventional 9-5 job and knowing his interest in vlogging and storytelling, Brendan suggested that he explore wedding videography. When Tristan was laid off from his day job, he took it as a sign to pursue this new path. He used his severance check to invest in a quality camera and a gimbal, marking the beginning of his freelancing career.
Crafting Memories with Kindled Films
Kindled Films specializes in video production and wedding films, often collaborating with photography companies like Batchelor Photography to offer comprehensive packages. Tristan offers three main packages:
- Base Package: Tristan as the sole videographer.
- Middle Package: Includes a second shooter, ideal for couples getting ready in different locations.
- Social Media Teaser Package: A third filmmaker is added for creating a social media teaser.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Tristan’s approach to filmmaking is deeply intertwined with his family’s rich storytelling heritage. As a fourth-generation storyteller, he was inspired by his great-grandfather, who documented his experiences being stationed in Japan with his family through film. This tradition was carried on by Tristan’s grandfather, who meticulously captured moments with his DSLR camera, often alongside Tristan, who filmed videos for his vlogs and other edits. His mother also played a significant role, taking photography classes to capture the essence of everyday life. This legacy of storytelling is at the heart of Tristan’s work, driving him to create authentic and meaningful wedding films.
The Discovery Call: A Window into Authenticity
For Tristan, understanding the couple’s love story and individual quirks is crucial. His process starts with a discovery call, where he delves into the couple’s personalities and their journey together. This initial connection allows him to represent their authenticity in the wedding film, capturing their unique essence.
Memorable Moments
Tristan finds it challenging to choose a single favorite memory from his career, but one particular moment stands out. On a hectic wedding day, he missed the chance to record the bride Kelly’s vows. Later that evening, amidst the reception’s chaos, he pulled Kelly aside to capture her beautiful, heartfelt words. This interaction, where she shared vows that resonated deeply with Tristan’s own love story, left a lasting impression on him.
Expert Advice for a Seamless Wedding Experience
Tristan emphasizes the importance of clarity when it comes to deliverables from videographers. He advises couples to ask specific questions about what each video includes, ensuring they understand what they will receive—whether it’s the full ceremony, the toasts, or the dances. This clarity helps avoid any discrepancies and ensures the couple’s expectations are met.
Additionally, Tristan highly recommends hiring a planner or day-of coordinator to manage the logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly. This allows the couple to enjoy their day without stress or worry, confident that all details are being handled professionally.
The Process: From Inquiry to Delivery
The journey with Kindled Films is meticulously structured to ensure a seamless experience:
- Inquiry: Couples send an email inquiry, receive a package guide, and schedule a discovery call.
- Discovery Call: Discuss package ideas and tailor them to fit the couple’s budget.
- Contract and Proposal: Detailed outline of the chosen package and retainer payment.
- Pre-Wedding Check-In: A month before the wedding, Tristan checks for any updates and sets up the final meeting.
- Final Meeting: One to two weeks before the wedding, the final balance is paid, and the timeline is locked down.
- Wedding Day: Tristan and his team arrive 30 minutes early, cover the day’s events, and ensure all desired moments are captured.
- Post-Wedding: If applicable a social media teaser is shared within a week, with the full videos delivered within two to four weeks.
Finding the Perfect Match
Tristan’s ideal clients are authentic, adventurous, and inclusive. He looks for common interests and hobbies, such as a love for camping, hiking, and travel. This connection goes beyond professional service, fostering a deeper relationship that enhances the wedding film.
Life Beyond the Lens
When Tristan isn’t crafting beautiful wedding films, he enjoys adventures with his wife. They love making travel vlogs, exploring new places, and spending time with their fur babies. These experiences enrich his storytelling ability, adding depth and authenticity to his work.
Get in Touch
In the world of wedding videography, Tristan from Kindled Films stands out as a true storyteller and filmmaker. His dedication to capturing the essence of each couple’s love story, combined with his rich family legacy of storytelling, ensures that every wedding film is a cherished memory. For those seeking a filmmaker who values authenticity, adventure, and inclusivity, Tristan is the perfect choice.
Stay tuned for more features on the best local wedding vendors in our upcoming blog posts. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or looking for those final touches, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Happy Planning! – Chelsey