Rolling Shutter Studio
Lights. Camera. Action!
John Chan of Rolling Shutter talks to EW - up close & personal.
Give us a few descriptive words that best describe Rolling Shutter.
Cinematic and modern best describe our filming and editing style. And it’s that production style that helps us create wedding videos that are truly stylish, emotional and powerful.
How long have you been filming for?
This is our second year in business, so we’re relatively new to the world of wedding videography. But even in that short time, our team has developed a really beautiful and exciting production style that’s unique for this area.
Was there a specific point in your life that made you say - ‘THIS is what I want to do!’
Prior to producing wedding videos, I had some experience filming and editing dance and art related projects. However, my first wedding video was actually just a volunteer job for a friend of mine. At that time, I had no intention of becoming a professional wedding videographer. I had just gotten my hands on a new camera and wanted to try out a concept for a highlight video that I had in my mind. We had a great time at the wedding and afterward, I went home and edited the footage. The couple posted the video on Facebook and they were flooded with comments from all their friends. Even from that first “test” video, some of their friends inquired about hiring me for their own future weddings. Seeing how much my newlywed friends loved their wedding video was that “moment” for me.
Since then, Rolling Shutter has grown from a one man operation to a four-person video team. We’re proud to have been hired by fifteen awesome couples in just our second year of business. As well, we’ve expanded our portfolio and have recently produced a commercial airing on Cogeco cable television. Looking back, I’m simply amazed at how this has all come together!
What do you love most about shooting video?
My interest in visual arts began with photography. From there, I experimented and moved into video. With video you have the added dimensions of motion and sound. It’s a whole new set of challenges to work with, but also adds more room for creativity. It’s really just challenging and fun.
As well, meeting and getting to know our clients is a terrific experience. I couldn’t think of a more fun and satisfying industry to work in.
What type of equipment do you film with?
We’re part of the new generation of HDSLR filmmakers. Our main production cameras are the Canon 5D Mark II and the Canon 7D. We love these cameras because they shoot beautiful HD footage with the visual aesthetic of film. As well, they offer amazing low light performance, they’re small and unobtrusive, and they’re simply fun to use.
Along with our cameras, we have a full set of cinematic production equipment. We use professional tripods, a slider, dollies, wireless sound equipment and a Steadicam. We’re technology nerds and gear junkies so our equipment list is always growing. Whatever helps us get those perfect shots!
What makes Rolling Shutter different from the crowd?
The creative storytelling approach that we take to producing our videos is what really sets us apart. Our shooting and editing style is very unique to what we do.
We don’t just run the cameras and record what happens. We work hard to seek out and capture those perfect moments and details that reflect the couple’s personality and the day’s events. Then, with clean and natural editing, we select and sequence our shots to truly tell a beautiful story.
Do you have any favorite moments you’ve captured?
It sounds cliché, but there are really too many to list! So often, I find myself behind the camera, capturing a shot and just thinking “wow”. It’s such a great feeling when you get *the shot* and you just can’t wait to show the couple. Just a few of my favourite moments to shoot are:
- The first dance. With our small cameras and a nice zoom lens, we’re able to capture some of the most beautiful and intimate moments without ever being noticed.
- Kids dancing and having fun. There’s so much going on that the bride and groom miss out on a lot of what happens on their wedding day. It could be the bride’s niece laughing it up or some little cousins break-dancing, but we love it when we can show the couple some of the amazing moments they might have otherwise missed out on.
- The vows. With the help of our wireless mic system we’re able to perfectly capture such a sincere and emotional moment. We know that the vows are something the couple will always treasure.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
One scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and one scoop of cookies and cream!
What advice would you give couples researching your services?
First and foremost, I would recommend to all couples that they consider the services of a videographer. Along with your photographer, your professional videographer is a crucial part of capturing all the sights, sounds and moments of perhaps the most important day of your life. After watching our samples, we’ve heard too many married couples say that they regret not hiring a videographer for their own wedding.
When deciding on a videographer, be sure to look at their portfolio and watch their samples. Find a videographer whose shooting and editing style matches what you’re looking for. Also, consider a two camera video package. This provides a degree of safety in case of a blocked shot, or technical issue and offers the editor greater flexibility in his storytelling.
*As of June 2010, Rolling Shutter has expanded and now operates under name Perfect Shutter. John Chan still leads the video team, but the new name reflects the addition of staff and our expanded portfolio of video services. With the added talent and equipment, we look forward to better serving the brides and grooms of Southwestern Ontario. *
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