Wedding Video Scoring FAQ

Q: Why don't you post some examples of what a good wedding video should be?

A: It's not our intent to try and standardize wedding videos. We think it's great that there are many different styles and techniques. To post an example would give the idea that "This is what a wedding video should look like.", and we absolutely don't want to do that. Also, it would lead to one-up-manship - "I can do better than that..", etc. We are not and do not want to become a contest site. We may post some examples of what not to do though. If someone would like to see a sample video and it's accompanying scoresheet, I'll be happy to send one of my own, from this wedding season, for a small payment to cover costs. I don't claim to have a ton of "wow factor" in my videos, but they pretty well adhere to videography basics which is what we're all about.

Q: OK, let's see if I've got this right - you're going to let me put your certificate image on my web pages, linked to a page on your site that confirms I'm certified and links back to my site. These reciprocal links will help my search rankings. The certificate may help me relative to competitors if a bride is deciding between us. What other benefits do I get?

A: Well the two you've already mentioned should be well worth more than 'the price of admission'! Increasing your search engine rankings, showing clients that you and your videos have been checked out and found to be professional and trustworthy, that's worth a good deal in itself. But we do have other benefits. For starters, we have discounts for members. You also get feedback - a critique, of your video, by three different wedding videographer professionals (this may be worth the price by itself!). We'll have articles that will discuss techniques, tips, cover how to handle various issues, new gear, etc. Sure, there are already great periodicals like eventDV (which you should subscribe to!), but we're going to stick strictly to wedding videography, so we'll be a little unique. For a short while, our articles will be open to all. After a bit, we may only have the first pages for public display and reading the rest will require membership.

Q: What's the difference between "membership" and "certification"?

A: All who apply for certification, are "members". Only those who pass certification are "certified". Both membership and certification periods are for one year, with the exception that our first partial year - 2007 will not be counted, due to the fact that the biggest benefits will come once we've grown a bit. Therefore, if you sign up now, your term will last until December 2008 !!

Q: How are the references checked?

A: We will mail a letter to each reference, asking for comments. The letter will include a few questions with checkboxes and a self-addressed return envelope. It will also have a login/password for the questions to be answered online, for those who prefer that method. In cases where we only have phone numbers, or where we don't get a response within ten days, Jean or I will personally telephone each reference and explain that the videographer has applied for professional certification and ask if this would be a convenient time for me to ask a couple of questions.

Q: Bottom line - how do I profit?

A: Let me count the ways -

1. Most brides do not want to check your references, but would feel better if someone else had.
2. Being certified adds a level of confidence, for brides, that just isn't there without it.
3. A link from our site, since it is directly related to wedding videography and is gaining in popularity, will help your rankings.
4. Once we have enough entries, we'll get our database up and running so brides can search here and find YOU!
5. Our critique of your submitted video is worth more than the price of admission all by itself.
6. The discounts offerred to members outweigh the $99 membership.
7. Sites like Wedj.com and PartyPop, charge more and give you less.
8. By supporting us, you're helping us to improve the entire industry, and (eventually) that means better profits for you.