For $795.00,

What is Small Island Productions - and how did you get started ?

Small Island Productions is a small multimedia production company based in Kissimmee, FL. We handle multimedia production (mostly business-related videos these days) for anyone requiring videography, web design, or development across the State of Florida and online. The website you are currently viewing is a sub-section of our primary website, dedicated to the high-quality wedding videography we provide for couples getting married around Central Florida.

We started with filmmaking - which is why we have such a keen eye for aesthetically pleasing shots. We've made many a short movie and won several awards for our films regionally, and enjoy using video to tell stories. Back in the day we worked on everything from speaking engagements, to theatrical presentations, to audition recordings, and even commercials - with extensive work in postproduction and visual effects - but eventually settled down to work between two major video fields, business promotional videos (for our ongoing clients on a national scale) and wedding videos (for those local couples who want a wedding video made by true filmmakers).

But why wedding videos? Well, why not? We get to meet a ton of fun people, travel across the state, and use our extensive filmmaking background (along with all of our fancy equipment) - that would otherwise go to waste. We love working to create cinematically beautiful shots, and have the technical knowledge to make it all look and sound amazing (as sound is just as important when it comes to wedding videos, or any video for that matter).

When starting up a long while ago, we looked around at other local videographers to find prices starting in the thousands for 'base packages', and then additional expenses added on top of that for really basic stuff, such as filming in High Definition. As such, we decided to carve out a new path in terms of wedding videography by providing the best package we could think of (full 1080p HD, 2 cameras, Steadicam technology, wireless audio, no hourly limit, Blu-ray, etc...) and decided to stick one low price tag on it, at $795.00. There's no reason you should ever have to pay more than that for a wedding video, no matter how amazing it is.

Since 2004 we've handled a ton of wedding videos. We only advertise to Central Florida, but will work all across the state, and have been called out to weddings (by word of mouth) all the way up in the panhandle and down in the keys. As such, we implemented a transportation fee to cover our journey on these epic wedding trips - but it's only enough to cover gas, tolls, and accomodations if required - and free or very low cost to anyone in Central Florida. (A side note: you can find out your specific transportation fee simply by clicking on your wedding venue in the reservation form above).

These days we have reservations and contracts spanning the upcoming months, and some reaching into next year, so if you are even considering hiring us I would highly recommend you click on the 'Reserve Date' button in the lower right-hand side of the page. That way we can keep the date clear for you, and won't give that reservation to anyone else. There's no obligation to hire us if you do so, it's just a heads-up about our availability.

Hopefully we'll get a chance to film your upcoming wedding - but either way, congratulations on this happy occasion!

Thanks for visiting our website - I'll talk to you soon,

- Simon Le Marchant-Smith (Director of Multimedia Production)

Do you film in High-Definition (HD) ?

Yes, we film in full High-Definition, in fact, we film in the highest standard of high-definition available (1080p).

Most videographers film in 1080i (which is compressed in horizontal lines to save space), yet this can cause banding in high-motion shots. We film in 1080P (which is progressive full-frame imagery for higher quality) at the high bitrate of approx 25MB/s. The HD footage provides a higher resolution for us to edit in, which makes for a high-resolution final image.

Note, the DVDs are not in high-definition, instead, they are high-quality NTSC-standard DVD discs. They will look great in all standard DVD players and will be upconverted by Blu-ray players. You can choose to have Blu-ray discs in 720p HD if you'd prefer - the pricing is the same either way.

Do you use a tripod or work hand-held ?

For the primary camera, neither! We are proud owner-operators of a Steadicam system, which is a vest and articulated arm that isolates the camera from the operators movement, creating beautifully steady moving shots.

It was an expensive investment, but well worth it to bring this hollywood level technology to our clients. For our secondary camera, we do use a tripod so that if there's any problems during the operation of our Steadicam, we always have a 'locked-off' backup shot.

What equipment do you use (how many cameras) ?

When it comes to your wedding video, we spare no expense in making sure everything looks and sounds as amazing as your actual wedding day (if not better). As such, we have the latest in filmmaking and production technology that can really make your wedding video look and sound like hollywood. Our standard equipment list is as follows:

• - Primary Camera:  Panasonic AG-AF100 with Lumix Vario 14mm-140mm Aspherical Lens
• - Backup/Secondary Camera:  Typically a Sony HDV-HD1000N, although we do have other secondaries.
• - Wireless Microphone System:  Shure PG14/PG185 Wireless Lavalier System, K7
• - Backup/Steadicam Wireless Microphone System: Azden WR-PRO Wireless Lavalier System
• - Shotgun Microphone: Rode NTG-1 Phantom Powered Hyper-Cardioid Directional Microphone
• - Steadicam and Tripod Support : Steadicam Pilot-AA System with Manfrotto Fluid-Head Tripod Backup

You'll notice that we use 2 cameras for your ceremony, set-up and operated by 1-2 videographers. The primary camera is on Steadicam (which is a vest and arm that carries that camera and eliminates camera shake), allowing our operator to move and capture beautiful shots from nearly any angle. The secondary camera is locked-off at the rear of your ceremony, and generally works to create a static viewpoint for the multi-camera edit (as a back-up to our Steadicam).

For your reception, we again utilize the Panasonic AG-AF100 upon the Steadicam system, so that we can follow all the action (and yes, even dance along next to you) to capture shots like none other. We only use the one camera for your reception as usually the lighting conditions are very dark, and the AG-AF100 is one of the only cameras on the market that can pick up the minimal lighting and still make it look good with it's near-35mm sensor and f/1.7 aperture.

How many hours do you include ?

As many as you need, edited down to an approximately 45-90 minute long video.

We arrive 1-2 hours prior to your ceremony (or earlier if you request) and stay until we've captured all of the highlights of your reception (including entrances, toasts, dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss, and anything else you may have planned). There is no strict time limit - and we don't mind staying as long as it takes to get all the footage, even if your reception runs later than planned. We've been known to arrive as early as 8:00am and stay as late as 3:00am the next morning, so don't worry about the timing - we'll be there!

How long does it take to edit my wedding video ?

Editing is usually a process that lasts 2-3 weeks depending on our other workload.

This is mainly due to the quality of your raw footage, which totals in a 30-60GBs before we even convert it to two seperate formats - a proxy (editing version) and a full-resolution (final render) version. During these 2-3 weeks we extensively edit the footage, clean up the audio, and color correct everything to provide the highest quality video available. We then ship via USPS to your registered address, with delivery confirmation. A signature is not required for delivery.

How many DVDs will we receive ?

We ship 5 DVDs standard with all of our wedding videos, yet you can request more at the cost of $10.00 USD per DVD.

The DVDs discs are DVD-R's in broadcast-standard definition (720x480) that should play on the majority of DVD players. The discs do not include a menu, but you can skip through chapters. They have a blank white ink-jet printable cover so that you can attach any artwork to the disc that you see fit once you receive them. If you request Blu-ray, they are 25GB BD-R discs with a blue cover, which will work on any Blu-ray compatible device.

Can we get the raw footage on DVD/Blu-ray ?

Yes, we can burn the raw footage from our Panasonic AG-AF100 onto a DVD(s) or Blu-ray Disc for $25.00 USD.

This option is only available for a limited time following the completion of your edited discs, as we soon remove your footage from our hard-drives afterwards (as a regular project can take anywhere from 30GB - 100GB in storage space).

We do not typically include the footage from the secondary camera as the specific filetype codec is highly specialized and would require conversions in order to be played on non-editing systems.

What's the payment process - and when do we pay ?

No payment is due until after your receive your discs, except for a possible transportation fee.

Your payment of $795.00 USD is not due until after we have confirmation that you've received your wedding DVDs or Blu-ray Discs. At that point in time we'll send you an invoice with payment instructions. You can pay either by sending cash/check to the address on the invoice, or by making a payment via Paypal to our account at 'sales@smallislandproductions.com'.

Yes, you can split up payments if you are not able to pay all at once - please contact us if you need to do so.

How much is the transportation fee ?

A transportation fee may be applied based on how far away your wedding venue is from Kissimmee, FL.

This fee covers any expenses required to travel to your wedding. This includes, but is not limited to - gas, tolls, vehicle maintenance, and hotel accomodations. We try to keep this minimal - only enough to cover our travel expenses if needed. It is predetirmined, so you don't have to worry our travel after this fee is paid.

When you reserve your wedding date above, you can instantly look-up the transportation fee for your wedding based on the city in which the venue is located. If you have multiple venues (for ceremony/reception) then select the ceremony venue. We'll include the reception venue for free, as the ceremony and reception are usually within 30 minutes of each other.

Do you provide Blu-ray, and how much does it cost?

Yes - we can provide Blu-ray at no additional charge.

We film and edit your wedding video in high-definition, and then burn the final video onto up to 5 discs. Those discs can be either standard DVDs or Blu-ray discs; and you can mix and match if needed. Because most of our clients are so fond of our 'package-free' flat rate, there is no additional charge for Blu-ray, even if you choose to have them all as such.

How do we get started and secure your services ?

It's easy - you can reserve our services for your wedding date using the form above. Just click on the 'Reserve Date' tab on the bottom-right hand side of your screen.

Once reserved, we'll get back to you via email to confirm your reservation and see if you have any questions. Once you're ready, you can request a contract and we'll be all set. If a transportation fee is required, we will send payment instructions once the contract is signed.

From there, we gather the information needed to film your wedding, arrive and take care of everything on your big day, and edit the final DVDs in the 2-3 weeks following. Once you receive your final discs, the payment of $795.00 USD is due and we close your account.

That's everything - simple, straightforward, and we're here to help if you ever have any questions!