Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

177 JUNE OR JANUARY... No matter the season, a wedding movie is a must for today's bride and groom FEW occasions afford the amateur movie maker such attractive subject matter as the redding party. And, if you are filming it for a friend, nowhere can you find a more precious or more lasting wedding gift! For in the wedding party you have all the essentials of the successful home movie — interesting subject, good background and color, emotion and expression, and natural action throughout. In addifion, you have the advantage of a chronological order in each phase of the event, requiring very little splicing from the opening scene to the climax. Even so, it is advisable to do a little planning ahead — preferably with the bride or her mother — as to the length of the film and how it is to be apportioned among the sequences most desired. Also, it may be well to take a few favored guests aside and coach them to hover around the bride and groom during certain scenes, when those in the background can make or break the attractiveness of a shot. The length of the film can be anything from one to several rolls — depending on the type of wedding, the accompanying social events and the compromise necessary between inclination and expense. It may include any number of pre-wedding events (such as choosing the ring, the wedding gown, etc. I . And many will want to film the bride's luncheon, the wedding breakfast or the wedding reception. In any event, you might begin your movie by filming the engraved wedding invitation, which should be held in the hands of the brideto-be (with her engagement ring in evidence, of course). Filming the ceremony itself is a matter of choice. It can be done — by using fast film and a camera with an //1.9 lens or faster. But obtaining effective and attractive pictures is difficult, at best. And further, many people prefer not having such a solemn and sacred occasion, where emotions are so great, given the artificial air common to a Hollywood set. Thus, it is often better to skip the actual ceremony entirely — or to do it by suggestion. Shots of the rehearsal, a less formal occasion, will offer a very good substitute, if desired. Otherwise, you might content yourself with the arrival of wedding guests at the church, with special attention to the bridal parties arriving last. And then step back for a distance shot of the church, surrounded by cars of the wedding guests — to serve as a fill-in denoting the passage of time of the ceremony. One couple (during the war, when film was hard to get) began their wedding film where the wedding party emerged from the church and were treated to the traditional shower of rice. The camera then followed them to their car, and as they drove away shot the "Just Married" sign and old shoes tied on the back. Then the cameraman (having coached the groom to drive slowly) took a short cut and arrived at the reception in time to shoot the arrival there of the bride and groom, in closeup. It will be ideal if the reception is to be held outdoors in the garden. If held indoors, then artificial lighting must be arranged for in advance. Handy arrangements are to put No. 2 flood bulbs in the overhead lighting fixtures and to supplement them with a portable lighting bar. Any number of sequences can be made at the reception, with most scenes centering on the bride and groom, of course. Most important will be the cutting of the wedding cake, but arrange ahead for your human backgrounds to in[Continued on page 196] DOROTHY M. PEPER Photographs by Carl Goss LEAVING THE CHURCH is a natural transition scene from the often unpictured ceremony to the reception. ► • * A. THE FAMILY FILM CUTTING THE CAKE, a moment of tender gaiety, is a highlight you must not miss in your wedding picture.