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FAQ's
General
Q: Why the name "Tradewind Productions"?
When we were trying to come up with a name for the new company, a song titled "Tradewinds" by the Hawaiian surf band Pepper began playing, and it just seemed to fit!
Q: How will I receive my final video?
Our traditional video format for delivery is standard definition DVD. However, high definition Blu-ray discs are becoming much more common and we fully support Blu-ray disc as a delivery option. We can also support virtually any other video format available, including video cassette if necessary (VHS, 8mm, DVCPro, Betacam, etc). And of course, we can provide you with a web-ready video file in any standard video format if you are planning an online video project. We can even help you set up an online video platform if you are not already using an existing video service.
Q: Can you produce my event in HD (high definition)?
YES! We produce in HD on all of our current projects unless otherwise requested. Even though the video is produced and edited in HD, we can still provide you with a DVD or other standard definition product upon final delivery.
Q: Why are your prices so expensive/affordable?
Amazingly, we have heard both that our prices are too high and then also that they are quite low. Unlike some businesses, we do not base our prices on what others are charging – trying to undercut competitors on price alone or overcharge clients unnecessarily. Instead, our focus remains on giving our clients the service that they deserve. As you view the prices for other video service vendors, be sure to compare the final product as well. We believe that you will find our productions to be the perfect balance of cost and quality!
Corporate Services
Q: What exactly constitutes "corporate services?"
We consider any video produced for and paid by a business client to be a "corporate service." This includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships and sole proprietors. These videos might be for use in a presentation, or it might be a promotional video for use on a client's website or for broadcast television.
Q: Do you provide any bulk rates for ongoing business agreements?
Yes! This, like many of our corporate services, is arranged on a case-by-case basis. In general, discounts increase with the more services you request and the more frequently you request them.
Q: Can my company receive video services under a barter arrangement?
Generally we only provide our services under a pay agreement. However, there may be instances where it makes more sense to both parties to work out a separate barter agreement. Contact us with more information on your needs.
Q: How long does it take to receive the final video?
This depends upon the complexity of your production, but generally speaking most projects can be turned around within 4-6 weeks. If you have a deadline, we do our part to make sure you meet it!
Q: Are you insured against injury?
Yes! All persons involved in the on-location production of your video project will have health insurance coverage in the event of injury to themselves. However, we cannot be held liable for injuries resulting from the actions of others on location, and it is your duty to ensure that the location is safe for production.
Weddings
Q: How far in advance do I need to book my wedding?
Most videography is booked 6 months to a year or more in advance – usually as soon as the couple begins to make plans. We do not have a minimum time window, but it's usually a good idea to contact us at least 2 months ahead of your wedding date. Keep in mind – we generally only produce a single event on a given day, so there is a chance that if you wait until the last minute, your date may already be booked!
Q: What format is my final video?
Our traditional video format for delivery is DVD, and now we offer Blu-ray for no additional charge. In fact, with all of our productions, we provide you with 3 copies of your video for no additional charge. We can also produce a VHS cassette if necessary. If you want a cutting-edge presentation, we can provide you with an online video experience as well. You still receive your DVD and/or Blu-ray, but it's also available online for friends and family to view anywhere in the world.
Q: My uncle/sister/cat has a camera and will be videotaping the wedding for us. Can you still edit it afterward?
This is a yes and no. Yes, in most cases, we can take the footage that was shot and still produce a decent video for you and your family. However, most people are not qualified to shoot the same level of professional video that we are capable of, and so we certainly never recommend going this route. Additionally, you should keep in mind that when we produce your video, our focus is on our work. Most friends or family at your wedding will likely be distracted by any number of things – not the least of which is that delicious filet mignon and wonderful cake you are having prepared for the reception. And then, of course, there is that matter of the cash bar and the champagne toast...
Q: How far can you travel for a wedding?
We go wherever you go! We want to be your "Destination Video" provider. Whether you are getting married at a resort in Jamaica or a ski lodge in Colorado, we want to capture your destination wedding for you. With such weddings, there are often fewer opportunities for many friends and family to attend. A professionally produced video is the perfect way to let everyone in on the big day – whether or not they can make the trip. There are additional considerations for air travel. Contact us for more detailed information!
Q: Can you help me find a photographer?
Yes! We maintain contacts throughout the wedding industry, and can help you find not only a quality photographer, but also many of the other key professionals that will help your day run smoothly. See our Preferred Vendors listing for more information.
Q: Do you produce commitment ceremonies or other non-traditional ceremonies?
This has certainly been a newsworthy topic in the past few years, both socially and politically. At this time, we only produce wedding videos for legally-binding marriages between a man and a woman.
Q: Will there be a lot of large equipment and bright lighting at my ceremony?
Like most things on your wedding day, this is entirely up to you as the client. Most of our equipment is sized for portability, and is therefore generally unobtrusive. Our on-camera lighting is usually only necessary during the reception and in dimly lit areas, or anytime additional light is necessary to produce a quality image. However, we have a wide range of video production equipment that we CAN use to produce a fantastic wedding video – some of which is larger and more obtrusive than others – but we always talk with you the client about everything so that YOU can make a decision about what YOU think you need in your video. In general, we make a point to stay in the background of your wedding – NOT the center of attention. At the ceremony in particular, we do our part to ensure the sanctity of the wedding celebration.
Q: I like one of the packages, but there are some things I'd like to change. Can I still get the package discount?
We are always willing to work with you to make sure that you get the services that best fit your needs. In our packages, we have bundled some of our most popular services together in a way that makes the most sense for the average event. If a package seems to be a "close-but-not-quite-exact" fit, we may be able to rearrange certain parts to fit your needs while still preserving the discounted rate. Contact us for more information.
Special Events
Q: Do we need to provide electrical connections at our event for video equipment?
In most cases, we will be using camcorders and portable audio and lighting at special event productions, and will seldom require additional electrical support. If your service includes a video presentation such as photo montage, you will need to provide at least enough electrical supply for a projector, a DVD player and a small audio system.
Q: Can you do pre-event sales of a video prior to an event?
Yes! In many cases, we will provide you with a sales sheet and the opportunity for attendees or others to purchase videos at a discounted rate within a few weeks or months before the event. For pre-sales, we can accept personal checks as well as credit cards.
Q: If you sell videos of the event, does my group receive a percentage of sales?
This usually depends upon how we quote the video services for your event. In most cases, the quote takes into consideration the potential for video sales. In this regard, there is usually no opportunity for a profit share, but instead you receive a reduced rate on your production. If you prefer, we can arrange a full payment for the event production and do a profit share following the completion of the event. There is often a pre-determined cutoff date, and any orders following that date will not be subject to profit share (this is to ensure that we do not continue making share payments in perpetuity). Most customers find that it is simpler and better for them to take the reduced rate in lieu of any profit sharing, but for some larger events, a profit share is much more economical for all parties involved.
Q: How long does it take to receive the final video?
There can be many variables that affect the amount of time required to complete all edits and provide a final video. With more information on your event, we can usually provide an estimated time frame for completion. As with most of our productions, 4-6 weeks is normally enough for all reviews and turnaround.
Media Transfer Services
Q: Can you provide "touch-up" services?
Yes! When we process your photos, slides or film as part of a transfer project, we provide minor color correction and dust removal as necessary. Most of the time, the materials themselves are not nearly as dirty as you might think, and so it is rare that we find the need for major correction.
Q: I have so many boxes of old film reels and even more boxes of VHS tapes. How can this all fit on a DVD?
It can't. However, when we have more material than we can fit on one DVD, we create a Volume series. Your first DVD is Volume I, the next is Volume II and so on – until all your memories are preserved in a DVD library!
Q: I no longer have a safe place to store my old photos and film reels, but I want to make sure they are preserved. What do you recommend?
You have probably heard some people say that the first thing they grab when running out of a burning house is their wedding album Currently, we are trying to develop a storage service for our customers that would allow them to access their media on a regular basis, but yet still preserve them from the effects of a dingy basement. Worst case scenario, you don't want all those memories going up in flames in the event of a fire or other disaster! As our service comes online, more information will be made available here on the website. Until then, your best bet is to purchase a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box at your local bank. These solutions generally have a low limit on the amount of storage space for the price paid, but are generally better than nothing at all. A large gun safe would provide long-term storage at a reasonable price, but can take up a LOT of room in your home.
Q: How do I know you will take care of my delicate media?
We take every step possible to care for your media. We never handle your old media bare-handed – instead, we always wear lint-free gloves. Additionally, we lightly blow dust away before storage during a project. Lastly, your media is kept in a low-humidity, room temperature zone to prevent most of the environmental damage that can occur with variable humidity and temperature.
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