When you think of robust wedding video industries, the Philippines comes to mind, Canada and the U.S. too. But Australia? Not if this article had appeared in EventDV’s early years, say, in 2004 or 2005. Up until then, wedding videographers in the Antipodes had done for their industry’s reputation what Darwin had done for creationism. But as our trade magazine was taking shape, so too was the wedding and event video industry Down Under.

The Aussies have scrunched their industry’s evolution into the blink of an eye, leaving videographers stateside blushing. Sure, video producers in the U.S. have advanced by leaps and bounds, outgrowing the proverbial sweatsuit in favor of rock-star duds. Wedding videos have gone from totally cheap to totally chic. And they morphed into films along the way.

In an easy parallel (albeit a decade later, and advancing in double-time), the wedding filmmaking industry in Australia is on the fast track to a similar notoriety. Along for the ride-no, in the (right-side) driver’s seat-are Aussies Peter Szilveszter of Living Lens, Rochelle Morris of Sauvignon Media Creations, Dave Cowling of D ‘n’ M Films, Susanto (Santo) Widjaja of Paper Cranes Productions, and Abraham Joffe of Untitled Film Works.

Article by Elizabeth Merfeld – Read More:

http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=75644

I have been thinking about what I could compose for Ante & Rowena’s feature film and somtimes I think simple is best. As I watch this clip I know how important the connections that these two people have with the people around them. They have grown up with their friends – and their friends have grown to be like their family.

One of our very distinct characteristics of our company is finding what makes our clients different. With Ante & Rowena we have a blending of two different cultures – Croatian & Chinese. Like anything in life, the scales need to be balanced and with their wedding day, balance was definitely there. With the candid and fun nature of the bridal party there was joy, tears & laughter.

I welcome you to share our feature film of Ante & Rowena

Film-y Friday Finale all the way from Australia!
With the weekend around the corner, I know everyone is getting ready to pack up and call it a day. But before you head out the door for a weekend full of brunches, lunches, and mani pedis, I have the most scrumptious treat for you. All the way from Melbourne, Australia comes this magical highlight reel from Sauvignon Media Creations. This video made me fall out of my chair, twice. The first time, I was in shock about how our little company has spread its wings all the way to the land down under. And, second because for the cinematography junkie in me, it’s a DREAM.

Rochelle is a true leader in Australian filmmaking with co-founding Exposed Down Under. She is truly passionate about furthering women in the filmmaking industry and has done so much to support POSH.—Reagan Zugelter, Studio Z Films and POSH

http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=74264

As an avid support of females in the film-making industry, POSH is a major event that I forsee bringing women forward to the limelight. There are so many talented women who are either working their own studios or are pivotal & leading their team. The film-making industry like many others, have been primarily dominated by men and although there is no intention for our world to be dominated by women, recognition of our influences is changing. I am truly humbled by the comments of Reagan Zugelter, who is one of the Top 25 world film-makers.

The featured clip is that of Anujan & Narayani’s Wedding trailer. This was my first 5D experience and the imagery that our combined teamwork produced is brilliant. Working with DSLR’s are much harder than video cameras because there are so many different variables to aware of. I will still however say that a camera doesn’t make you a good film-maker. The more I have been priveledged to work alongside Dean who is an amazing teacher plus network with our world industry colleagues, the more I value the storytelling elements pivotal to a wedding film.

It truly is an honour to be voted among these elite group of professionals and I’m proud to say that of the 9 finalists, 5 are Australians. I also congratulate Daniel Cartwright, Dave Cowling, Abraham Joffe & Santo Widjaja.

So to their story. Elianne was referred to us by her cousin Pierre & his beautiful wife Mary. We filmed Mary & Pierre last year and it was a natural following that all the best suppliers were people that Frank & Elianne enquired about. Leading to their day was hectic and these two planned such an amazing wedding. All I can say was that it was a full reception celebration…fireworks, dancers and off course our Same Day presentation.

Celebrating their wedding day at Sacred Heart in Kew Melbourne, with their reception at the Ashton Manor.
In was uber cool to have Peter Szilveszter from Living Lens join us and photographer Jodee from Field of Vision.

Asher & Alia ~ Trailer from Sauvignon Media Creations on Vimeo.

We were lucky enough to come across Asher & Alia as a result of one of our favourite photographers, Andrew Noble.

I got a call one morning from Andrew who was trying to help find a producer for a couple – their videographer had to pull out due to ill health. When I spoke with Andrew and he told us of their date, we were fortunately available.

Andrew passed on our details and I spoke with Asher. Coincidentally, we had recently shot one of their friend’s weddings so it was good to meet Khong (Fred) & Pauline again.

So a bit about Asher & Alia. Well, I’m sure their friends will know them best but this wedding has some special significances. Asher plays the bagpipes. For their wedding day, Asher & Alia celebrated their vows at Scotts Church in Melbourne. They had a bagpiper churning out melodic tunes that were symbolic to the feel of the day. And in good old traditional Melbourne weather, it rained after the ceremony. Fortunately photos were done in the morning, after they shared their first meet at the Hotel Lindrum which proceeded within Scotts Church and then at Poets Lane.

So sit back and enjoy at little glimpse of a very beautiful day with a very wonderful couple.

from Sauvignon Media Creations on Vimeo.

We had a challenge – our challenge was to film & produce for another cinematographer. WOW…

Marc & Billy had been planning their wedding from their home town in Portland USA – to be married in Melbourne Australia. We skyped over the months leading up to their wedding and talked about how beautiful the gardens of St Kilda are. They arrived a week prior and we met under the most perfect conditions that mother nature could provide. It was cool to finally meet in person after chatting for so long…Marc & Billy ran through some of the days events and we talked about many things that we as cinematographers, need to know and take care of.

Being a garden wedding and Melbourne experiencing a La Nina, what was the back up plan…”there was none”. Lol – there was no way that mother nature could spoil such a beautiful commitment & surely enough, the weather held out…okay, the wind was blowing a gale, but it was livable.

So we commenced at Sandringham for the bridal preps & proceeded to Half Moon Bay in Black Rock. During the week, Dean & I scouted the pier and planned how we would shoot this. First meets are not typical in the Australian culture but getting it right makes for some awesome footage. With the awesome talents of Laurel & Ben from Powers Photography, bridal party & our team, we took off to the beach for location shots.

The weather was still holding out & once we arrived at St Kilda Botanical gardens we hung out while the set up was taking place. Here, standing among family & friends, Marc & Billy committed their love to each other.

I was reading on Marc website that he makes time to get to know his clients – that this is the beginning of the experience. How true these words are – thanks guys for inviting us to share & capture your day.

In organising the night I have had many opportunities to talk to members from around Australia. One very lovely member who is literally in the “back of bourke” is making a special journey from Mourilyan, Queensland to attend. Dean & I will be hosting him as our guest – we haven’t met him but as I have written in a report for the association, the reason I joined the association was a sense of belonging. In that report I wrote about a blog post from one of our members Joel Buncle (Couch Media), who is undertaking a film course in America. He talks about “Spirit”. Joel writes that spirit is “something that is so strong here, it unites people, it brings them together. This is the best part about spirit, what one person could not achieve by himself a large group is capable of completing.”

As committee members we are not only here to provide and increase the benefits to our members, but to encourage the “spirit” of belonging. The association is inspired by members from all sectors – corporate, broadcasting and special event. Their “spirit” is what drives the association to continue to grow and flourish, & it will be the future of collaboration and camaraderie that will make belonging to the AVPA worthwhile.

I’m looking forward to celebrating the wins of my friends & colleagues…roll on Red Scooter

The efforts of Rochelle as a founding member of the Exposed | Down Under team brought some of the great international & local talents together in 2010. We have seen a national unity among wedding video producers with a motto of collaboration not competition. 2011 will be even greater with a schedule that has been well planned and contains as much value in learning and networking that is possible.

“I feel that what occurred in EDU 10 was breathtakingly inspiring. When I stood at the bottom of the theatre and looked up among all those who came, I could feel my heart busting with joy – not only for the success of the event but what it has achieved for all those who have attended. I am honoured to be a founder of Exposed | Down Under.” ~ Rochelle

Photo by Shireen ~ Field of Vision