BRIGHT IDEA FILMS // VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Today, we are really excited to go behind the scenes and share a spotlight feature with two of our newest Swish List members, Sarah and Ben from Bright Idea Films.
A short description of what you do: We are a local wedding videography team here in Niagara. We believe that your love story is one of a kind, and your wedding film should reflect that! We begin our filmmaking process by getting to know you and your story, so that every detail, song, and style is personal and meaningful to you. As observers, not directors, our team captures real and authentic memories, so we can capture the real stories that will be passed on for generations to come.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? One and a half years.
What makes your business unique? There are two central values that we hold as a team that makes Bright Idea Films. The first is that our filmmaking process begins with getting to know you and your story. That means all the details, songs, and styles are meaningful and personal to you! The second is that we work as observers, not directors, to capture all those candid, unrepeatable moments. An additional benefit of working with us is that you have two revisions to ensure you love your final film!
Favourite part of your business? Ben — Getting to play a part in capturing the special moments of a couple’s big day so they can be remembered forever!
Sarah — My favourite part of our business is meeting with couples during the preproduction consultations and learning about their stories; equally, I love hearing their feedback! When I edit a film, I feel as if I am editing a surprise video for a close friend. I always try adding as many personal elements as possible, like easter eggs in a music video. It is honestly so gratifying to hear a couple loves their film!
What inspires you? Ben — I’m inspired by the people who surround me; both my team and the couples that we work with! Everyone is so excited to be there, try new creative ideas, and do what we can to make the best video possible.
Sarah — The couples inspire me the most, and that is why consultations play a crucial role in my editing style and approach. Additionally, my team constantly inspires me. We are always sharing shots/edits we are excited about, cheering each other on and, giving each other feedback, helping each other create the best films possible for our couples.
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? Ben — For a long time I have looked up to a fellow Canadian videographer, Peter McKinnon. While he doesn’t film weddings, he inspired me to begin making videos and to work to improve my skills so I can be the best filmmaker possible.
Sarah — In my first year of high school, I helped an alumnus from my high school, Kaleb Dortono, to select clips for his wedding films. At that point, I had never even been to a wedding before. Though I played a small part, seeing the final product and how happy the couple was was amazing. It sparked my love for weddings and wedding videography. His films played a significant roll in inspiring me to begin creating wedding films!
On your day off...where would we find you? Ben — I’m a big movie fan so probably at the theatres!
Sarah — You will definitely find me out on a hike with my family and eating sushi for dinner!
If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? Ben — My dream job would be directing films of my own!
Sarah — I would be absolutely running my own business even outside the wedding industry!
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? Ben — Not sure about this one… what is trendy this year lol?
Sarah — Being with the people you love, doing whatever you love how you love to do it is always trendy.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? Ben — Plan out your day as soon as possible to avoid stress and last minute scrambling! This will help you in being confident with your decisions and chosen vendors.
Sarah — I am definitely with Ben on this one!
