Jai Ivarsson - Videographer

A love of all things technical, especially Apple, lead Jai to becoming a wedding videographer. Originally from Australia, Jai's background was in IT management. After coming to New Zealand in 2001, Jai studied at the School of Audio Engineering, obtaining a Diploma in Audio Engineering. Jai's passion of music and audio crossed over into Multi Media Design and Digital Video Production. These areas allowed him to utlise his audio engineering skills alongside newly acquired skills in motion design. Since 2002, Jai has worked as a Live Sound Engineer for Prima a five-piece covers band and has attended many weddings in that capacity.

Evolution to Wedding Videography

Jai initially produced DVDs for Corporates, but this expanded in early 2006. He and his wife Sarah were looking at Wedding Videos for themselves, but could not find anyone who would produce what they wanted. They didn't just want a bunch of highlights to a song, they wanted a personal record of the day. They also had family who was unable to travel to join them for their wedding, and they wanted to be able to share their day with them. Jai felt he could do better than what was on the market, and set himself the challenge of seeing what he could do. Obviously unable to film the day themselves, Jai organised for a videographer to capture the footage for him. Post Honeymoon, he set about turning the footage into the DVD he had envisaged.

The result was 2 DVDs. One for guests, which included a highlights package to music, a photo montage to music, and selected footage from the day. The other, a full record of the day was produced for immediate family and for those who had not been able to come to the wedding.

Each guest received their disk inside a customised Thank You card. What better present for the guests than a record of what they had shared in. As Sarah said "What's the point in giving the guests favours or sweets as a thank you. It's not like there isn't enough food and cake at a wedding anyway!"

The Jai Ivarsson Videography Difference

Jai and Sarah believe that they aren?t the only ones out there, who want a record of their day that is personalised and reflects what their day meant to them. They both felt that it took the pressure off having to remember everything as it happened, and allowed them to be in the moment and just enjoy every aspect of the day. "There's just so much to take in, especially during the ceremony and speeches." says Sarah "We had written our own vows and it was very emotional for both of us and there was no way I was going to remember exactly what Jai said! It's also great being able to look back at those funny and special moments from the speeches. The DVD captured what was special in our day and has been an awesome reminder of how it all came together."

Jai believes that filming the footage is just part of a DVD production. "Taking the footage from the day and putting it on DVD is just part of it. Before I work with any couple I sit down with them and get a feel of what is important to them and the aspects of the day they wish to capture. Each wedding has its share of tears and laughter and the way the footage is transformed into the finished DVD needs to be sensitive to each of these moments. Knowing in advance if special tributes have been planned is great."

The ability to adapt quickly and see the creative aspect in each moment is also vital. "No matter how much you plan a wedding something always changes or there are those unique unplanned for moments that often make the day." Being alert and ensuring these are captured is vital. "A lot of this comes down to being in constant communication with the Bridal party and working as a team with the photographer." Being present, but not appearing to be present is vital skill.

Once the big day is over, Jai's work has only just begun. The footage is then captured, edited and produced in Final Cut Studio (the same software used at the BBC and many Hollywood studios) "It is a dance between technical and creative at this point. You are working to ensure that the footage is cut as best it can and having 2 cameras allows me to capture different aspects and then cut them together. Once the footage is edited I then master the lighting and sound to ensure that not only do you watch what happened on your special day but you get to relive it again and again."

Although fairly new to wedding videography, Jai believes his combination of skills set him apart. "I not only have the skill to capture the footage, I have the artistic side of me which allows me to edit it creatively." This combined with his technical skill and studio quality computers and software give him a huge advantage. "I am constantly aware of sound, lighting and other factors whilst filming that may impact the editing process and can adjust to ensure the final product is what the couple want. You only get one chance with a wedding."

It is the creative side of event Videography which has hooked Jai. "Every wedding is different and I am always looking for creative ways to edit the DVD that reflect the personality of the couple." There are no standard templates for anything and each DVD menu is created from scratch. "Part of the fun is working out which aspects can be pulled in to make a great menu."

"We've also found that it's not just weddings that people want to capture. There is a growing demand for videography services for special birthday celebrations such as a 21st, or 50ths."

With Josh & Amy's wedding, both Bride and Groom wore the family tartan. Jai took the tartan and filmed it moving with the aid of a fan. It was then transformed into part of the background of the DVD Menu and the transitions in the menu when an option was selected.

Jai was inspired in another direction with Daniel & Kelly. Part way through the dancing the groom took to the stage with his band to perform for his Bride and Guests. Jai edited this performance with footage of the day to create a music video combining Daniel's performance of Bryan Adams "Everything I Do." to Kelly and the Bridal party preparing for the big day.

The Other Ivarsson Difference

While Jai is the technical and creative brains behind Jai Ivarsson Videography, it is Jai's wife Sarah who takes care of the details and doubles as the assistant cameraman. The big advantage to the team, is that as husband and wife, they know exactly what it is like for the couple on their big day. For those couples who choose the All Day Package Sarah is alongside the Bride capturing her preparations, while Jai is with the boys shooting them getting ready. The time leading up to the ceremony can be quite nerve raking as everything comes together. For the Bride, having another girl around makes thing far more comfortable. The boys also find they can just be themselves with Jai around! This leads to some brilliant fly on the wall footage.

Being a husband and wife also has its advantages during the parts of the day where 2 cameras are used, such as shooting the ceremony and reception. As you only get one chance to capture each moment, good communication is vital to be able to adapt the varying aspects of the day.