Here's a recent request from a potential client. This person wanted the following:

I need a 7 hour quote with Blu-Ray format. I choose the music. Edit "light" please.

Filming starts at my house where I will prepare. 4 hours at my house.

Go to the reception site 15 miles from the ceremony site (Videographer pays parking and gas). Film the bridal party and dance for 3 more hours.

By the way, you can keep the footage for a demo reel.

But... we're on a very tight, tight budget. Video is a something we can't afford right now but can you help???

There are so many red flags in that message it's not even funny. My guess is you should have a good laugh and walk away from this one.

My guess is this is a clueless client that really doesn't know what she wants and does not understand what Wedding Films are all about . . . but she thinks she does and wants it cheap to boot. I see nothing but clashes here . . . . I agree, be polite, but walk away.

GMan

I don't see any mention of the ceremony, is it at her house or does she not want you to video the ceremony? 10 foot pole territory.

Red Flag for me is when she mentioned EDIT "LIGHT". The way she wrote the inquiry, she might Micro manage your editing, walk away........

Run Jamie Run!

I don't see any mention of the ceremony, is it at her house or does she not want you to video the ceremony? 10 foot pole territory.

I forgot to mention that the ceremony will be after she gets ready at the house. Travel to the ceremony. Come back to the house for more filming celebrants' party & celebration. Then take 3 hours off. Be back at the reception area and continue on filming.

I knew this would be a tough assignment but everyone's description of this situation is hilarious!

I would have taken on this project if this was my first wedding to gain experience but that was years ago...

But... we're on a very tight, tight budget. Video is a something we can't afford right now but can you help???

Honestly it's this sentence that really gets me. She's basically saying she wants a video but isn't really willing to pay for it. To me that's just the beginning of a client who is going to keep asking you for more and more without wanting to pay for any of it. It could end up being a decent gig, but I'm doubting it.

I've had a few clients start out with 1000 demands like this, but by the time the day got rolling we just did what we usually do and they were so caught up in everything it wasn't a problem.

Now the whole, I don't have money to pay for a video thing.. yeah, run baby run.

Man, I HATE it when people edit heavy...

Send her the quote at your price and let that be that. If she can't afford it let her move on, if she can she gets what she wants. Just clarify what Light edit means. Send the quote can't hurt.

I loved reading the previous one posted and decided to share mine. I was available but didn't tell them.
This is the email EXACTLY no "hellos" "how are you?":



Below is a summary of what we are looking for:


Date
Saturday October 17th, 2009

Locations
Groom's house (Pickering)
Bride's house (Whitby)
Church ceremony (North York)
Park / Photos (TBD)
Reception (Woodbridge)
12 hours coverage

Editing
Picture slideshow
Pictoral credits of bridal party
Original Unedited footage
Custom Motion Menu
DVD Labelling
DVD Casing
3 copies (ability to burn more after)

Style
Personable, and engaging with the family members to ensure that video is interactive and captures the essence of each individual and the overall wedding vibe/emotion.

We are on a tight budget but are interested in speaking with you about your services.



That was it no names, just wham, bam no thank you Maam!

Here's a recent request from a potential client. This person wanted the following:

I need a 7 hour quote with Blu-Ray format. I choose the music. Edit "light" please.

Filming starts at my house where I will prepare. 4 hours at my house.

Go to the reception site 15 miles from the ceremony site (Videographer pays parking and gas). Film the bridal party and dance for 3 more hours.

By the way, you can keep the footage for a demo reel.

But... we're on a very tight, tight budget. Video is a something we can't afford right now but can you help???

This reminds me of an email I once got. I'll find it and post it.

I love people who take the time to come up with a list of EXACTLY what they want (ie - custom specifications) and yet have the nerve to tell you they have no money to work with. Audacity ...

Looks to me like another video production is trying to get a quote from you and others to give to their client.
Could be wrong

Aww... she's on a budget. Poor girl. Bet she blew a ton on flowers, the dress and the still photographer though.

'Oooh... your budget is tight, huh? How about 1 camera coverage... I hit record and go grab a drink and hand you the tape/card when you walk out?'

Kelsey, the gasoline alone would cost a fortune. Tell them if you can hitch a ride with a family member and if they can drop you off after the shoot. j/k

Kelsey, the gasoline alone would cost a fortune. Tell them if you can hitch a ride with a family member and if they can drop you off after the shoot. j/k

I know!!! You'd have to be a "local" to realize that I would have been driving ALL DAY LONG!! That was another one of the MANY negatives!

Seriously who doesn't take a second to introduce themselves at some point in the email? And then states that they are looking for someone "personable"?!?!

Before I leave this topic, I did a facebook search on the prospect. Saw the comments about bride's upcoming wedding. It's further confirmation about the attitude problem of the "potential" client.

Be careful of what you say about yourself on facebook. It may bite you in the a@# someday!


Thanks, Everyone for your hilarious input.

I would include in the quote
"Light" edit quote 3-5 cuts maximum. You can upgrade to the "medium" edit package and get 7-10 cuts with two free dissolves!!!

I would include in the quote
"Light" edit quote 3-5 cuts maximum. You can upgrade to the "medium" edit package and get 7-10 cuts with two free dissolves!!!

hehehehe nice. That is funny to charge per cut. What about we charge per push of the "pause / record" button too?

You can get a real cheap package if we show up and only hit record once and a cheap edit if you only cut a few times. don't worry about the blurry stuff. remember we only hit record once and only cut once, so every time we moved the camera it was still rolling..... besides, that is what the Fast Fordward button is for. :-)