Another IN[FOCUS] event has come and gone. This year, Dani and I traveled to Charleston, SC and meet up with the greatest event filmmakers in the world. We enjoyed the presentations, chatting with old friends and making new ones. Of course, we stay current with all of our cameras, lenses, and software, but it’s important to not neglect the importance of investing in our minds.

This was our first time in Charleston and we fell in love with the city right away. Luckily we had a day or two after the conference to explore some of the historic sites before traveling back home. The SC Republican primary was in the works that week and there was plenty of GOP commotion throughout the city which was interesting to witness. Looking back at our previous IN[FOCUS] video entries, this video is very laid-back and I feel it totally represents the vibe of the city.

What a rewarding trip.

Super 8mm memories of Christmas 2010.

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So this is how a DJ gets married!
Dani and I had the privilege of documenting the wedding of Laura & Jeff (DJ Orion) on July 23rd, 2011.
DJ Orion (the groom; Radio NOW 100.9), DJ Lockstar, DJ Indiana Jones, and a few others had a go at the turntables throughout the night. With the help of Lori Solomon and the Boldly Chic Events team, Laura & Jeff had a fun, energetic wedding that rocked the Stutz Building in downtown Indianapolis. Earlier that day, they exchanged some personalized, heartfelt vows during their wedding ceremony at Robert’s Park Methodist Church. It was a thrill for us to be a part of this wedding. Laura & Jeff (and their crazy friends) sure know how to have fun!

ceremony venue: Robert’s Park Methodist Church
reception venue: Stutz Building
planning: Boldly Chic Events
dj: DJ Lockstar, DJ Indiana Jones & of course, DJ Orion
floral: Julies Flowers of Geist
cake: Simply Perfections

Learning from our peers in the industry is priceless. Anytime that we are able to grow in our knowledge for our business we seize the opportunity.

POSH is an all female event filmmaker retreat which took place in beautiful Cancun, Mexico this November. This is a conference that not only further educates it’s attendees through the knowledgeable speakers and their presentations, but also from being surrounded by the other talented women throughout the 4-day experience. The presenters covered not only the technical side filmmaking, but also some great ideas behind storytelling and marketing. We were also given a free day to soak up the sun, which gave me the opportunity for a nice run along the shoreline.

It was also a great opportunity to spend some more time with some of the other women in the industry worldwide. We were able to share thoughts on business and craft, was so helpful to hear from so many different perspectives. Some of these women have been shooting since the early 90′s, and some have only been shooting for only a year. Everyone had something different to offer.

I’m excited to take the knowledge and inspiration that I achieved at POSH and apply it to our work at Jet Kaiser Films. What a wonderful adventure!
-Dani

I first met Brittney at a South Putnam High School football game back in 2005 when I was dating Dani. We were thrilled when Brittney contacted us to produce an engagement film for her and her new fiancé, Heath. We were able to roam around the Hendrick’s County Fair together and experience some true, old-fashion Indiana fun. While they were riding the carousel, a fireworks display began which was a pleasant surprise and an excellent way to close an enjoyable day. Brittney & Heath are getting married on September 17th, 2011 and we wish them a bright future together as they, in Brittney’s own words “start a new adventure together”.

It seems as if I’m always shooting something. Every July 4th I get a chance to shoot something other than video and photos…fireworks! I decided to have Dani shoot some video throughout the day so I could show what it looks like behind the scenes of a professional fireworks display. Beginning in 2005, I worked on and off for Sky Magic Pyrotechnics (my brother’s company) as Jet Kaiser Films grew. Growing up with Nathan, we shared a passion for fireworks and I worked for him as a pyrotechnician for several years. I’ve been in charge of Bloomington Indiana’s annual display for the last 4 years. The film above includes footage from 2010 & 2011. Dani (who was scared to death) shot almost all the footage for the film above and snapped the masterpiece photos below.

It was easy for us to fall in love with Nikki + Matt. They have such a love that many only dream of.

We just never know where we’re going to end up.  During the production of Nikki + Matt’s save-the-date video, we stumbled across McCord Candies which is a little, old-fashion candy shop in Lafayette, Indiana and home to one of the oldest operating soda fountains in Indiana and the Midwest.  We decided to go inside to grab a few shots and we were thrilled to observe that much of the store has been left unchanged since it opened it’s doors in 1912.  We found out that they still make their own classic candy upstairs using the same traditions and recipes of old. Of course, we hurried up the old, creaky staircase to discover a cute little candy factory on the 3rd floor.  A candymaker was busy packaging up some Easter candies when Nikki + Matt decided to practice a bit of their first dance in preparation for their wedding in September.  It was a special moment to capture them. . .dancing alone. . .on the 3rd floor of  a vintage candy shop.

Here are a few of the engagement photos taken by Joanne Mandel of Amici Photography. Click here to see more from their session.

This piece, created Carlos Lascano, has given me much inspiration over the last few years. Such a beautiful short story revolving around out biggest inspiration…love. I thought it’s about time for me to share

A New York friend of ours, Adam Forgione, Pennylane Productions, posted this quick video showing how an overbearing, unskilled photographer can kill a scene in a wedding film with the use of camera flash. We understand that the photographer needs to get their shots, we respect that. The problem is, photographers that do not truly understand the art of photography can overcompensate with the overuse of assistants and camera flashes. Keep in mind, quite often we shoot our video using the same model cameras as the photographers…without the use of flash. We understand that there are times when a photographer must use flash (I would too if I was shooting your photography) but when 3+ photographers are rapid firing as if Paris Hilton was exiting a Beverly Hills night club, that’s too much. A true professional photographer understands the quality is preferred over quantity and they will take the necessary actions in order to achieve that.

We desire to give you a flawless film in all aspects. The key is to let your photographer know what is important to YOU. If scenes like this are okay with you then so we’re okay with it. It’s your film, not ours. If this is something that you’d like to avoid, please let your photographer know. We strive to work seamlessly with your photographer to achieve to highest quality product in both filmmaking & photography.