How It Works

Step 1: Pre-Birth Consultation

During the pre-birth consultation, I want to be clear how the parents envision their Baby's First Movie. What shots do they want to include, what kind of story do they want to tell and who do they want to share their movie with? Once this has been determined, I email the parents a Template of Shots to Capture checklist that will include A and B roll footage (that's industry speak for important shots and filler shots).  I'll also share best practices, tips and tricks with whomever is responsible for taking the footage.  

Step 2: A Star is Born--Capturing the Footage

The designated camera-man (sister, friend, etc.), armed with their Template of Shots to Capture checklist, starts capturing the moments and environment using all the tricks I've shared before-hand. They'll do their best  to capture as much footage as they can so that I have plenty of shots to work with. I'd rather have too much than too little.

Step 3: Making Movie Magic

Once all the footage has been captured and delivered to me, I'll begin my magic. I will create a movie, using the guidance from the initial consultation and the footage supplied to me, to create a perfect Baby's First Movie. The average movie length is between 2.5 and 4 minutes long. I'll burn a DVD for the parents to have as a keepsake as well as supply the link to view the movie online should the parents choose to share the movie over the internet.

Step 4: Pop the Popcorn and Enjoy

My experience is these movies are watched by the parents and loved ones around the world over and over again. Family members and friends flip out when watching these Baby's First Movies because they can really share in the day, especially since many weren't able to be there in person. Something about a baby's story is just irresistible.  Enjoy!

It's Not Too Late

For parents that have old footage of their baby's birth that has been watched once by a couple people and then tucked in a vault somewhere, I might be able to make something special out of it.  Depending on the technology used to capture the day (if it's VHS, I can't help you) as well as the quality of the shots (if everything is freehand and woozy and the cameraman sneezed at the moment of delivery), you'll need to understand there is only so much I can do. But if modern technology was used and someone did a pretty good job filming the event, even a few key moments, I can create some movie magic . I've done some pretty cool things with some pretty rough footage.

I can't think of a better mother's day, father's day, birthday or Christmas gift to give?