I told 2 brides no
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Kirby Ball
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If I can help a fellow vendor out to make an event run smoothly and not put myself or my equipment in danger (or in trouble with the law) I'm going to do what it takes. Be proactive and contact the videographer and start a dialogue with them to see how you can work together to make the B&G's event a hit. YMMV
If your equipment can do it I don't see a problem, I just would have it in the contract you are not responsible for any failure or problem with the VG gear. If your equipment is setup or doesn't do it by design the VG needs to deal with that. Now inputs, that's another story. I'm not saying you can't plug in a violinist or harp player one just needs to sit down and discuss what can be plugged in, but iPod's, phones or non original CD's brought up at the event is a no no for me as I don't know what the source is and if in the business I wouldn't feel right playing songs downloaded illegally and burned or put on the electronic devices with severe squeals, clicks or pops. Been there, done that.
I'm not opening myself up to any extra chance of litigation, whether there is a realistic shot or not. I'm responsible only for what I do. It's as simple as that. And I will never change my thinking on it.... but then again, I won't have to. The clients will initial the clause in my contract that states that they understand that. Zac pretty much hit it right on the head.
If someone was really that niave to say that it's my responsibility that the video didn't have sound just because they plugged into my system, I'd laugh.
the reality is most can just put a mic by a speaker, but it does sound better plugged in. I'll be more than happy to help make the OVERALL evening better, and take my chances that someone would become completely unreasonable.
I would like to hear about anyone's real world experience were helping someone out with a plug in has resulted in anything negative.
If I am going to err, it's going to be on the side of helping, not refusing. If there is a realistic chance of something bad happening, then I wouldn't do it.
the reality is most can just put a mic by a speaker, but it does sound better plugged in. I'll be more than happy to help make the OVERALL evening better, and take my chances that someone would become completely unreasonable.
I would like to hear about anyone's real world experience were helping someone out with a plug in has resulted in anything negative.
If I am going to err, it's going to be on the side of helping, not refusing. If there is a realistic chance of something bad happening, then I wouldn't do it.
But I am in the business of making my client happy and satisfied. If it takes letting a videographer hook into my booth out, so be it. It's no big deal and in the end gives the client a better product and memory.
I do ask for a copy of the video though in exchange.
Papa - You open yourself up for litigation the moment you setup, if not sooner, regardless. Just the way it is.
Of course I do.... but I'm not adding to it to help the videographer.... which BTW, I have never been asked, but I will not be doing.
I used to do it all the time when I mixed for my daughter's dance recitals.
He alsio had a simple wireless unit made to plug into an ordinary mic,
and I just attached it to my output.
He had his camera at the back of a big auditorium, so the mic on his camera could only pick up
the audio from the house system, which was a piece of crap!
HE probably got better sound than the audience did!
As far as levels, we both got ther early enough that I could run a few tests at full volume,
and he just set the level WAY below what he needed, just in case.
I should mention this VG is a long time friend, who I have worked with at weddings MANY times.
But honestly, I don't mind someone using one of my outputs. Just tell them you are NOT responsible for the end result.
I'm withyou next. The videographer should have the proper equipmeent to do the job. If they don't then why would they take the job? If need be i say they should charge the client enough so they can take some of that money from the retainer fee to buy what they need to get the job done right. If they need some help while they are there fine but i don't ask them can you please bring a speaker for us to use. We already have what we need to get the job done right. If we don't then either we go get it or don't accept the job.
Remember there are professionals and then there are those who will claim they are a professional and are really a amature.
Remember there are professionals and then there are those who will claim they are a professional and are really a amature.
So tell me, how would a photographer go about 'doing it right'? It's not like they can't get audio through the camera mounted mic. But that picks up dishes clanking, people talking, etc, etc. Why not help them get pristine audio if it takes virtually no effort on your part? Is it because you just like being a d(u)ck?
Wes,
I think the biggest fear is litigation in the US, they always find a way to sue you (Extortion) and people are sick of it. If you can protect yourself in your contract and can do said feed (Your equipment is capable) I would do it. But if you can't protect yourself I'd probably say no.
I think the biggest fear is litigation in the US, they always find a way to sue you (Extortion) and people are sick of it. If you can protect yourself in your contract and can do said feed (Your equipment is capable) I would do it. But if you can't protect yourself I'd probably say no.
I've never yet turned down a videographer (well, did turn down one that was being a jerk once) but personally I'd think he'd do better with a hand-held, dig unit to capture good audio. I've never been a fan of direct-from-the-mic recording. It lacks the room ambiance. I just hate the idea of me being the one that might mess up the videographer's recording and prefer to not to paint a target on my back in case he needs someone to throw under the bus.
Unless I was "contracted" to provide sound, I would take the "it is what it is" stance, but offer it up.
Yea, I know and so far, no problems on the things I've provided a feed for. However, in my book it's just best to not put yourself anywhere in the loop of another vendor's dealings with the client. Last year I had a videographer that completely missed the bouquet and that was after I'd given him a 5-minute warning that it was coming. Dude went to the bathroom. It's an uncomfortable spot to be having to defend yourself when someone else has wrongly pointed fingers in your direction.
There is absolutely validity to your stance. However, this is a perfect example of how our society has been broken by frivolous and greedy people. There ARE people all around us that are stalking a chance to sue anyone for just about anything. The result is that we are left with a world where less people are helpful to one another. "Nice guys finish last" as they say.
I for one, am a nice guy. And I think I'll always take my chances by bringing up the rear. I hope someday we can all once again feel the same.
Dam I like Rick Ryans stories. They have a truth about them that you don't see to often on chat boards.
Thanks Rick.
Thanks Rick.