This is glen, He Makes Wedding Films
Meet Glen, founder of Directors Edge, a Melbourne based wedding videography studio. For over 12 years, Glen has been behind the video camera capturing the most special day of a couples life. He’s also part of a new generation for wedding film-makers that has reinvented the way weddings are currently being filmed and turning a couples love story into a story focused, mini-movie.
Words Alexander Ross
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So, who is Directors Edge?
I’m Glen (or ‘One N’) – a Yarra Valley based Wedding Filmmaker (but travels anywhere you can get to via car or plane). I’m invested in my couples, their day, their celebration and their love - whipping it all together in a film that takes couples back to the best day ever.
On a wedding day, aside from capturing the gold and the in-between moments, you’ll most likely find me surveying the lolly bar, dominating the dance floor with my killer moves or asking the venue for more than one bread roll. I’m pretty easy going, a team player and may or may not have at least 4 marshmallows in a standard hot choccie.
For how long have you been filming weddings?
I’ve been capturing weddings for over 12 years now and have loved every moment of it.
“Wedding videos [are] no longer the 2-hour snore-fest point and shoot… they [have] evolved into mini-films, story-focused narratives – of people celebrating their best days. The possibilities [are] endless.”
What lead you into the world of wedding videography?
From a young age, I’ve always been the guy in the family with the camera in his hand – capturing everything I could and creating content for my own amusement (probably also to the annoyance of others at the time). After uni, my end game initially was to work in TV creation (think: Saturday Night Live) – I love watching those behind the scenes features of tv/movies being made. Weddings were never the epitome for me.
Gaining experience working for other studios early in my career (amongst filming the local footy, birthdays and a few nightclub bands back in the day) – what changed for me was when I attended a video workshop several years later. Wedding videos were no longer the 2-hour snore-fest point and shoot… they had evolved into mini-films, story-focused narratives – of people celebrating their best days. The possibilities were endless. I was hooked.
What is your most favourite thing about a wedding?
Honestly, it’s the people. Every wedding is always a happy event. So many smiles and laughter, and it’s heart-warming to stop and think ‘oh wow, I’m literally with everyone on one of the happiest days in their lives’. That’s a pretty cool thing to pop in your credentials.
The network of suppliers is also the absolute best. Good people attract good people, so I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded with some pretty amazing talent over the past few years. Running your business can be isolating at times, but in this industry – it doesn’t feel like it. You’ve got great friends around you that you can collaborate with, talk things through and catch up outside of ‘wedding world’. It’s the best.
What style of wedding videography can couples expect from you?
Rather than limiting my work to one style and approach, I tend to adapt how I film and capture a day based off who the couple are and how they envision their day. If they love to party and bust some serious movies on the d-floor, their film will best represent that with a lot of energy and spontaneity. In contrast, if they are super loved up and are connected to a more cinematic feel… boom, I’ve got them covered and I’ll be a ninja capturing all those hidden moments which happen organically.
In your opinion, how important is it to have a personal connection with your wedding videographer?
It’s of fundamental importance. I’ve never really understood videographers who simply just turn up and capture a day for a couple without meeting them prior… and say they are offering a ‘personalised service’. We (as creative suppliers) are often with our couples longer on the day than they are with each other, so it’s important that everyone is on the same page and gets on, can have a laugh or crack a joke… otherwise, it may be awkward and that’s not good.
For my couples, our rapport starts from the very beginning – I’m the one they are chatting with and we get to know each other so by the time the day arrives, we’re great friends and they know I’ve got their back. I’m good friends with a lot of couples I’ve captured over the years which is amazing.
What are some of your favourite moments to capture?
Reactions are a winner for me. The first time the couple sees each other, and you see that emotion on their faces and hear it in their voices. People watching is my favourite (in a non-creepy stalker way) – capturing the in-between smiles, laughter and unnoticed moments in between the big ones.
Do you shoot alone, or do you bring someone along with you?
We have a few options which cover just me or bringing a second filmmaker along. With two shooters, it means we can split up and capture events simultaneously – and spend more time focusing on the moments couples miss whilst they are getting their portraits together (like seeing all the guests mingling during canape hour).
On a personal note
Where do you gain most of your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from many facets. I have a thirst for education, which I have continued to surround myself with those I admire, learning from them and attending workshops to continuously improve my films and business ethos. Cinematically, I gain inspiration from movies and TV shows which strike a chord for me either through how they were shot visually or constructed story-wise.
In your eyes, how has the wedding industry changed since Marriage Equality?
I’m noticing there is a lesser typecast on terminology as ‘brides’ or ‘grooms’ from a marketing perspective and focused more on ‘couples’. Pre-marriage equality, I had many clients where the guys were more focused on the wedding planning side of things compared to their female partners, so for the industry to adapt more gender-neutral terms is an absolute positive moving forward. What is important is that we are celebrating two people who love each other and the inclusion for all in the celebrations.
Want Glen to film your big day? You can find him on Mr Theodore.
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