In Conversation With Melbourne-based Filmmaker Rhiley of MurphyFilm.co
Founded by Melbourne-based filmmaker Rhiley Murphy, MurphyFilm.co is known for its warm, nostalgic, and story-driven wedding films that capture emotion in its most genuine form. With a focus on connection, Rhiley’s approach is about letting moments unfold naturally and allowing couples to truly be themselves on camera. His films aren’t just a record of the day, they’re a return to how it felt.
What first inspired you to start MurphyFilm.co, and what made you realise that becoming a Melbourne wedding videographer was the right path for you?
I started MurphyFilm.co in 2024 after leaving a previous wedding company. I wanted to fill a gap in the wedding filmmaker market. Wholesome, story-driven films with a nostalgic feel. No quick cuts and flashy music. I want to create films that actually take you back to the day, longer takes to really immerse the viewer in the moment and take them back to how it felt on the day.
Your wedding films are often described as nostalgic, warm, and authentic. As a Melbourne wedding videographer, how do you approach storytelling on the wedding day and during the editing process to create that signature style?
On a wedding day, I'm always looking for all the little extra moments to help elevate the feeling. I always want to have intention in what I'm shooting, not capturing clips for the sake of it. In my opinion, to create an impactful story, you need to understand what's important to the couple, and in order to get these shots on a wedding day, you must do the pre-planning work to really get to know your couple and understand what they are about and what the key moments that matter to them are. This, in turn, makes the post-production side easier. I already have an idea prior to editing of what the couple is after and how I'm going to deliver that.
You emphasise genuine connection and letting moments breathe in your wedding videos. Can you share a story where an unrehearsed moment ended up becoming the most powerful part of a couple’s wedding film?
I can't pinpoint it to one moment, though I think paying closer attention to moments you know will always evoke a lot of natural emotion. Letting those moments play out for as long as the couple feels it needs to helps enhance these moments. By keeping my input to a minimum, I can let the couple be who they truly are. This makes those who watch feel more genuinely connected because it's a true representation of how they know the couple to act together.
Many couples can feel nervous about being filmed on their wedding day. How do your pre-wedding shoots and approach behind the camera help couples feel comfortable and enjoy the videography experience?
Being nervous in front of the camera is a natural reaction for most. During my chats with couples, I reassure them that it's okay to feel nervous because 99% of other people feel the same. From here, I explain how I help guide them through the stages of the day. But the trick is these pre-wedding shoots. Being in the physical and getting to meet the couple, to show them it's a safe space to be themselves when being filmed and removing the stigma. As I mentioned before, doing as much pre-wedding research and learning who your couples are can have a profound effect on the finished result.
As an LGBTQI+ inclusive wedding videographer, how do you ensure your films and your approach reflect a safe, welcoming, and authentic space for all couples?
Communication. Simply assuming that everyone is comfortable with the same thing can lead to unwanted results. Asking what people are comfortable with sharing, comfortable doing in front of the camera, and comfortable showing to not only friends and family but to the open world of social media.
Looking ahead, how do you see MurphyFilm.co evolving as a Melbourne wedding videographer, and are there new services, creative directions, or storytelling tools you are excited to explore?
I'd love to dive into short film-style wedding films — using pre-wedding footage, wedding day footage, Super 8, camcorder, interviews, whatever it may be to create curated films, not films that appeal to the masses. Shooting in locations people have never thought of, opening people up to the possibilities beyond the clichés.
Visit murphyfilm.co
Instagram @murphyfilm.co
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
More For You
