In Conversation With: Timothy Blacketer Films
Timothy Blacketer’s journey into wedding videography began with a favour for a friend, igniting a passion that led him into the world of wedding videography. Timothy crafts films that blend emotion, energy, and elegance, capturing the essence of each couple’s love story, and his meticulous attention to detail ensures every wedding film is a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.
Interview Alexander Ross
“My approach blends art with emotion and energy while bringing a sense of elegance to the story...”
Can you share the story of how you first ventured into wedding videography? What sparked your interest in capturing these special moments?
From a young age, I have been captivated by filmmaking and storytelling. I fondly recall taking my GoPro on every adventure and holiday, driven by the excitement of creating a film that captured the joy of each experience. This same excitement fills me after every wedding I film—the joy of crafting a story rich in energy, elegance and personality.
My journey into wedding videography began somewhat serendipitously. A close friend asked me to film their wedding, and I felt a strong desire to create something distinct from conventional wedding films. From that moment, I was fully committed to redefining wedding videography.
What artistic influences or experiences have shaped your unique approach to wedding videography? Are there specific filmmakers or styles that inspire your work?
Life is my greatest influence; all my art is drawn from life experiences, human connection, emotion, and the curiosity to create a visual and auditory representation of these elements that’s unique and personal. My approach blends art with emotion and energy while bringing a sense of elegance to the story. By engaging deeply with my couples throughout their wedding planning journey and spending the day with their family and friends, I can selectively piece together elements that truly define them. Using that information to create a more personal approach to wedding filmmaking; a representation of how others see the world.
Moments of incredible storytelling inspire me the most, and one filmmaker who exemplifies this is Christopher Nolan. His brilliant and unique storytelling, often employing a non-linear approach and a preference for shooting on film over digital video, strongly resonates with my own work.
Among all the weddings you've filmed, is there one particular moment that stands out as exceptionally touching or memorable for you? What made it so special?
One of the most memorable and touching moments in my career was receiving a phone call from a bride the day after her wedding. She informed me that her father, who had been too unwell to attend the wedding, had been given only a few days to live. He desperately wanted to see his daughter marry her amazing husband.
In response, I hand-delivered their wedding film within a few days to ensure this wonderful man could experience the joy of his daughter's marriage. I’ll never forget the phone call I received from the bride and her family. It was deeply moving and remains a poignant memory that still brings a tear to my eye.
How do you infuse your personality into your work? Are there specific elements or techniques that you believe reflect your signature style?
Although my films express the personalities of my couples, my own personality is also deeply embedded in every aspect of the creative process. This is why no two films are ever the same. From storyboarding to creating a unique narrative that aligns with each couple's story, to incorporating specific camera movements and using light to evoke particular emotions, my goal is to showcase depth, character, and a level of detail often overlooked.
Some key elements that reflect my style include an unconventional, story-driven approach, a keen focus on detail, and the use of diverse film mediums such as Super 8 and digital footage, along with less conventional camera movements. These techniques, inspired by my own personality and storytelling process, ensure that each film is not only unique but also deeply personal and evocative.
What do you look for in a wedding when a couple sends their enquiry? Is there any specific element of wedding style that makes you go ‘yes, I want to shoot this wedding’?
As a wedding videographer with a passion for the art of filmmaking, I appreciate those who value having their story told through my distinctive style of storytelling.
I believe that the connection between the couple and their videographer is paramount. So when a couple tell me they've been searching for a wedding videographer and couldn’t connect with anyone until they found me, that's when I know I've found the right couple.
Building a connection with clients is crucial. How do you ensure that you understand and capture the unique essence of each couple's love story?
Connection is a core value of mine and is evident in every Timothy Blacketer film. I engage in a storytelling process with all my couples, essentially storyboarding each couple to uncover who they are and what defines them. Each couple completes a detailed questionnaire that explores their story, their individual and shared identities, their inspirations in life, how they spend their free time, and how they express love for each other. This information forms the foundation for me to adapt my style of shooting for each couple and craft a film that is authentic and personal to them.
Do you have a favourite type of wedding venue or location to shoot at? How does the setting influence your creative choices?
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite venue or location, but I do have a particular appreciation for venues that showcase character, specific design influences, depth, or interesting architecture that greatly influence my creative choices. Unique architectural elements, the interplay of light and shadow, and the overall ambience of the venue guide my camera movements, framing, and scene composition. Each setting provides a distinctive backdrop that helps shape the film’s aesthetic and emotional tone, making every project uniquely and deeply personal.
What advice do you often find yourself giving to couples as they plan their wedding day, especially in relation to videography?
Everyone has their own definition of the perfect wedding day. I encourage my couples to create an overall vision and ensure alignment with their wedding planning goals as a team. Ask yourselves: what does the perfect wedding day look like for each of us? Is it spending more time with family and friends at canapes, or having 15 minutes alone to watch the sunset. So many options!
Finding the right vendors is crucial. Look for those whose work you connect with and, more importantly, with whom you feel comfortable. This is especially true for videographers. Not all are made equal, and it's important to find a wedding videographer who understands your vision and values and can provide an experience that extends far beyond just the wedding film. The right videographer will capture your day authentically and create a cherished keepsake that reflects your own story, yet complements your wedding day and chosen vendor team.
How do you approach working with other wedding vendors, such as photographers and planners, to ensure a seamless and collaborative experience?
I view weddings as a team sport, a collaborative endeavour among all vendors. Together, we are dedicated to serving the couple and creating an unforgettable experience for their special day. Each vendor plays a crucial role, and I hold a special appreciation for the relationships built with photographers, planners, celebrants, stylists and others who contribute significantly to the final product.
Communication is key to ensuring a seamless wedding day experience and my strongest asset. Understanding our roles and contributions, and aligning our efforts to create an amazing experience for our clients is something we are all striving for.
Can you share your availability for the upcoming wedding seasons?
I typically reach capacity 12 months prior to the upcoming wedding season; however, I do leave availability open for destination weddings.
TIMOTHY BLACKETER FILMS can be found on THEODORE by CLICKING HERE or on Instagram at @timothyblacketerfilms
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
