Our Chat with Carlo from Lunar Red Films
Do you know the number one regret most couples have from their wedding is that they didn't have a wedding film? (for those couples that didn't have one, obviously), and for those couples that did, it was one of the best investments they made. Not only does a wedding film capture memories like no other form of media, but as Carlo puts it, “memories are an investment. Photos and video are the two things in a wedding that appreciate over time. You can sell a dress, but memories are priceless.”
Recently, we sat down with Melbourne-based wedding videographer Carlo from Lunar Red Films to chat about his journey as a wedding videographer and how he likes to capture the best day in a couple's life.
Carlo from Lunar Red Films | Photo By— Tahnee Jade
“Memories are an investment. Photos and video are the two things in a wedding that appreciate over time. You can sell a dress, but memories are priceless.”
Firstly, tell us a little about your videography journey and how you became the exceptional wedding videographer you are...
I had just finished film school. I was lost as to what to do next. I knew I wanted to be a cinematographer, and I knew that I wanted to have a camera in my hands at all times. My dad is someone whom I've always confided in, and, having told him how I was feeling, he suggested shooting weddings. At first, I was a little apprehensive. I'm old enough to remember the bad old days of DV tapes and giant cameras. But the more weddings I shot, the more I realised I could put my creativity into it. I came to understand that wedding films don't have to be a one-size-fits-all kinda deal. So I kept going. And as a thanks to my dad for his advice, I named the business after one of his favourite Italian love songs - Luna Rossa. Lunar Red Films was born.
What drew you into the world of wedding films?
I loved the idea of making a short film every weekend, of telling a love story. I come from a filmmaking background. I'm also a film critic. I love film, cinema, movies, storytelling - all of it. Wedding films, for me, have become almost another genre of that. Which means I get to do what I love.
How would you describe your style of wedding videography?
Like dancing around your living room with your beloved, slightly buzzed off some Don Julio on a warm summer's evening, listening to D'Angelo records - sweet, soulful, sultry, and a little intoxicating.
We're sure you get inundated with booking requests, so what are some things you specifically look for that make a couple stand out to you? The enquiries that make you think, "I really want to shoot this wedding"...
A couple of things - firstly, they have to vibe with what I do. If they connect and love my work, then that's half the magic conjured. Secondly, if they're a little weird, then I'm also on board. If their day is a little off kilter, if it's a venue that's not often known for weddings, if there are little details about it that subvert the wedding norms, count me all the way in.
Do you have a specific style of wedding that you just LOVE to film?
Anything with colour, neon lights, a sweaty dancefloor and a couple who can't keep their hands off each other. Oh, and backyard weddings. They go hard.
Give us one reason why a couple MUST have a wedding film ;)
Memories are an investment. Photos and video are the two things in a wedding that appreciate over time. You can sell a dress, but memories are priceless.
Share with us some wedding moments that you've experienced that stand out for you...
There are so many. I had the honour of shooting one of the first same sex weddings at the stroke of midnight when it became legal Australia wide in Jan of 2018. It was at Ferdydurke bar in Melbourne. Tight as can be, I could barely move, hot as hell, completely bathed in blue neon light thanks to the good crew over at Altar Electric. I loved every minute of it. I met a lot of good people that day, people who I still work with and call friends, and I feel like that was the day Lunar Red came into its own. It felt so immensely special to be a part of, and even though I had been doing it for a little while, I think that was the moment I truly fell in love with what I do.
What are some ways you work with couples to really ensure that their wedding film is a true reflection of them?
My biggest thing is to make sure the couple relax and enjoy their day. I take a very laid-back approach to the way I shoot. I make sure that first and foremost the couple feel comfortable enough being themselves in front of me. I don't ask them to do anything that they're not familiar with, and I give them permission to let me know when they start to feel uncomfortable. Sometimes that means taking a step back so the groom can catch his breath, other times it's completely ditching the party with the couple so they can have a moment to themselves away from the chaos. If the sun is setting, and the lighting is just right, I'll place the couple where I need them, and tell them to just have a chat. Could be about anything, but when they chat, I get something authentic and when they watch back their video, they know they were experiencing a real moment.
Give us your NUMBER ONE piece of wedding planning advice?
Do you, boo. Forget tradition; it's dead. You do what feels is most authentic and true to yourselves. If that means not having a first dance, so be it. Don't wanna cut a cake? You don't have to. The important thing to remember is that it's a celebration of YOUR love, and your love is unique and special to the both of you. Plan accordingly.
And finally, where can couples find you? Do you travel all over Australia?
Anywhere and everywhere. I travel all over Oz, but I do most of my work in Victoria. If you need to find me just shine my signal in the sky and I'll come calling . . . . . . . . . . . or you can find me at lunarred.com.au or my insta over at @lunar_red_films
You can find Lunar Red Films on THEODORE Magazine by CLICKING HERE, at lunarred.com.au or over at Instagram @lunar_red_films
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