Keepsake Productions FAQs

Click on the following questions to view the answers.

Are you the one who would be video taping my marriage blessing and reception?

We have professional videographers on staff who will be video taping your wedding.

What do you offer that makes your service unique?

Keepsake is a division of Watts Communications, a full service high-end broadcast and corporate production company. The highly competitive and far advanced broadcast and corporate needs, allows Keepsake to provide our customers with the highest quality product.

We have a full-staff dedicated to preserving your memories for a lifetime. With a full staff and the highest quality equipment we can provide you a fast turnaround and far exceed your expectations.

Our equipment is the best! We have the highest quality non-linear edit suites, Broadcast Quality 2/3-inch 3 CCD video cameras, an in-house professional graphic artist ready to customize your graphics, and creative staff on hand to develop your video from concept to completion.

How many cameras do you use? If using two cameras, does that mean a second videographer?

We have the capabilities to use as many cameras as needed. Our basic package uses one camera, while our more premium packages offer two or more cameras. If we have two or more cameras an operator is only necessary depending on the video style needed and the objective of the second or third cameras. Each video package explains the number of crew you will receive. Adding cameras to existing video packages is available from our ala Carte listing.

How many weddings have you shot? How long have you been in business?

Keepsake Productions produces many weddings each year.

Keepsake Productions is a division of Watts Communications, which is a full service corporate and broadcast production company. Watts Communications originally opened their doors in 1990 as a wedding video company. Since then video and electronic media demands have grown. Watts Communications expanded to offer more high-end corporate productions. Specializing in television programming, digital marketing media, and commercials. Keepsake Productions was established to maintain our wedding services.

What kind of equipment do you use? Do you use 3-chip digital cameras?

We use Only The Best! Our video cameras are all high-end broadcast quality (BCTV). We have a 2/3-inch Sony D30 cameras, which is a 3 CCD camera the largest size 3-chip camera they offer. This camera is the best you can find with a high-density resolution that is second to none. In addition, we use Panasonic DVX-100's and our HD cameras are made up of the Panasonic HVX-200’s. All the cameras we use are equipped with high quality 3 CCD image processors. We shoot DVCam, Mini DV and DVCPRO formats. The cameras and other equipment are top of the line because of the support from our parent company Watts Communications.

What kind of lighting do you use?

Our cameras have settings to lighten the video so we do not have to disturb the setting with lights. During the reception we will use a sun gun (attaches to the camera) as needed.

How many and what kind of microphones do you use?

We have as many microphones as needed. They are all wireless Ultra High-frequency (UHF) diversity lapel mics.

How do you edit the video? How many hours do you spend editing? Do you edit your own work?

Suite A
Avid's Media Composer Adrenaline. This system is the best of the best! It’s a revolutionary new architecture combining the power of next generation Media Composer software with state-of-the-art Avid Adrenaline Digital Nonlinear Accelerator (DNA) hardware. Up to seven real-time uncompressed SD video streams with room to grow. Backward compatible with AVR and Meridien projects and media. Support for even more media formats - mixable right in the timeline. New high-quality, real-time Open GL 2D and 3D Digital Video Effects. Patent-pending AutoCorrect technology that color corrects entire sequences automatically.

Suite B
This is our all Digital Suite supported by the Adobe CS4 Creative Software Suite. This editing system allows for real-time digital editing of up to three layers of uncompressed video and six layers of graphics. Additional system features include the latest in video effects software: AfterEffects, Boris Effects 3-D DVE, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Soundforge XP, and Cinelook image processing film-look simulator.

Both edit suites are networked to our multimedia stations allowing seamless export of your finished digitized project for incorporation into DVD, CD-ROM or Webcast / video streaming presentations.

May we have the video on DVD? Are we able to keep the unedited master?

Each package includes 3 DVD copies of the finished project and we also provide you with DVD copies of all original footage. If you need all copies on one specific format we can adjust your package for VHS or add the options for a email-able file development.

How do you stay up to date in the video business? Are you a member of local/national associations?

Our parent company, Watts Communications, is very competitive in the corporate production industry. To meet the needs of our corporate accounts we are constantly updating equipment. We are also members of the Media Communication Association (MCA) and work closely with the Wisconsin Film Office. Our staff is constantly educated on new technologies and we make regular updates to programs so we can create the best product for our clients.

Do you use "stringers" or “tapers”?

We have three videographers and two editors on staff. During our more busy times of the year we have a pool of freelancers that we have relationships with.

Do you use a shooting script?

Yes, We recommend meeting with the couple prior to the wedding day at the ceremony location to determine specific angles and necessary shots that will be needed. We will then create a “shot sheet” with details for the videographer to ensure every shot is captured. This shot sheet is also used in editing for a more streamlined and efficient edit.

Do you use any special effects?

Yes, We have stock wedding effects, which is included in all package prices. We also have an in-house graphic artist who can create custom animated graphic backgrounds and DVD menus.

Do you try to coordinate with the photographers before the ceremony?

Yes, typically it is best if the videographer and photographer attend the rehearsal to discuss any details.

What time do you arrive to set-up equipment?

Our videographer will arrive 2 hours prior to the ceremony to set-up and run a test on all equipment. This time also depends on the scope of the project. Some couples want pre-wedding footage (i.e. Bride getting ready, arrival of guests etc.), which could change the set-up time.

Is editing Included?

Editing is included in most of our video packages. Our Ceremony Uncut and Ceremony Reception packages do not include editing, but includes a custom graphic page. Editing can be added to packages through the Ala Carte Options.

Are there hidden charges: microphones, meetings, set-up time, travel, and special touches to video such as music graphics?

Each video package price includes all that is in the description. The only extra charges that may apply would be if there was travel outside the Metro Milwaukee area or if there were changes or special requests to the approved video. Please see our ala Carte options to see charges for additional options or equipment.

What is the required deposit? When is the remaining balance due?

We have a $400 holding fee, which is taken off your final billing. We require 75% due 30 days prior to the wedding and the remaining balance due when you receive the final video.

What are the refunds and cancellation terms?

We do not offer any refunds for services already rendered and we require a 60-day notice of cancellation in order to get your holding fee back.

When would the finished tape be ready?

Please allow 30- 60 days for a finished project.

Would you need to provide a meal?

It is entirely up to you…But is recommended. You wouldn't want your videographer to pass out.