Wedding and Event Videographers Association International

The Wedding and Event Videographers Association International, WEVA for short, is a non-profit professional organization for wedding and event videographers.

History

WEVA International evolved from "Wedding Videography Today" an industry newsletter for wedding videographers first published in 1990, and from Wedding Video Expo, the first national/international convention and trade show dedicated to professional wedding videographers. Both were founded by Roy Chapman a professional wedding and event videographer serving the greater Washington DC area. The inaugural EXPO was held at a Washington area hotel (Crystal City Hyatt) in the summer of 1991.

Early contributors to the publication, EXPO, and WEVA included John Goolsby (Cannon Video), John Cooksey, Mike Jensen, Jenny Lehman (Jenny Lehman Videography) Sandy Brooke (Brooke Video), Mark Goldberg (Spectrum Productions and the well-known usnet FAQs on photography and videography) and many others whose combined efforts jump-started the evolution that has led to today's modern videography.

As the early 1990s progressed the newsletter grew into a magazine and the convention became an annual industry event. Wedding Video Expo '91 & '92 were held in the Washington DC area. In 1993, Wedding Video Expo was held at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, NV and moved to Disney World's Contemporary Hotel in 1994. Encouraged by the support from videographers nationwide, including the leaders of regional videographers associations, Roy Chapman announced the formation of Wedding & Event Videographers Association International in Orlando, FL at Wedding Video Expo '95 held across from Sea World at the Stouffer Rennaisance Hotel. In recognition of the growth of professional videography, the magazine name was changed to "Wedding & Event Videography" and the annual convention became Wedding & Event Video Expo. The 2008 WEVA Expo marks the 18th anniversary and return to Orlando for the convention, which had been had been held in various Las Vegas locations.

Accomplishments

The most notable accomplishment that WEVA has made externally was brought about by the Camera Sub-committee. WEVA was able to lobby the manufacturers for lower light capability and more professional features on lower priced cameras.

Members Impacting The Industry of Wedding & Event Videography

Time Shift is a style of video initially developed by California videographer David Robin and introduced in 2003 at WEVA Expo Las Vegas. Time shift was influenced by Hollywood movies like Pulp Fiction and Memento which did not follow the linear progression of events from the event. A time shifted wedding video may open with the cake cutting and then jump to the bridal prep and then jump in time again. Time shift videos can have a dramatic impact on the story if done properly.

The 30 Minute Edit Also commonly referred to as Short Form was introduced in 1996 by Robert Allen Ehrlich, The short form style is a video that condenses the entire day's proceedings down to a 30 minute video.

Super 8 mm film The industry came full circle when in the mid 1990s Australian videographer Dennis Illic reintroduced the use of film stock in wedding videos during his WEVA Expo seminars. The grainy, old fashion appearance is a hit with a small percentage of the market that enjoys it's nostalgic look. While not a major part of the market, it has developed a sub-niche within the industry, promoted by the likes of Robert Allen Ehrlich, Jenny Lehman, David Robin and Mark Goldberg.

Bridal Elegance Also known as Bridal Spotlight was introduced by Michael Nelson of Remember When Videos. A 10 minute and under video showcasing the beauty of the bride, her personality, life, bridal gown and jewels.

Artistic Recognition

As the industry of wedding videography has matured, it has evolved from being a simple documentation of a day(s) events in linear progression to a production where only the imagination is the limit. To honor the artistic achievements of videographers, Creative Excellence Awards are awarded in 15 categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze are the main awards but Finalist awards are given to notable entries.

Accreditation

In 2004 WEVA created the Merited Professional Videographer (MPV) program as a way to recognize professional wedding and event videographers. The MPV program is the first such North American association accreditation at the national level for professional wedding and event videographers. Graduates are permitted to display the post-nominal letters of "MPV" following their name.

Written Evaluation

Candidates must first attain the passing grade on 80% on a written examination of technical and practical knowledge, adapted from an established course in television production, delveloped by Herbert Zettl. The exam can be taken online at at WEVA Expos.

Video Evaluation

Successful candidates who pass the written exam have one year to pass a double blind peer review evaluation of 2 video submissions.

Graduates

On April 2005 the first class of graduates from the MPV program was announced:
* John Deyo, MPV, of ViDeyo Arts Videos (Austin, MN).
* John Goolsby, MPV, of Cannon Video Productions, Inc. (Riverside, CA).
* Chip Goolsby, MPV, of Cannon Video Productions, Inc. (Riverside, CA).
* Michael Kolowich, MPV, of DigiNovations, Inc. (Concord, MA).
* Shawn Lam, MPV, Shawn Lam Video (Coquitlam, BC - Canada).
* Eric Model, MPV, of Reel Moments Video (Nanuet, NY).
* Michael Nelson, MPV, of Remember When Videos (Salt Lake City, UT).
* Fred Tims, MPV of Fred Tims Video (Mastic Beach, NY).

As of 2008, there are 15 MPV accredited WEVA members.

ee also

* Wedding videography
* Wedding photography
* Professional body
* Super 8 mm film

External links

* [http://weva.com Wedding & Event Videographers Association International] - official site
* [http://www.wevaexpo.com/ceawinners.shtml 2008 WEVA Creative Excelence Award Winners]