Julie Hill started Los Angeles-based Elysium Productions (“Elysium” means “the perfect state of happiness” in Greek) with her husband in 2001 to fulfill a need for modern, stylish wedding cinematography completely missing from the wedding market. The whole reason Elysium was created was to redefine the very essence of what a “wedding video” is in today’s sophisticated market. They set out to create contemporary, cinematic, personal, and beautiful films that document one of the most important experiences in a couple’s life together. Their cinematic yet comprehensive approach has garnered countless awards, the trust of celebrity and exclusive clientele, and most of all – a family of incredibly happy couples. Knowing that their films brings back the feelings and memories of their clients’ wedding celebration is absolutely priceless. To gain a better understanding on Elysium’s approach to filming weddings, we asked Julie Hill just a few questions… 

{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}:  WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO VIDEOGRAPHY?

{JULIE HILL}:  Like most people in the wedding industry, my own wedding.  But beyond that, music videos and music in general and a deep love of weddings.

EDUCATE US ABOUT WEDDING CINEMATOGRAPHY.

Wedding cinematography in the past has been one of those items couples purchase if they have money left over in their budget.  Luckily, couples are realizing more and more that this “investment” will be one of the best purchases of their wedding.  I say “investment” because the wedding film actually gains value as time progresses when the wedding is over.  Unlike photography (which is also an important investment), a wedding film can showcase 24 images a SECOND along with the sound and motion that comes with it.  This means couples will see a lot more in their film than they realize.  And because we can artistically create a feature film which is music based, it creates an emotional response.  In other words, a wedding film has the ability to capture a couple’s story and their day better than any other medium. Videography has come along way to the point where the quality can be even better than what you see on TV.

DESCRIBE YOUR FILMING STYLE.

Our style is authentic, unobtrusive, emotional, and cinematic.  We don’t want anyone to remember that we were there, yet have footage of everything from the day.  To us, the small moments are as important as the big moments.

HOW MANY WEDDINGS DO YOU SHOOT A YEAR?

Around 50-70 depending on the travel required between them.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE THE BRIDE AND GROOM, AND ALL PARTIES INVOLVED, FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?

We are totally unobtrusive.  We don’t stage shots or direct the couple.  We even have a 500mm lens so we can be at the very back of the ceremony… behind the last row of chairs.  Our photojournalistic approach naturally makes everyone feel at ease – even the guests!

WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED AS YOU’VE VIDEOGRAPHED WEDDINGS OVER THE YEARS

We’ve learned that anything and everything can and will happen at a wedding.  It’s up to us to be prepared for any situation and circumstance.  The other lesson we’ve learned is that every couple has something that makes them different.  We want to capture the essence of the couple’s personality so their film is genuinely “them”.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLE ABOUT VIDEOGRAPHY?

Oh there is so much advice I would give!  First off, don’t discount how important the video will be.  It’s easy to put it on the back-burner in the planning process as it seems like such an intangeable item.  A lot of couples say “anything will do”.  Which brings me to my next point: don’t skimp.  Put as much of your budget towards video as you do for photo.  The two go hand in hand and are equally important.  I cannot tell you how many emails I get saying something like “we chose someone cheaper because they said they could do what you do and we are so unhappy.  Can you re-edit our video?”  The bottom line is that the minute the wedding is over, your wedding film will be come THE most important purchase to you besides the photos.  Trust me.  It is also an heirloom that will get passed down through the years.  I have my grandparent’s wedding on film from 1948 – it’s absolutely priceless to me.  And last… whoever you interview, make sure  you see several full films from them (not just trailers or highlights) and even interview your other vendors and ask their opinions on who you are considering.  After all, you have to work with whomever you choose.  A studio might have amazing work but is a pain to work with on the day, and your other vendors will let you know that!

WHERE IS THE MOST UNUSUAL OR EXOTIC PLACE YOU’VE EVER FILMED A WEDDING?

Hmmm… probably Shanghai… incredible place.

WHAT’S NEXT ON HORIZON FOR ELYSIUM IN 2013?

More traveling and more awesomeness in general!

Thanks so much Julie! We love what you do… now, for the really good stuff…We thought we’d share just a few of their gorgeous films from weddings they’ve witnessed around the world…

http://vimeo.com/22873337

{ Paris, France }

http://vimeo.com/60041716

{ Shanghai, China }

{ One & Only Palmilla, Mexico }