Andy on shoot with former Channel V VJ Joey G
They say a picture paints a thousand words, but it’s really the wedding video that can take you back in time and relive the moments again and again. Meet Andy Wang, an international wedding cinematographer who has traveled Malaysia and abroad to film many a wedding. Based in Penang, he’s even flown as far as Paris for assignments, which he notes as one of his favourites as nothing beats “filming lovebirds in the city of romance.” Here’s our lil chat with the jetsetting Andy Wang:
How would you describe your style of filming? Do you change it according to the couple?
Beautiful, smooth and lively… as if you’re there again each time you watch your wedding film 
We definitely change our style of shooting and editing because each couple deserves their own original wedding video. To ensure this, I sit down with the couple at least once or twice before their wedding day to go through the agenda and get to know them better (I treat them as friends rather than clients). Weddings are very personal so it is important to get to know what they like or dislike and incorporate it into the wedding video.
In David & Lu Sean’s video above, you can see a wedding theme that incorporates different culture and traditions (something I love), which gives the video a very fusion yet unique feel.
What are some of your favourite wedding videos?
Herbert & Jocelyn – It’s a fun-filled wedding despite all the emotions, love and tears flying around. I couldn’t stop myself from having fun together with everyone who was there. It is also one of the most colourful weddings I have ever seen – the couple’s favourite black and hot pink theme definitely give the film a strong colour contrast. And did I mention that this is my very first Full HD video?
Alex & Carmen – What a cool wedding theme! Harry Potter, as the bride is a big fan of the book and film. Throughout the shooting, I felt like I was in the magical world of Harry Potter despite the weather being a disappointment. I know I have been saying this a thousand times, but I just can’t stop myself from sharing with all that the wedding cake is so adorable; I really admired it.
Why is a wedding video essential? How does it differ from photos?
Well, after the wedding, all you have as keepsake are photos and video only, for generations to come. Different from photos that capture precious moments in print form, a video tells a sequence of still images with audio, representing scenes in motion. So each time you watch the video (even after 20 or 30 years), you’d still be fresh in mind of this day – the vow that you two exchanged for each other, the very touching thank-you speeches, the emotional moments during the tea ceremony and even that embarrassing mistake you made during the first dance (which you’d also find memorable), etc and etc, although in reality, all these priceless and precious moments only happen once.
You were one of the first Malaysian videographers to use a Steadicam. Can you tell us about this?
In 2005, I was one of the first to use a Steadicam in filming. Unless you’re a film buff, you might not know what a Steadicam is though! Basically, it is normally used for a smooth shot when we have to move quickly, like during the bridal march in or dance floor session (as in the pic above).
Apart from the Steadicam, the cinematic feel of video also requires that more than one cinematographer be on location. Without a second cinematographer, we wouldn’t be able to capture the same scene from a different angle to give it that professional finish.
The other integral part of our team is our sound specialist, who records voices and music throughout the wedding. This is especially important for outdoor weddings and the vow exchange ceremony, as those are some important words being spoken that should sound crystal clear on your video!
What can a bride expect with your packages?
All our packages are inclusive of experienced cinematographers who use professional filming equipment, that provides up to 10 hours of coverage.
In return, the couple will receive 3 sets of interactive DVDs. Each DVD consists of a short wedding highlight (4-6 minutes) and a 90-minutes long wedding film.
For certain packages, couples will also be given back all the raw footage, which is definitely a priceless memory for two.
Lastly, why do you love filming weddings?
I am a romantic person who simply believes that a wedding is the most beautiful occasion in life. As such, crafting a story of two hearts, two souls united as one, forever and ever – is such joyous work.
* How sweet! Interestingly enough, a lot of our WGA wedding vendors are romantics at heart! If you’re interested to get in touch with Andy to shoot your wedding video, then do pop on his website or LWB page. And from WGA, thanks for whisking us away with your videos, Andy
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