Priya & James from FilmJones on Vimeo.

Who are you?

Wes Jones

www.filmjones.com

Wes@filmjones.com

917-568-3718

What do you do?

I mix vintage super-8mm home movie film with high-end HD video to create an artistic portrait of the wedding day, a unique and exceptional alternative to traditional videography.

Where are you based?

I work in the New York metro area, but I’ve travelled all over for weddings– from California to Jamaica.

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?

My unique style appeals to certain South Asian brides and they have sought me out. I did my first South Asian weddings in 2008.

Why do you do what you do?

I love all types filmmaking and doing commissioned films for weddings is a great way for me to practice my art and make people happy, while making a living at it.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?

No, I do about 20-25 wedding films per year of all different types. I create all the films personally, and who I do them for is just a matter of who books me before I am filled up for the year.

Describe some of your inspirations.

I’m inspired a lot by the music I use in my films– artists like Sigur Ros and Yo La Tengo– the films of Wes Anderson and the Coen Brothers. Also the aesthetic and style of the late 50′s/early 60′s– From the Rat Pack to Mad Men to Mod.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?

Most of my South Asian brides have joked about how their families always show up so late to weddings, but I guess that’s not a mistake if you are expecting it!

Do you only cater to certain budgets only?

Because of the materials and techniques I use to create my films, prices run from $3000-$5000, and I only rarely go below that. If you are looking for something very basic, then I am probably not for you. If you are searching for something fantastic that you can’t describe and did not know even existed, then we will be a great match.

Tell us about your strongest area.

My strongest area is originality and personal attention. I spend a lot of time on my work and each film is a unique work of art, specifically designed for the couple and the event. Too many wedding video-makers–even the good ones–fall victim to a cookie-cutter mentally.

Tell us about your weakest area.

My dad, who’s in manufacturing, would say that my weakest area is turnaround time. But I say that six months after the wedding is the perfect time to relive the event, and most of my clients agree.

How would you describe your working style?

I’m very mellow and I try to be an invisible fly-on-the-wall throughout the day. Hyperactive photographers of the “stop-what-you-are-doing-so-I-can-take-your-picture” approach tend to stress me out. Life is too short.

Describe a particularly memorable wedding you’ve worked on.

I did a wedding this summer where the bride and groom were in an indie-rock band together and they jammed and played a few songs at the reception.

What’s your number one wedding tip?

Don’t forget to relax and enjoy your day– amid the hectic pace of everything too many couples do. See each other before hand and do something fun together (not just pose for pictures).

Speak Your Mind