Velvetine Studios Blog has received a new make-over and moved to a new web address – click here!

Our philosophy has always been to redefine wedding video by producing modern, emotion charged films that will pass down from generation to generation… I suppose you could say that we want to make Irish wedding video cool.  We are certainly moving in the right direction… Velvetine Studios continues  to turn traditional wedding video on its head, we have been featured by the national press, we have gained international recognition and acclaim, won EventDV Top 25 two years running (the only Irish studio ever to win the awards!), filmed weddings all over Ireland, Europe, and USA, and we have shared our philosophies at the exclusive Re:Frame seminars in New Orleans with other leading wedding filmmakers.

I think our new look is fair reflection of who we are at Velvetine Studios – hope you like it!

CLICK PICTURE TO WATCH VIDEO OF AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

EventDV Magazine is a hugely popular, American publication who run an annual award competition for the Top 25 event videographers in the world, as voted for and by the 30,000 magazine readership.

I was surprised but delighted to be voted into last years Top 25 and I’m shocked to have been selected for the second year running. The Sony sponsored award ceremony was held live online over three days and you can check out the video announcements by clicking the picture above.  Stephen Nathans Kelly, editor of EventDV Magazine said “O’Carroll’s presentation on storytelling principles at ReFrame (which was held in New Orleans) blew my socks off” and one of the voters said “O’Carroll’s work should be dissected and shown at film schools.”

Thanks to everyone who voted for me and a special thanks to all my brides and grooms for allowing me to share in the biggest day of your lives and tell your stories!

American weddings are slightly different to our Irish set-up and even though I was constantly on my toes I still enjoyed every second of it.  Darrell made sure that my days were full and he was the perfect host.  It wasn’t all plain sailing: our car broke down (snow froze in the exhaust pipe) and we got lost more than once but it all added to the excitement of my adventure.

The wedding was fantastic and it was an absolute pleasure for me to be a part of Glen & Violet’s big day.  I also got to film alongside three amazing shooters: Darrell Aubert, Chris Watson, and “Thumper”.

And, as a surprise for the lucky couple, Darrell put together the following “Same Day Edit” to show at the reception.  In other words, while the rest of us were busy catching events and speeches at the reception, Darrell was locked away in a backroom working on putting together the highlights of the preps and ceremony that happened only hours before.  When the film was played for the guests it turned out to be a massive success.

Click below to check it out

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American Diner

A recurring theme to these blog entries is food and Day 3 started off with a trip to a diner.  The food sucked but I felt like I was on television or something; nothing says America like a good ole diner.  The bacon and ham omelette was eadible but I didn’t like the look of the greasy homefries.

Bellies full it was back to Darrell’s office and we both needed to get some work done…. and then we went for a Cuban sandwich.  Darrell insisted that I buy a bottle of Malta India on the basis that it’s so disgusting that I must try it.  I took one sip and I agree… it’s absolutely revolting.  Tasted like the bottle was a decade out of date.

Darrell Aubert: EventDV Top 25 Event Filmmaker

Later that evening I got another taste for ‘real America’ when we went to Texas Road House to meet local videographer, Justin.  Johnny Cash was oozing out of the speakers, there was a strong rodeo theme coursing through the restaurant, and the smell of great steak hung in the air.

The waitress who managed to get our orders right without writing them down (she needs to pass on tips to Irish waiting staff) was great and we had a chat about Father Ted.  The steaks were out of this world and if that wasn’t enough we went to Cold Stones for desert.  They make up the ice cream in front of you – which is great – and I ordered the large tub.  Now, Elaine knows better than anyone that I love my ice creanm and I can finish a 500ml tub in one sitting but I didn’t even get half way through my Cold Stone.  The ice cream was great!!!

Then we went to shoot some American pool and after giving Darrell a hiding in the first game I felt embarrassed for my host so I let him win the second game… but it was normal serviced resumed for the next couple of games… American pool is so easy… so is beating Darrell!

Tomorrow we’re going to the airport to pick up a Texan videographer, Chris Watson, who is also EventDV 25 and is part of our team to shoot Glen’s wedding.  Should be a great day!

Teaxas Road House

Taken on my iPhone: Chic's Rock Around The Clock Cafe

Anyhow, first stop today after a marathon twelve hour sleep was a trip across the road to Chic’s Rock Around The Clock Cafe for a spot of breakfast.

I do like a nice pancake so I ordered three; thinking that they’d be wafer thin just like in Ireland.  In reality they were as thick as car tyres (are all American pancakes like this or did I just get unlucky… this is something I must find out!).  I got through one and half of them before giving up so I wasn’t very impressed with breakfast.

Darrell took me to the Apple store (it’s always important to pick up a couple things at an Apple outlet) and then we went looking for a bag for my fiancee.  Now, I’ve got to admit that this whole handbag thing has been an ordeal for me since the minute Elaine mentioned it.  The last thing I notice about any woman is her handbag so I certainly haven’t got ‘an eye’ for them.  It was also a bit uncomfortable being one half of a male duo going around the shops looking for Louis Vuiiton bags and what not.  It was a very painful experience and I’ve given up for the time being… any suggestions are more than welcome!

Next on the agenda…

Yocco’s Hot Dogs are apparently the king of hot dogs and my friend Darrell really hyped them up for the past couple of days.  He ordered us two each (in Yocco language!) and I’ve got to admit that they were pretty good.  I’m getting hungry thinking about them.  From there it was back to Darrell’s office and we both needed to get a little work done.  And what happens after a little work?  That’s right: You need to eat!

So it was off to Hanum’s for some Kung Po Chicken…very tasty.  And when Darrell suggested we ‘do some donuts’ afterwards I said yeah but wasn’t sure if I’d room for anymore food.  However, I needn’t worry because the donuts were executed in the car on a snow carpeted school car park. Cool.

When we finished acting like a couple of boy-racers it was off to the cinema. We looked for a decent chick flick that might inspire our wedding videos but unfortunately we had to settle for the excellent The Wrestler.

Jesse’s Rambo is a pussy cat up to Mickey Rourke!

I’ve been hired to come all the way out here to Philadlephia to shoot a wedding for an amazing event filmmaker, Glen Elliott.  I’ve always admired this guys talent so I consider it a huge honour to be part of his big day.

I’m already feeling the effects of the time difference but it’s been a great day so far.  Jesse (an editor from NFL) showed me lots of Newark when we got lost, I got to see Rambo on Blu Ray (Jesse’s taste in movies is questionable), and I got to travel in Darrell Auberts (EventDV Top25 Videographer) new sports car which he nearly crashed on more than one occasion.

All I want to do now is hit the pillow but I’m hoping for a second wind because we’re going out in a couple of hours for some good grub: I love the food here!

Said it before but I’ll say it again… I love my job!

This one was officiated by Fr. Pat O’Donnell (one of my favourite priests!) and the reception was held in the stunning Malton in Killarney; a fantastic location for any wedding.  Enjoy the Wedding Teaser!

Chelsea: Velvetine Studios Trainee

I’m sure everything will work out in time… and with lots of patience… but in the meantime, Velvetine Studios is on the lookout for an excellent camera person to join me on our wedding shoots.

So, if you have a passion for filmmaking and want to help redefine wedding video in Ireland with Velvetine Studios then send us your details to info@velvetinestudios.com

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