Vendors I Love: JAMES LIU FILMS
I worked with James a few months ago on a wedding. I loved his positivity and sense of collaboration. And when he sent me the highlight reel and a video of the ceremony, I was like “wow!” The editing, the shooting, the music selection…all top notch. I hope this is the first of many times working together. Without further ado, I’d like to shine some light on JAMES of JAMES LIU FILMS.
What was the path that led you to become a videographer?
My film career started back when Youtube was the hottest thing online. I originally thought I wanted to be a comedian. Unfortunately Youtube changes its format and preferences for contents and its algorithm doesn't promote the type of work that I wanted to do. Slowly I transitioned into the film industry working on film sets as a camera assistant. It was a super hands on job believe it or not. I'm responsible for the cameras being operational and footage to be in focus! It taught me to be responsible and diligent in my capabilities as a filmmaker.
As time went by, my cousin asked me to film her wedding, and ever since then I've been hooked! I've diversified into working for wedding film studios to seeing the videography side of things. After 7 years working for others, I've decided to commit to creating my style of wedding film. It's truly a privilege and an honor to be a part of so many cultures and different kinds of weddings.
What excites you about weddings?
I love the first look + the photo session that follows. This is the part of the wedding day where we get to hang out with the couple and let them be themselves! During the portrait session is when we get to be creative with our couples.
What do you look for in a couple?
Unapologetic, fun & authentic! The secret of a great wedding film ultimately depends on the couple. When you're being yourself, the film that we capture will look natural and true to who you are.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
It's not necessarily a compliment BUT when my couples send me their reaction to their wedding film, it is the greatest feeling in the world. What can I say, I'm a professional at making people ugly cry.
What do you desire for your business?
For my business, I always strive for constant growth. I know a lot of other companies and creatives who stay stagnant in their style and believe in the true and tried formula. For me, I'm always working to enhance our style to create a nostagstic film that is tailored for each couple. Definitely expect our work to change yearly!
This year we're upgrading our music options for our couples and changing up the structure of the storytelling. Half of a good film is having good audio, so I'm super committed to making this change and giving our couples the best we have to offer.
What are you grateful for?
I'm super grateful for the wedding community and to all my couples who trust in me, my team and our vision! Without you we are nothing and being a part of your life opens my eyes to different perspectives and understanding of life.
Any recent cause for celebration?
I would like to celebrate that we are hitting our booking goal with couples who share the same vision as us for their wedding film. It's reassuring to me that there are couples out there that also love our style of nostalgic and yet modern wedding films.
As for personal goals and celebrations, I've finally added sports back into my life. I've always been the all work and no play kind of guy but I've dive head into tennis last September and have been hooked ever since. It's still a learning process to take care of myself, eat health and to be active. Aiming to get there this year!
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