About Sam Baly Films
UK Wedding FILMmaker
UK Wedding Videographer
Meet Sam…
I’m Sam Baly – a Gloucestershire based Wedding Videographer who makes beautiful cinematic wedding films throughout the UK and further afield.
Since I was a kid, I’ve had a fascination for art and music. Be it my father’s four track tape machine to record my own songs, or the burgeoning field of computer graphics in the 90s that led me towards a career in graphic design and the web.
I’ve played in a band since I was 12. I even continue to sing and play guitar in a successful Bristol Wedding Band.
Music, graphic design, photography and videography have been part of my work and pleasure for the last 20 years, but filming weddings was never on my radar until I had the opportunity to film my cousin’s wedding. And I absolutely loved it!
I realised that the joy of watching two people in love on their most special day is not something that you ever tire of seeing. Nothing is as joyful to film as a wedding, and getting to tell someone’s unique love story is a genuine privilege.
My Approach…
I want to make you the most amazing video of your wedding day I can. That involves every little detail that you’ll want to immortalise. That moment outside the church doors before the bride walks in, the groom’s reaction to seeing his beautiful bride, the children who grow up so fast. Plus all the details that you worked so hard to plan.
The film I create will be something you can treasure but also will be a piece of history that allows your legacy to be known by your grandchildren and their grandchildren. That’s an amazing thing to have.
Today it’s possible to create a film that resembles something from the movie screen, with you as the stars. That said, I’ll create it as unobtrusively as I can, and allow your day to flow without making it feel like a film set.
I create tailored packages for all my couples to cater to your unique wedding. Get in touch to tell me about your wedding – I’d love to hear from you.
What you won’t find in my films…
Fads and cheesy editing transitions
Fads date quickly. They might be cool for a year or so and then they look old. I aim to provide something that will stand the test of time.
Music that doesn’t match what’s happening on screen
As someone who has played in a band most of their life, I see music as a crucial component. I agonise over choosing it and then I edit it to fit the emotion of the film.
Distractions
You don’t see the cameraman in a movie and you won’t here either. A film should be immersive – free of things that pull you out of the moment.
Shaky footage, poor focus, bad framing
All of these things are present for anyone who shoots video at some point – it’s knowing how to deal with them and ensure they don’t ruin your footage that’s important.
Filler
A wedding day is full of amazing beautiful moments, but it can’t possibly be like that for every second of the day. A little less conversation, a bit more action, as a wise man once sang. A successful film is as much about what you leave out as what you put in.
Badly recorded audio
Or worse – no audio! Audio is the hardest part of a videographer’s job. It’s also where the emotion lives. I ensure I have crisp and clear recordings of vows, speeches, letters and more. It’s a well known expression that audio is 50% of the experience, and it’s true.
Awkwardness
I help couples pose naturally through movement. It’s fun, it’s easy and it nips awkwardness in the bud! You can’t look too awkward when you’re moving naturally.
Overly-processed colours
Sepia? Black and white? Hmm not here. Well, certainly not for an entire film! Colour grading is hard. I’ve spent a lot of time honing colours that are pleasing. Check out my films for yourself.
Working with me
It’s important to me that your experience of working with me is as good as the final films I deliver.
You’ll find me relaxed, good humoured and unobtrusive. I’ll fit into your day with my second shooter in a way that blends in. We won’t make huge demands on your time.
I’m available to discuss the wedding video with you at any time before the wedding to ensure we capture everything that’s important to you, and I make it a priority to respond quickly and professionally at all times.
Why Choose Sam Baly Films?
- I am a videographer first. Not a photographer who decided to expand their offerings into video. I’ve invested years in my training as a videographer, and that shows in my films.
- I’ve invested in my equipment to make the most beautiful cinematic films I can, and I keep investing all the time.
- I make things easy and fun. Hire me and let me take care of the details.
- I have a background in audio, so I know how to capture the spoken parts of your wedding that many leave out.
- Tasteful! The film I make you will stand the test of time. I don’t do fads.
- Great communication. I’ll respond quickly and clearly, and communicate with other vendors ahead of the day.
- I include things like drone footage, a second shooter and 4K resolution as standard for most full day shoots.
- I produce short films of up to 10 minutes that feature all the best moments of the day that you’ll watch over and over again, not long, dull, home-style movies you’ll never watch more than a couple of times.
- I only shoot a limited number of weddings per year to ensure I can spend the time on them that they deserve. I make sure we’re a good fit too.
- I provide a main wedding film and any other edits (such as the full ceremony or speeches) as separate films, making them easier to watch.
Where do I work?
I’m based in Thornbury in South Gloucestershire (somewhere between Bristol and the Cotswolds), but can be found working all over the South West including:
- The Cotswolds
- Gloucestershire
- Herefordshire
- South Wales
- Wiltshire
- Bristol
- Bath & Somerset
- Devon
- Dorset
- Oxfordshire
I’m happy to travel though, so if you’re having a wedding further afield whether in the UK or abroad including elopements and destination weddings, I may be able to help.
Check your date!
I’d love to give you more details. Make an enquiry to check your date.