MARTIN DOSTÁL — Wedding Films

What is your style?

I consider myself primarily a documentary filmmaker who focuses on real emotions and the natural course of events, with an emphasis on the spoken word. I simply want you to relive your first kiss in your wedding film, hear your clear and unique „I do,“ and see the knife cut through the fluffy cake. I only intervene when it is unavoidable. My goal is to tell the story as it really happened, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

Will we have a pre-wedding meeting?

Yes, I definitely recommend a personal meeting. It is not mandatory and can be replaced by a video call, but it has a big advantage—we get to know each other before the wedding. This makes the whole day more relaxed and natural. We usually have a coffee or a beer, and then we’re no longer strangers at the wedding.

How long will it take you to reply to my first email?

Within 24 hours at the latest, even if I’m already booked (I’ll at least recommend colleagues who won’t let you down). If you don’t receive a reply, there must have been a technical failure – in that case, please write to me again.

How far are you willing to travel for a wedding?

Throughout the Czech Republic and abroad. No place in the world is an obstacle for me, as long as there are nice people there.

Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong at the wedding?

Yes, I have two cameras, and each of them records to two cards simultaneously.

Do you limit your time at the wedding by the number of hours?

No, I will be with you from the morning preparations to the evening party. I simply want to get the best shots for your film. That means I usually stay at the wedding until around 10:30 p.m.

How long does a couple photo shoot/video shoot take?

For my purposes, 15 minutes of your time is enough, but we can easily spend an hour on it—it’s up to mutual agreement.

How do you deal with unexpected situations at a wedding?

I really enjoy wedding chaos, and the more unexpected the situation, the better.

Do you work alone, or do you bring someone else with you?

I work alone, and I think that’s enough for a standard wedding. Another person would disrupt the intimacy and atmosphere of the event. And if it happens to be a really big wedding, I have someone in reserve who I would take with me.

Do you collaborate with any photographers?

I have several photographers with whom I have done a few weddings and we recommend each other. So if you want a recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask.

What is included in the price?

Basically everything you can think of. A pre-wedding meeting (or video call), my excellent company at the wedding, extensive equipment, drone footage from a licensed pilot, etc., etc. I simply don’t like any hidden fees. Only for distances over 150 km from Olomouc will we discuss the possibility of accommodation. And what about reimbursement for travel expenses? I only accept this in the form of wedding refreshments.

When will the video be ready?

– I deliver the teaser within one week;

– 5-7 highlight film (or 10-minute film) within two months;

– 20-40 minute documentary typically after the wedding season during the fall and winter months;

– If you order an analog Super 8 film, please allow for a 3-week delay due to film development in Germany.

How long does it take to post-produce a wedding video?

A highlight film can easily take up to 30 hours.

Can we choose the music for our video?

I enjoy choosing music for each specific wedding, but I’m also open to your suggestions. It’s all about mutual agreement.

How do you deliver the films?

Initially via a private YouTube link. I then deliver the original file either via the „uschovna.cz“ storage service or on a flash drive, as agreed.

How do you handle billing?

I bill one-third of the price as a deposit. I bill the rest of the agreed amount after delivery of the work (in the case of an order for multiple films, after delivery of the first one).

When will my date be reserved?

The moment the deposit is paid.

How long have you been working with video?

I edited my first video in 2015, and in 2022, the number of requests pushed me to start my own business.

Do you honestly enjoy it, or is it just business for you?

I enjoy it very much, and I consider billing to be the least pleasant part of the whole process.