Why we love wedding videos shot on Super 8 and 16mm film.

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the grain of a vintage film reel. The flicker, the color, and the texture of real motion picture film just evoke something magical. So let’s get started with the first question. What exactly is Super 8 and 16mm film?

At their core, Super 8 and 16mm are analog motion picture formats that are real film (yes, the kind you load by hand and send off to be developed in a lab). 8mm (commonly called Super 8) film is quite small and comes in a plastic case you snap into the camera. Because it produces a smaller negative, 8mm film is often very grainy and has a real lo-fi feeling. 16mm film is bigger, just as the name suggests. It comes on a circular spool and requires being threaded into the movie camera. Because it makes a larger negative, 16mm film offers higher resolution and a clearer picture. It still has the richness and grain of film, while being sharper and more detailed. You can see the difference below. The top clip was shot on 16mm film and the bottom clip was shot on 8mm film. I like using both formats in my wedding films.

What Super 8 and 16mm Are Not

It can be easy to get confused when people talk about “film-style” editing vs. actual film. But real Super 8 and 16mm aren’t just digital video with grain overlays or vintage color grading. They’re actual film and they can be edited in many different ways, whether they are made into past-paced highlight reels or quieter films. However they are edited, the footage feels real, textural, and honest.

Why Couples Are Choosing Real Film Wedding Videos

A lot of the couples I work with who choose Super 8 or 16mm films aren’t looking for a “trendy” wedding video. They say they’re looking for something timeless and artistic. Above all, they want a wedding film that feels like a memory instead of a performance. Often, they are artists themselves who have an appreciation of the format. One of my past brides is even a film historian! Basically all of them say they don’t love trendy wedding videos they see on social media. They’re seeking out an alternative to that.

Why Film Wedding Videos Are More Expensive

Shooting on film is not just a stylistic choice. It’s also a commitment. The materials cost more (a lot more), the process is slower, and there’s no instant playback. You have to trust your eye, your light meter, and your instincts. And you have to know your equipment inside and out. Between the cost of film stock, lab processing, and the time-intensive workflow, filmmaking with motion picture film is an investment for both the artist and the couple. Just as an example, a single reel of Super 8 film typically costs me more than $100 between buying the film itself and paying for processing and scanning. And one reel is only a few minutes of footage. These are only the raw costs, as well. They don’t take into account the many hours your videographer spends sorting, editing, and color grading footage to look like a couple’s wedding film.

How Real Film Adds to the Story of the Day

One of the natural consequences of film being so expensive and having a finite amount of footage to take on a wedding day is that shooting film forces you to slow down and notice. Every clip is intentional because every frame counts (every frame quite literally costs money). And for me, greater intentionality creates better wedding films!

The Light in Western Australia Is Made for Film

One of the reasons I’m so excited to offer real film wedding videos in Perth is because the light here is just stunning. Film loves light, and there is plenty of it here in Western Australia. The warm tones, open skies, and dramatic shifts around golden hour give Super 8 and 16mm film so much to work with. Whether it’s a bright day on the beach, or the creamy golden light at sunset, Perth looks amazing on film.

Is a Film Wedding Video Right for You?

If you’re drawn to the softness and nostalgia of analog and the emotional pull of home movies, or really if you just want something truly different from the norm, real film wedding videos might be for you. It’s not for everyone. But for the right couple, it’s everything. I don’t make wedding videos to impress strangers on the internet. I make them to help you remember what it felt like to be there. Real film just happens to do that better than anything else I’ve tried.

Frequently Asked Questions About Film Wedding Videos

What about sound? I want to be able to hear my vows and speeches again. You can’t record sound on Super 8 and 16mm film, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego it entirely. I record sound separately and interlace it into videos.

What if I want a full video of my ceremony and toasts? That’s no problem! I offer a digital video of your ceremony and toasts as an add-on to packages. So you don’t have to choose one or the other.

Ok I’m sold! How can I book you? Head over to my contact page and fill out the form. I can’t wait to talk to you!