— If you’re getting married and have been to a fair, you know who Jason Magbanua is – if simply because he is the Holy Grail of videographers, whose videos are posted all over the YouTube, personal blogs and websites. —

You may have also heard the urban legend about the bride who moved her wedding date to make sure that Jason would be her videographer. You might be thinking that, what with the overwhelming demand for his services and his many international awards, wedding videographer Jason Magbanua might be completely inaccessible.

Not exactly.

Those who have had the privilege of his services think he’s a genius. Others think he’s a magician. Still more know him as someone committed to working wonders with every wedding he shoots, no matter what.

But as far as Jason is concerned, he’s simply a visual storyteller, someone who draws on his life-changing experiences and surprising personal stories when he wants to tell a story.

(Excerpted from Manila Bulletin, March 21. 2011)

What is the Same Day Edit and exactly what’s
the big deal about it?

The “SDE” is the centerpiece of our service. Footage of the preparation and ceremony are lovingly edited into a one-song highlights video ready to be shown during the reception dinner.
There’s a certain wonder in the guests’ eyes as they watch what transpired earlier on. The couple gets a breather and actually gets a sense of what happened and a new awareness of their special day.
It’s great for after-wedding parties because you get it immediately (ideal for balikbayans) and quells the thirst for the final editied version which won’t be due for some months.

What cameras do you use?

I’ve always maintained that the tools are only as good as the person using them. But that said, I’m a proud Canon ambassador and use their lenses and cameras extensively. You gotta love a company that shows my mug on a billboard in the freeway.
We are Hi-Def equipped and 1080p all the way baby!

Is the edited video stricty 20 mins?

Nope. It’s just an approximate. But the length of the wedding video is greatly dependent on what happens in the actual wedding day.

You are more expensive relative to most videographers. Why?

Let’s just put it this way. The rate we give out is our perceived value of our work. We are very proud and have high regard for what we do, we continullay invest in equipment and technology that will make the videos better. We make sure that every client is more than satisfied and happy with our work. We make it a point to prove that we are worth every centavo paid to us.

I’m concerned with the lighting at the ceremony. How do you go about that?

Don’t worry. We strike a very fine balance between illuminating the venue properly and not calling attention to ourselves . Our lights are neatly secured on stands strategically placed in key areas of the venue. Rest assured, no blinding and roasting of the guests will occur.

What is your style?

I lean towards British designers and the young ones from New York. I love slim cut suits, quirky ties and socks.
Oh sorry, you were asking about the videos we produce.
Our cinematography is journalistic. We let things unfold by themselves, letting events blossom and people breathe.
Our storytelling and editing spans different styles and transcend labeling. However we edit, the point is to arrest the audience and take your breath away.

Who picks the music?

You do. But more often that not couples give me the free hand in deciding. Of course I choose the music based on your personalities. If I see the groom with a big crossbones tatoo on his nape, I’m not about to put Westlife on the video. We dislike repeating ourselves so it is our passion to look for that perfect piece of music that will complement the images we capture of your wedding day.

Is the person I’m going to marry truly the person for me?

I’m really not the person to ask, but if you insist… You know he/she is the right one if you can freely fart a loud squishy one in front of him/her without getting embarrassed.

Do you accept pencil bookings?

Nope.

Do you shoot outside of the Philippines?

As a matter of fact we do. We’ve done New York, Singapore, San Francisco, LA, Macau, Austria, Manchester, Malaysia, Australia and Hongkong. We’ve done Tanay, Rizal too. Which is pretty damn far too if you ask me.
Yes we fly coach.

What makes you different from other videographers?

I call this the beauty pageant question. Of course, when put on the spot, i take a deep breath bat my lashes, smile and say…We take our philosophy in shooting very seriously. We take great lengths to remain as unobtrusive and candid as possible. We pride ourselves with excellent camerawork further enhanced by exceptional editing, and of course…world peace.

Do I have to feed you?

Not really, But I wish to god you would. Also, hungry videographers don’t make good videographers. But hey, we should be the last thing on your mind. Don’t worry, I always carry skyflakes and a piece of ham in my wallet.

Do you have preferences with the photographers you work with?

As long as they’re nice and clean and take daily baths. Check out the links page.

Why don’t you have a package for photos?

If I did, we’d be called jasonmagbanua Digital Video and Photo but we’re not. I guess to each his own, it’s a matter of expertise. I’d actually be wary of photographers who give out video for free or at a ridiculously low price. Remember the age-old saying – you get what you pay for.

Why does it take so long to edit the video?

As i mentioned, i am not a wedding video factory. We try to make each video distinct from the rest, nothing generic. This philosophy leads us to long excruciating hours, days and weeks of editing the video. I am not offering any excuses, it’s just the way it is. If you’re looking for a quick and speedy turnaround, i may not be what you are looking for.

Are you gay?

I’ve asked this a lot of times to myself before. But my girlfriend says otherwise. I believe her, I think.

Being in this business for ten years, what have you learned?

Shower before every wedding.
Be nice to everybody (including grumpy photographers).
Better to be overdressed than under.
Bring extra batteries.
Never be late.
Your bride is your queen. Do as she wishes.
Ham in your wallet!.

— THE ONE PACKAGE —

Same Day Edit
15 minute Cinematic Highlights
DVDs + HiDef files on USB key
Php 150,000

** International Commissions start at USD 7,000 depending on destination and type of work

— AUDIO VISUAL PRESENTATION —

Tell your love story any which way you want, through interviews, location shoots, pictures, music, titles and graphics. (6-8 mins)
please contact us for pricing

— PHOTO MONTAGE —

A collection of your pictures set to motion and music. (running time 6 minutes, approx 75 photos)
Php 30,000

— OUT OF TOWN CHARGES —

Tagaytay/Pampanga/Angeles/Nasugbu
Php 5,000

Subic/Laiya
Php 10,000

Baguio
Php 15,000 (+ accomodation)

Cebu/Boracay/Bohol/Visayas/Mindanao
Php 20,0000 (+ airfare + accommodation for five)

 

Rates as of October 2010. Subject to change without prior notice.