We absolutely LOVE working with this amazing couple! It was so nice chatting with Alex + Jocelyn Karas, owners of Voila Cinematic, to talk about their film business and how they create beautiful videos to help remember your BIG day!
photo by Justin DeMutiis Photography
Allison: How did Voila Cinematic come to be and what brought you to the industry?
"Husband and wife team Alex and Jocelyn Karas bring very
different backgrounds to their event film business and in doing so, create a
seamless experience and product for their couples.
After years of filming for the family and working at the TV
station at his high school, Alex went on to study film at Princeton University
where he received his degree in film directing. He also studied video at
University of South Florida where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Television
Productions.
After graduating from college, Alex produced for some of the
hottest television networks in the country including ESPN, MTV, and VH-1. He
worked on television shows such as “Hogan Knows Best” and “My Big Fat Fabulous
Wedding.” Alex found that although he loved television work, he missed the
feeling of connecting his art with the emotion of those around him. Out of that
realization, Alex founded Voilà Cinematic.
Jocelyn grew up in Kentucky and graduated Suma Cum Laude from
Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Artistic
expression has always been Jocelyn’s passion. After graduating from college,
she lived in both New York City and Los Angeles where she pursued a career in
theater. She went on to sing and dance all over the world aboard cruise ships,
in regional theatres, and even touring the country in a national tour.
Upon settling down in Tampa in 2003, Jocelyn worked behind the
scenes as part of the Creative Team for the entertainment department at Busch
Gardens. Seeing the business her husband had cultivated continue to grow, the
couple decided that Jocelyn’s artistic eye and love of people would be an asset
to the company. In 2007, Jocelyn became the other half of Voila Cinematic. She
meets with potential clients, coordinates the details of the wedding day,
assists in editing, and acts as a second shooter.
Four years later, Voila Cinematic is one of the most
sought-after films companies in the southeast. Alex continues to hone his
craft. He is one of the only certified Steadi cam operators in Florida and has
been a featured speaker at several event professional showcases.
To Alex and Jocelyn, film is much more than using high tech
equipment to put a picture on a screen. It enables them to capture moments
forever that would otherwise be left to one’s memories. “Watching a couple
relive their wedding day through our work is a blessing unto itself. Knowing that countless other people will
share their happiness by watching that film is one of the greatest joys we have
even known.”
Allison: How long have you been in the event industry?
AK + JK: "Since 2006"
Allison: Where does your inspiration come from?
AK + JK: "We really want our films to mimic the art and
creativity of the great filmmakers in cinema. We also find great
inspiration
from the love between our couples and the beauty of their event both visually
and emotionally."
Allison: How would you describe your "style"?
AK + JK: "Sophisticated, elegant, and timeless "
Allison: What is your goal at the completion of each event?
AK + JK: "To be as unobtrusive as
possible on the wedding day
and to come away with fabulous footage that allows us to create something
special for our clients. We also want our clients to come away from their
wedding day loving our team and having had a great experience with Voila."
Allison: What keeps you passionate about wedding videography?
AK + JK: "Each couple we meet is unique in their own way and
they all have a different story to tell. Focusing on each couple individually
allows us to keep each film fresh instead of creating something that is 'cookie
cutter.'"
Allison: How do you stand out from other local wedding videographers?
AK + JK: "Our clients have an experience with us from the time
that they initially contact us. We take great pride in our customer service and
can promise our couples that not only will they come away with an amazing film
but the customer service they receive along the way will make for a wonderful
experience."
Allison: What is your favorite part about being a wedding videographer?
AK + JK: "Creating something that we know our couples will
treasure for years and hopefully pass down from generation to generation."
Allison: What is the process like once a couple contracts you regarding the filming of their wedding day?
AK + JK: "We prefer to have a consultation with our potential
clients so that we can discuss their options and pricing and share films with
them. Once we get to know the clients and figure out which collection would be
best for them, we hope that they will book. Once they book, we have some paper
work for them to complete to help us get to know them better. As we near the
wedding day, we set up another meeting to discuss the big day in more detail.
We really invest a lot of time in getting to know our clients so that their
film will best reflect their love and their style. We are always available to
answer any questions that our clients may have."
Allison: What is the most important question every couple should ask their wedding videographer before hiring them?
AK + JK: "How long have you been shooting weddings? What is your
experience in cinematography? How do you handle issues that may arise? What other
vendors in the area refer you?"
Allison: What is the biggest mistake a couple can make when choosing a videographer?
AK + JK: "Not spending the money it takes to secure a qualified,
professional who will give them a great product."
Allison: Are you seeing any emerging trends in the coming year?
AK + JK: "We are just seeing that cinematography is becoming
more of a priority to most couples getting married. Also, most couples are more
interested in digital files of their final film than DVDs."
Allison: What is the most challenging part of your job?
AK + JK: "A wedding is a once in a lifetime event and so there is
no room for error."
Allison: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
AK + JK: "Hearing from our couples after they receive their films and hearing
how much they love their films."
Allison: Could you tell us your most memorable videography experience?
AK + JK: "Shooting our first wedding at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville,
NC- such an amazing venue and a fabulous couple to boot."
Allison: Are you able to attend a wedding and sit back and relax? Or do you find yourself always thinking about weddings from a videographer's perspective?
AK + JK: "We love going to weddings and not working, although it
doesn’t happen very often. Even with family weddings, we usually end up filming."
Allison: What are five things you could not do your job without?
AK + JK: "A camera, a computer, editing software, human
subjects, light."
Allison: Is there anything else you'd like to add for our readers?
AK + JK: "The one thing that makes our job and really every vendor’s
job easier is the hiring of a wedding coordinator. It just makes for a more organized
day. When the vendors know what is coming, it makes the day that much more seamless for everyone involved."
{we didn't tell them to say this!}
-Written by Allison Loper, Associate Coordinator
