One of the elements I love most about this job is the concept of variation. I wouldn’t want to say I favour any particular place or region because each wedding, each couple, and each venue is a creative playground for me to put my stamp on. Variety is what makes me tick!”
Danny Lavalette, Lavalette Productions
Danny Lavalette is a talented videographer and filmmaker based in Cheshire, UK, and the founder of Lavalette Productions. With a strong background in broadcast and journalism, Danny brings both professionalism and creativity to every project he undertakes. Lavalette Productions specialises in luxury wedding videography and filmmaking, offering services across the UK and internationally, and helping couples capture their unique stories through stunning, cinematic visuals. Here, we explore Danny’s distinctive approach to his craft and discover what sets him apart in delighting his clients…
C&B: “Danny, we love your unique style of wedding videography; why do you specialise in destination weddings?”
DL: “For me, destination weddings are to many creators, the ultimate destination of our careers. A point in which you can showcase your work to the best of your ability. I like to think I specialise in destination weddings as there is more time and opportunity to create the narrative you want. Whether that’s the wedding day, the pre-party or the day after…”
I’d say my style has a cinematic feel to it, with a loose editorial approach. I like to capture things as organically and candidly as possible, but with a few touches of editorial direction to achieve that show-stopping effect in my films…”
Danny Lavalette, Lavalette Productions
C&B: “You provide an international service, which countries have you visited on work projects so far?”
DL: “I’ve covered all areas across the UK including England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and countries in Europe such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece…”
C&B: “How do you familiarise yourself the venues and locations in advance?”
DL: “I do as much background research as possible of the area and the venue where I’m filming. That includes scrolling through instagram, speaking with the couple, and also speaking to the wedding planner…”
I use a DJI Mavic 3 Classic as my choice of drone. My main weapon of choice for filming elsewhere is my Sony A7SIII with a variety of lenses. I use Sony TX660’s which I sometimes combine with microphone wind protectors to ensure the audio remains useable…”
Danny Lavalette, Lavalette Productions
C&B: “As you say, your videos have an impactful and cinematic vibe… how do you develop that dramatic story-telling aspect that immediately draws the viewer in?”
DL: “I like to start my films with a bang! That might be a quick snippet of the dance floor at its peak, or perhaps one of my more dramatic clips of the bride and groom staged together. I then like to peel back the layers and introduce a sentimental touch to my films to develop that personal narrative, followed by a build-up to another high, usually leading back to the dance floor…”
I don’t tend to have a cutoff point in terms of when a couple can book me. If I’m free tomorrow for a wedding, then I’m open!”
Danny Lavalette, Lavalette Productions
C&B: “What would you say sets your approach apart from other contemporary wedding videographers?”
DL: “I like to think the emphasis on my introductions to my films pack a punch! I also create a same day edit for my couples which I usually display on a TV or projector for them shortly after their meal…”
C&B: “That’s a very thoughtful gesture as most couples are not expecting it, and they’re obviously very keen to see the imagery as soon as possible. Are you there at the wedding start to finish covering every aspect and how long does the editing generally take?”
DL: “If the wedding occurs over the course of a 3-day period, including the pre-party drinks, the wedding day itself, and the day-after party/pool party, I do like to be present for all three days. I aim to deliver my completed product to the couple within 3 to 5 months. However, the couple does receive that same-day edit that I mentioned, which is usually around 3 minutes long, plus a reel for Instagram within the next week.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL:
“Dear Danny, How do I even begin to say thank you to you? On behalf of myself and James, thank you so, so, so much. You absolutely smashed it yesterday, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have had the GOAT shoot our wedding day. From start to finish (which was a late one!), you brought the energy! You are the best hype man any bride or groom could ask for, and you made us feel so special. You are a truly talented human being and a gorgeous soul inside and out; this job is made exactly for you. You know exactly how to blend in while also making everything exciting and vibrant when it needs to be, and your creativity is beyond impressive. The short clip you created in just 30 minutes was simply incredible, and we were all in awe. We can’t wait to see the final film! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you thank you thank you! You killed it!” – Melissa & James Atherton
PHOTO CREDIT: Pippa Volans Photography
CONTACT: http://www.lavaletteproductions.co.uk
