5 Favorite Things With CinemaCake Wedding Filmmaker Dave Williams

CinemaCake’s Dave Williams. Photo by Sarah DiCicco.

Cinematographer Dave Williams shot a colleague’s wedding back in 2001 when he was a pharma sales rep and videography was just a hobby (born from skills he developed while shooting with his dad’s Super8 while growing up)—and when that turned into 10 more weddings, he completely changed careers and ended up as we know him today: as the owner, along with his wife Sheryl, of Philly’s CinemaCake Filmmakers.

Known for putting together reels that are truly short films (as opposed to the sometimes cringe-worthy stereotype of a “wedding video” you might think of) and capture everything from a couple’s actual wedding day to their “Love Story,” as the Williams call it, Dave has certainly put his stamp on the Philly wedding industry. This week, we caught up with him to see what a few of his favorite things are right now.

Favorite thing about videography (vs. photography) for weddings A film combines the visual beauty of a wedding with what I think is the best part of a good film: the sound. It may sound trivial, but sound truly triggers memories and emotions. There are subtle sounds like the random seagull that squawks during a beach ceremony. Then there are sounds that go deeper, like the father/daughter dance scene, cut along with dad’s voiceover, reminiscing about her dancing on his shoes. If audio is not done right, it will kill a film, making the most beautiful footage unwatchable, ironically.

Favorite unexpected thing to capture on film on a couple’s wedding day? It’s hard to plan for unexpected events, but there times when we know the “unexpected” is more likely to happen: When the groom sees his bride for the first time in her dress, for example. Whether it’s in the park before the ceremony or as she comes down the aisle, we really never know how it’s going to go, but it’s usually pretty emotional. These unexpected moments—we refer to them as “the stories”—are what truly make a film unique, and capturing them and weaving them together is what makes a film even more fun and emotional to watch.

Favorite new technology in filmmaking Drones are pretty cool—they offer a high production value that could not even be purchased for any amount only a few years ago.

Favorite thing about getting to know a couple during this time in their lives We’ve been doing this for 15 years and have had the privilege to befriend and follow many families through our social event films, who brought us more weddings, babies, christenings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and other life events. Our social event clients have also grown our commercial side. Several of our biggest commercial clients started as social clients. Since our event films and commercial projects have been built on referrals, it has become the “circle of life” in our business.

Favorite place to get inspiration for what you do This is probably the same answer that’d be at the top of the “What annoys my kids the most” list: I tend to guess out loud how a particular shot in a TV series or a film on Netflix was created, thinking it might impress my family. This includes pointing out continuity problems, explaining why a lighting situation “isn’t real,” or by attempting to predict the demise of a main character. I think I’ve lost friends over this ‘talent’, but my family can’t get rid of me that easily.

To read more 5 Favorite Things with Philly vendors, go here.

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