Wedding Videography, Real Estate, Corporate & Event Videos in Toronto, Ontario

Frequent Asked Questions For Corporate Video Production, Real Estate Videography, Event Videography, Funeral Videography, Special Occasion Videos & Video Transfer Services

Toronto Commercial and Event Videography FAQ.jpg

FAQ For Video Productions

Xpression Video Services is your reliable source for corporate and event videography in Toronto and surrounding areas. Check our FAQs for answers to your most common questions, or contact us directly for a quote.

1. HOW LONG SHOULD MY ONLINE VIDEO BE?

Some video placement requires a predetermined length, like traditional commercials and platforms like Tik-Tok. When creating a video for sites like YouTube, they can be a lot longer. However, it’s more important to keep your audience in mind when deciding on video length. Most videos on the web shouldn’t be longer than a few minutes to maximize viewer engagement. We’re happy to discuss ideal length on a case by case basis.

2. HOW MUCH DOES EVENT VIDEOGRAPHY IN TORONTO COST?

Corporate and event videography services can vary in cost, depending on your idea, where your video is playing, and your own marketing budget. Only you can determine how much makes sense to invest in your business’s project. Cost can be influenced by the idea, the number of scenes, explosions and special effects, and crew members required to get the job done.

Give us a call and we can talk over your idea, your budget, and how we can work with you to get your ideas on screen. Getting the best quality out of your budget is part of our service to you.

3. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PRODUCE MY VIDEO?

Four to eight weeks is average for a corporate video. Social videos usually need to be turned around much quicker, and in this area, we can move as quickly as you can. We find that the most time-consuming part of making a commercial or video is the approval process on the client side. Once you give us the greenlight, we can turn around your project extremely quickly.

4. HOW DO I MAKE MY CORPORATE VIDEO MORE INTERESTING?

If you’ve seen one corporate video you’ve seen them all...right? Wrong! We’re in the golden age of branded content with companies like Apple, Nike, and Google making compelling video content that drives business and improves their brand image. We can use our experience and creativity to help you create a one of a kind corporate or event video people will actually want to watch.

5. CAN YOU PRODUCE MY COMMERCIAL OR TV SHOW?

Yes! Production is in our genetics. If you have the idea and budget, we have a team of writers, producers, directors, editors, and technicians standing by to make your vision a reality.

6. HOW MUCH DOES VIDEO AND ANIMATION PRODUCTION COST?

For video, the answer depends on several things, including but not limited to:

  • Whether we’re filming in one location or several
  • How long we need to allow for filming and how of a large a crew we need
  • How complex the edited video is – especially if it involves animated elements
  • Whether we’re producing a single video or several related videos

For animation, the costs will depend on:

  • The style and complexity of animation (for example 2D versus 3D)
  • Whether we are working with existing assets such as characters or whether these need to be created from scratch
  • The duration of the final animation Most importantly, we work with clients who have a range of budgets, so whatever your requirements, we can find a solution. Contact us today and we can talk through your options before providing a detailed proposal and cost breakdown.

7. WHAT DOES THE VIDEO PRODUCTION PROCESS INVOLVE?

Every project is different, but broadly speaking, the production process can be broken down into three phases:

Pre-production: This is when we work with you to learn all about your business and define what it is you need from video. Some of the questions we might explore are:

  • Who is your target audience?
  • What platforms do you want to publish on?
  • What are the key messages you want to communicate?
  • From there, we’ll create a video outline and/or detailed script, confirm budgets, and arrange any filming dates with you.

Production: This is the filming portion of the production process. Our crew will capture all the required footage, such as interviews, event footage, or product demonstrations. We might film at your premises, our studio, or other locations relevant to the video messages.

Post-production: Once we’ve captured all the footage, we’ll get to work on the edit. This involves crafting the footage into a coherent narrative and adding graphics, titles, and music as appropriate. You’ll have a chance to review one or more drafts and give feedback before everything is finalized.

8. HOW MUCH INPUT DO YOU REQUIRE FROM ME?

When we begin a project, we’ll arrange a face-to-face meeting or ask you to fill out a short questionnaire to help us understand the project requirements. From there, you can have as much or as little input into the scripting, filming, and editing as you’d like.

We’ll keep you informed at every step of the process. For animation, we generally agree on the key messages with you, then we work on a draft script and a suggested visual style for review. We’re also happy to work from a full script or storyboard you provide to us.

9. DO YOU PROVIDE GRAPHICS AND BRANDING?

Alongside the filming, we’ll create any motion graphics required for the video. These could range from a simple animated logo to a series of stylish infographics. We always use graphics in a way that complements rather than complicates the message of the video. We can also add your own branding to the video to make it truly yours.

10. DO YOU ADD VOICE-OVERS AND MUSIC?

Not every project requires a voiceover, but when it does, we can provide you with a range of different voiceover samples to choose from and we’ll take care of the rest. When a background music track is required, we can source a suitable track from a royalty-free music library and provide a license for usage in the finished video.

11. WHAT KIND OF VIDEO EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?

We film everything on professional broadcast-quality 4K video cameras and use additional kits – such as radio mics, lighting kit, or green screen – where appropriate. We continually invest in new kits and software to keep up-to-date with the rapidly changing standards of the industry.

12. IN WHAT FORMAT WILL I RECEIVE MY VIDEO FILES?

We usually supply our finished videos in the most commonly used formats, typically .mp4 or .mov. However, we’re happy to convert these into other formats free of charge.

13. DO YOU KEEP COPIES OF YOUR PROJECTS?

We keep backup copies of any footage and project files for a minimum of a year. We’re happy to revisit and update older projects – for example, if you have changed your branding or want to update facts and figures about your business. If there are concerns about data sensitivity, we’re happy to delete all our copies of the media on completion of the project at your request.

14. DO YOU PROVIDE SCRIPTWRITING, OR DO WE HAVE TO WRITE THE SCRIPT?

Xpression Video Productions provides full scriptwriting and creative development services, just like the big agencies. We learn about your business through production meetings, phone calls, and our creative brief. We do ask that our clients be prepared to provide us with as much content and information as possible so we can learn about your business and what is driving you to produce this video production.

15. WILL THERE BE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS WITH MY VIDEO PRODUCTION THAT ARE NOT ON THE ORIGINAL QUOTE?

Xpression Video prides itself on our ‘Bottom Line’ pricing structure. We do not want our clients to have any surprises or unexpected costs. What we bid is what you pay in the end. The only caveat to this is if there is a scope change in the project during production. If any added costs come up, we will always ask for your approval before adding them to your bill.

16. IF I WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE AFTER I APPROVE SOMETHING, WILL THERE BE ADDITIONAL COSTS?

Yes. Changes that are requested after the included revisions will incur additional expenses. We will always discuss those costs with you beforehand so there are no surprises.

Do you have more questions about our corporate and event videography in Toronto? Reach out directly for a custom quote or to discuss your upcoming projects!

Real Estate Video FAQ

High-quality real estate videography can help you make your properties stand out on the market. Learn more about our real estate videography services in Toronto to get the most from every listing.

1. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE A VIDEO TOUR?

Depending on the size of the home, producing a video tour can take anywhere from 60-120 minutes to film the property. Editing, production time, narration, compression, and other production elements take approximately 3-5 additional hours off site.

2. HOW MUCH ADVANCE NOTICE IS REQUIRED TO BOOK A VIDEO SESSION FOR A REAL ESTATE LISTING?

We may be able to book a same-day appointment depending on our schedule. We appreciate 24 to 48 hours advance notice.

3. WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME FOR REAL ESTATE VIDEOGRAPHY IN TORONTO?

For a video tours package, we can hand over the finished product within 48 hours.

4. HOW MUCH NOTICE DO YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE A VIDEO SHOOT?

We require at least 24 hours advance notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Otherwise, $50 is applied as a cancelation / rescheduling fee. In the event that no one is present at the property for the videographer’s visit, your payment will not be refunded.

5. CAN I PROVIDE YOU THE PROPERTY KEY / LOCK BOX NUMBER OR DO I NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR THE REAL ESTATE VIDEO SHOOT?

We cannot conduct the video shoot alone. Someone (the homeowner or realtor) should be present during the video shoot.

6. WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF YOUR REAL ESTATE VIDEO TOURS?

The length of each video tour varies, but generally we try to keep our real estate videos between 2-4 minutes. The size and complexity of the home (e.g. features & amenities, architectural details, etc.) determine the final length of the video. Our videos are “walkthrough videos” which show the layout and flow of the home, how the rooms connect, and other fine details. Our real estate videography service takes into account each property’s unique details to put each property in a good light.

7. MY PROPERTY OR REAL ESTATE AGENCY IS NOT IN TORONTO. CAN YOU STILL HELP ME PRODUCE A VIDEO?

Yes, we love to travel! Xpression Video Productions produces real estate videos in Toronto and across all cities in Ontario.

8. HOW INVOLVED SHOULD I BE IN THE PRODUCTION OF MY VIDEO?

We recommend complete involvement during the pre-production process, as this is the most critical phase in the production of your HD real estate video. From there, it is up to you. Nevertheless, we welcome your involvement throughout the entire process.

9. HOW CAN REAL ESTATE VIDEOGRAPHY IN TORONTO SAVE MY COMPANY MONEY?

One of video’s greatest advantages is to serve as a resource that’s always accessible. Many of our real estate customers use our videography services for property tours, area overviews, marketing and advertising campaigns, and even company presentations. Ultimately, videos can cut down on the need for extra employees, printed materials, travel costs, and other ancillary expenditures.

10. HOW CAN A REAL ESTATE VIDEO FOR MY COMPANY GROW MY REVENUE?

Videos have excellent ROI potential because they’re a great way to grab the attention of a potential customer and convert their interest into action. Commercials and marketing videos that demonstrate your agency’s advantages and showcase your properties lay an excellent foundation for revenue. You can now also effectively measure your ROI with video marketing by using various online tools.

11. WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE THE COST OF REAL ESTATE VIDEOGRAPHY IN TORONTO?

As you explore your vision of the perfect HD real estate videography in Toronto, you may determine that your scope is larger than the standard marketing video. Additional locations, studio rentals, aerial shoots, employment of actors and other talent, as well as additional permits and insurance may be necessary to fulfill that vision. Xpression Video always works with you to find the most cost effective alternatives and never suggests any unnecessary work to increase the cost of your video.

12. WHO OWNS THE VIDEO CONTENT?

Xpression Video Productions owns the copyright to videos. We grant the client use of the videos for MLS, websites and social media. These videos are non-transferable and non-exclusive. You are not allowed to give them to other agents.

13. HOW SHOULD WE HANDLE PETS OR ANIMALS AT THE PROPERTY?

We ask that you remove all pets from the home during the video shoot. If this is not possible, we suggest putting the animals in one room while the video shoot takes place. Animals are not allowed on MLS listings videos and can easily damage costly camera equipment. For the sake of all parties involved, a plan should be put in place for house pets.

14. ARE YOU COMPLIANT WITH THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT FOR COMMERCIAL DRONE WORK?

Yes, we are certified and insured to conduct aerial video shoots, and we follow the guidelines and by-laws of each jurisdiction. Some areas will not permit drone use, and we can explore other options for these areas on a case by case basis. Other areas will require Ministry clearance prior to the video shoot. In the event we cannot fly a drone in your area, we will refund the full amount.

15.WHAT IF I’M FALLING BEHIND SCHEDULE?

It is vital for all parties to arrive at the designated time. We allocate a short time period between shoots and we usually have several clients lined up each day of shooting. In the event a homeowner or agent is over 20 minutes late, we might have to reschedule your shoot, and a $50 reschedule fee will be applied.

Event Video FAQ

We’re looking forward to working with you on your project! For questions about special occasion videography in Toronto, refer to the FAQ below:

1. WHAT ARE YOUR TURNAROUND TIMES FOR SPECIAL OCCASION VIDEOGRAPHY IN TORONTO?

Video turn around is about 9 to 12 months. We try to get everything completed as fast as possible for everyone – as you can imagine, wedding season is a busy time for us so we are in full working mode during spring, summer, and fall months.

To be fair, we edit weddings and special occasion videos in order of occurrence. While we work quickly, we also don’t want to sacrifice quality. We know that you are eager to see the final package and we ask that you be patient – it will be worth it! There is a high chance that your videos will be ready in less than 8 months; however, we do not guarantee anything until we know for sure. We often tell clients that you might get an early surprise!

2. HOW WILL I GET MY VIDEOS?

Once your video is complete, we will contact you to arrange delivery of your package in person or by priority mailing. You will receive a beautiful gift box that contains a branded Xpression Video Productions USB stick that has all of your high-resolution digital video media. You will also receive a beautiful, personalized online portal of your video collection, which you can instantly share with your family and friends.

3. DO YOU HAVE BACKUP GEAR IN CASE SOMETHING DROPS OR BREAKS?

Our talented creative team comes prepared with an extra set of gear to ensure that no matter what happens, they will be able to capture your special moments without any problems.

4. WHAT KIND OF GEAR DO YOUR VIDEOGRAPHERS USE?

All of our videographers use professional level gear. Whether it is Canon or Sony, all of our gear is of the highest quality and the leading gear in the industry.

5. IS YOUR STAFF PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED OR SELF TAUGHT?

All of our videographers are professionally trained in the art of videography. We require a post secondary level of certification from all of our staff. We do not hire hobbyists.

6. CAN I GET MY RAW FOOTAGE VIDEO FILES?

Yes you can. We charge a processing fee for our raw video footage. We will take the data files and compile them into a simple continuous play movie file for you.

7. ONCE YOU DELIVER MY VIDEOS, DO YOU DELETE THE FILES?

Yes, we do. We hang on to your project and data files up to a week after you receive your final video. We give our clients up to a week to review the final media. In case there is a problem, we can easily return to the project and correct the issue.

However, we do archive all of our client’s master video files for promotional purposes. This also ensures that you can always come back to us for a copy. But considering that your videos will be uploaded and stored on MediaZilla’s cloud platform, you won’t have to hassle and deal with chasing after us for a copy.

8. DO YOU CHARGE TRAVEL FEES OUTSIDE OF TORONTO?

We do not charge a travel fee for any locations within approximately 50km of Toronto, Ontario. Travel fees outside of these areas are based on the kilometre distance and travel time. If you are not sure about your location, please ask and we would be happy to let you know if there is a charge and what it would be.

9. WHAT IS THE PAYMENT STRUCTURE?

We require a 35% retainer on signing to book and secure your date and the staff required for your date. Another 55% of the total is required a month before your event. The remaining balance is due once the video is completely edited and ready for a preview.

10. CAN WE ADD EXTRA TIME THE DAY OF?

Yes! The staff is booked for your day. If you need extra time, we are more than happy to stay. If extra time is added the day of, payment for that time will be added to your final balance.

11. CAN WE UPGRADE OUR PACKAGE AFTER WE BOOK?

Although you cannot downgrade your package upon a signed agreement, you can always make upgrades to your package after booking. If you want to change your purchase, we will send you a new sales order with whatever changes you’ve made.

12. DO YOUR VIDEOS HAVE WATERMARK IMPRINTS?

No. We do not watermark any of the videos that you receive in your package.

13. HAVE YOU EVER SHOT AT OUR VENUE?

Most likely, we have. We’ve been serving the Toronto area with special occasion videography for more than five years and have completed hundreds of projects to date. However, if we have not, we would be more than happy to scout your location before your event date.

14. HOW DO YOU HANDLE LOW LIGHT SITUATIONS?

All of our staff is equipped with the proper gear to deal with any lighting situation. If we need to add lights, we’ll be prepared for any situation.

15. CAN WE GIVE YOU A SHOT LIST?

Of course! We actually encourage our clients to send us a written list of activities they would like us to capture.

16. WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR SPECIAL OCCASION VIDEOGRAPHER IS UNABLE TO SHOOT FOR ANY GIVEN REASON?

We always have backup teams for every event in case something happens to any of our staff. This ensures that we will always be able to send the proper amount of staff to cover your contract requirements.

17. WHAT IS YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION VIDEOGRAPHY STYLE?

Our company’s style can be described as candid and photojournalistic. Our editing style is vibrant and time-shifted. All of our shooters and editors shoot and edit in a similar style to ensure consistency across the teams. Ask us for samples before you book!

18. WHAT IF WE WANT YOU TO SHOOT IN A DIFFERENT STYLE?

Many of our shooters are trained to shoot in different styles. Because of this, we are more than happy to cater our work to your desires. Please contact us to discuss what you are looking for and we can let you know if it is something we can do!

19. DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Yes. We are fully insured.

20. DO YOU OFFER OFF-SEASON DISCOUNTS?

During the months of December-February we offer an off-season discount that can vary depending on the services you are booking.

21. WE HAVE A BUDGET. CAN YOU WORK WITH US?

We are always more than happy to try and work with any budget. Send us an email or give us a call to discuss your budget and what you would like to book. We try to be as flexible as possible and help out in any way we can!

22. IF WE CANCEL, CAN WE HAVE OUR DEPOSIT BACK?

Our retainers are non-refundable. The retainers are used to secure the staff for your day as well as book off the date in our calendars.

Still have questions about special occasion videography in Toronto? Reach out to our team to discuss your needs.

Funeral Video FAQ

We’re glad you’ve chosen us to create your loved one’s funeral video. We know this is a difficult time as you look back at all the memories you shared and know how a video can help you hold onto those special moments. If you have questions about funeral videography in Toronto, the following FAQs can help:

1. HOW MUCH NOTICE DO YOU NEED FOR FUNERAL VIDEOGRAPHY?

We currently cover a handful of funerals each year. Some families or funeral homes book us a few weeks in advance, while others book us just 24 hours before the funeral takes place. We completely understand that you have a million things to organize, so we're very flexible and as long as we are not already booked. Contact us for current availability.

2. HOW MUCH OF THE FUNERAL DO YOU FILM?

We can record as little or as much of the day as you need. It completely depends on you and your family’s needs. We can discuss your needs in more detail and advise as needed.

3. WHEN DO I GET TO SEE THE FUNERAL VIDEO?

Films take longer to edit than photos, so the waiting time is usually 1-4 months for funeral videography services. It also depends on the time of year and how many funerals we’ve recently filmed. We do offer a 24-48 hour turn around (depending on the time of year) during these urgent times. This works perfectly for families where relatives on the other side of the world have been unable to travel. There is an extra charge for this service and its availability is subject to our current projects.

4. HOW DOES THE FUNERAL VIDEO ARRIVE?

Once completed, we begin crafting the film using any music and photos you have supplied to us. On completion, we upload this to a private link for your approval. If no changes are needed, then it is sent to you online or via USB, DVD or Blu-Ray, depending on your preference.

5. DO YOU OFFER BOTH FUNERAL VIDEO AND PHOTO SERVICES TOGETHER?

We only specialize in video production. However, we would be glad to offer you some of our photographer recommendations.

6. IS IT APPROPRIATE TO FILM A FUNERAL?

While most of us are familiar with tribute videos at funeral services, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of having a videographer record the funeral service. However, recording a funeral is acceptable, and it can be very beneficial to family members and friends. This is left to the discretion of each family to decide what’s appropriate.

7. HOW LONG IS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE VIDEO?

When putting everything together, we aim for 3 to 5 minutes of video. This usually requires 1-3 soundtracks. This is the optimal length of time for people to view when displayed as part of the funeral service.

8. HOW MANY PICTURES DO YOU NEED TO CREATE A TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW?

We would recommend that you aim for six to eight pictures per minute. More can be used, but any more than 10 photos per minute means that a show is likely to be too fast.

9. WHAT MEDIA CAN I GIVE YOU TO CREATE A PHOTO SLIDESHOW OR TRIBUTE VIDEO?

We accept all common digital file formats, including jpg, tif, bmp, and raw. We will scan your hard-copy pictures, but if you wish to do this, please scan pictures at the highest resolution your scanner or computer will support (at least 300 DPI). We will be zooming in on the key subjects and need the best resolution we can get. For video, files must be more than 30-second clips from tape or in a digital format. Video can be useful, but doesn't always add to a show.

10. WHAT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS DO YOU ASK FOR THE TRIBUTE VIDEO?

Here are a few questions we ask for our on-screen interviews for the tribute video:

  • What was the happiest moment of their life?
  • What are they most proud of?
  • What are the most important lessons they learned in life?
  • What is your favorite memory with them?
  • What were some of their favorite stories or memories?
  • How would they want to be remembered?
  • What hobbies did the love one have? Tip: The more questions you answer, the more information we’ll have to work with when creating your tribute video.

11. IN WHAT ORDER DO YOU TELL A STORY FOR A TRIBUTE VIDEO?

In order to authentically remember the life lived, it helps to tell a story with the pictures the family provides us with in chronological order. This helps to tell the story of the loved one’s life in a beautiful way, from beginning to end.

12. DO YOU CREATE CAPTIONS TO YOUR SLIDESHOW PRESENTATIONS?

Photos tell a beautiful story on their own. We can add a little context and story to each picture. By doing so, we have a conversation starter or a memory trigger for your families. This is why we incorporate captions into our Life Tribute slideshows. By including a simple line of text next to a loved one’s photos, you encourage your families to start remembering unique moments that they may not have thought of.

13. DO YOU USE MOTION EFFECTS IN YOUR SLIDESHOW PRESENTATIONS?

Yes we do! Motion effects create a powerful sensory impact, but using the same motion effects on every photo can get a little boring. We play around with our options and use different effects and speeds to make your tribute video more engaging. Just remember that every motion effect should focus on the loved one – especially when multiple people are in the photo.

14. WHO GETS TO CHOOSE THE MUSIC FOR OUR MEMORIAL VIDEOS?

Generally, clients leave it up to us to pick that perfect soundtrack, but we often ask for their input as to what kind of music their loved one enjoyed listening to the most. More often than not, the client will provide us with their preferred selection. Music is one of the most powerful tools in a funeral professional’s arsenal. Not only does it evoke emotion, memories and celebration, but music also helps to express individuality.

For example, when you hear a particular song that means a lot to you, it can instantly transport you back to a specific moment in time, an important event, or make you think of someone special in your life. That’s why music is one of the most important aspects of a Life Tribute video.

15. CAN WE USE ANY OTHER FORMS OF MEDIA IN OUR MEMORIAL AND SLIDESHOW VIDEOS?

Of course you can! If a photo is worth 1,000 words, just imagine how many stories and memories can come from watching a Life Tribute video filled with the most important photos and home movies that made up a loved one’s life. For instance, the video from their wedding day, walking across the stage at graduation, or teaching their son how to ride his first bicycle. These are all moments that tell a story when they are in video form and can help to spark memory sharing when they are watched by friends and family members. So make sure you aren’t leaving these important moments out of your Life Tribute videos.

16. DO YOU JUST CREATE TRIBUTE VIDEOS FOR FUNERALS?

Who ever said we create tribute videos just for funeral services? Not us, that’s for sure. Allow us to get creative and create videos for birthdays, weddings, community events, graduations, or even anniversaries… the possibilities are endless!

Learn more about our funeral videography services in Toronto by reaching out to us directly.

Video Transfers FAQ

Got questions about our video and film transfer services? Use the below FAQ to find answers to your most important questions, or contact us directly for more information.

1. WHAT ARE THE FORMATS OF VIDEO THAT YOU ACCEPT?

We can work with a variety of Video tape formats for video and film transfer services, including VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, and most camcorder tapes such as Video8, Hi8, DV, MiniDV, and Betacam.

NTSC tapes: VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, DV, MiniDV, Betacam. PAL tapes: VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV.

2. WHAT IF MY TAPE IS LONGER THAN 120 MINUTES?

Videotapes with runtimes of less than two hours will be converted to one DVD. Runtimes longer than two hours will be split into multiple DVDs to maintain the best possible quality.

3. WHAT HAPPENS TO MY ORIGINAL TAPES?

Xpression Video Productions will return your original tapes and any other media you own. Our video and film transfer services do not alter or harm your original media.

4. WILL YOU CONVERT COPYRIGHTED MOVIES?

Xpression Video Productions transfer services are only available for non-copyrighted materials unless accompanied by a verifiable letter of authorization from the owners. Any copyrighted material received by Xpression Video Productions without such letters will be returned at the customer’s expense.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES?

All orders are shipped at cost with tracking numbers unless otherwise requested. The actual shipping rate will vary depending on package weight and destination.

6. IS MAIL SERVICE A RELIABLE METHOD TO SHIP MY VIDEO TAPES?

All packages are shipped via Canada Post’s expedited parcel service with tracking numbers. To date, we have a 100% delivery success rate. If for any reason your order is not received, we will produce and ship another copy at no charge to you. Worst case scenario is you lose the originals, which is what you were trying to do in the first place.

7. IF I’M SHIPPING MY MEDIA TO YOU, HOW SHOULD I PACKAGE MY VIDEOTAPES?

We recommend wrapping them in bubble wrap, which you can get at any Canada Post outlet or Staples. Xpression Video Productions is not responsible for any damaged items we receive through any method of shipping.

8. WHAT ABOUT PICK-UP AND DELIVERY?

For large orders of multiple video and film transfers, Xpression Video provides a free local pickup/delivery service in the greater Toronto area. Standard pickup and delivery charges will be applied to cities outside a 50KM radius of Toronto. All other orders may be dropped off at our office location during open hours of operation.

9. IS IT OK TO THROW AWAY MY ORIGINAL MATERIALS ONCE THEY ARE TRANSFERRED?

That’s really up to you. However, these are still your “master” materials so we recommend keeping them if at all possible in case you need future video and film transfer services.

10. MY FOOTAGE IS RECORDED IN HIGH DEFINITION. CAN YOU ENSURE A HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO AND FILM TRANSFER?

Yes! We offer a service that allows your HD footage to be converted so that it will playback from a DVD or USB drive. The footage will retain the same aspect ratio and will be 100% of the original content. Although downscaling will reduce the quality to SD level, this is still the most versatile format for sharing content.

11. WILL UP-SCALE VIDEO LOOK THE SAME AS TRUE HD?

Unfortunately not! If up-scaled SD footage was the same quality as native/true HD, then why was HD ever invented? The benefits of up-scaling include a more native pixel count when viewing SD footage on HD equipment, and also that we have the ability to convert the aspect ratio from 4:3 to 14:9, which provides a more pleasurable viewing experience.

12. WHAT IS THE TIME DURATION OF A 50-FOOT REEL?

At 8mm, it is around 3min 20 sec.

13. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 8MM AND THE SUPER 8MM?

The 8mm format was produced in the 1950’s. Then later, Kodak, wanted to upgrade its product and decided to enlarge the image size in width and height by reducing the size of the lateral perforation.

Got more questions about our video and film transfer services? Contact us directly for pricing and ordering information.