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The American dream means different things to different people. We at Press Play Media Group consider it an honor to be living out our dream now. While it’s not white picket fence with 2.5 kids, readers and clients like you are helping us realize this dream daily.

A recent collaboration with our client, The Town of Pike Road, left us thinking a lot about the American Dream. Tucked away in Montgomery County, this quiet, farm-friendly community literally came to life on Independence Day. Press Play had the wonderful opportunity to document this sacred holiday for a town steeped in history, yet visibly is catering to a vibrant future.

The day started outside the old Town Hall, with the traditional 4th cars and tractors draped with patriotic colors stole the show. Despite the mayor’s disappointment in the lack of lawnmower entries, he still passed out the coveted winning ribbons at the Feed and Seed around the corner.

The Town of Pike Road ended its festivities feet away from where the town’s future is taking shape: the new Pike Road School. A band played classic rock hits from the back of a flat-bed trailer in front of one of the biggest Independence Day crowds to date. Town officials were floored by the number of young families and children in attendance. Our cameras were rolling as the surreal moment literally rolled across their faces. Without saying a word, it was apparent they knew the hardships, sacrifices and battles to get here were suddenly worth it. Thanks to their enduring effort to create this sanctuary, dozens of young families are now realizing their American dream that does include a fishing pond, white picket fence and 2.5 kids. Rarely do we get the opportunity witness the growth of a town and a school system, being built from the ground up these days. We consider it an honor to document and preserve this pivotal time for a community on the move.

What’s your American dream? Do you have a vision for your company or community? We would love to hear about it. Who knows the great things we can create together. [Contact Us]

*The Town of Pike Road commissioned a 5+ hour shoot strictly for file footage, without a current need for a promotional video. PPMG put together this sneak peek, to showcase a beautiful day spent in one of Montgomery County’s best kept secrets

Welcome to Press Play Media Group, a note from the CEO.

It’s an exciting time to be in the world of visual journalism. Seldom do you have an opportunity to experience the changing of a guard with visual images: transforming the way we see them and how we utilize them. That sound you hear is the shifting in this nation’s viewing appetite.

For years, I have been approached by people who are interested in knowing if I do photojournalism on the side (in addition to my day job). For so long, the answer has been no; however, as I continue to look at the future of where television viewing habits are headed, and where consumers appetites are, I found Press Play Media Group to be a “call to action”. Many consumers with access to mobile devices and the internet are changing the landscape of visual journalism. More i-reporters with cameras and cell phones are coming on the scene. People are investing in GoPro cameras and DSL cameras to effort a go at DIY visual journalism.

Case in point, I am communicating with you via a blog. This was unheard of years ago, therefore, just like days change so does the appetite of the viewing public.

I want to welcome you in joining Press Play Media Group as we embark upon this visual, communicative, and livestreaming journey. It is our effort to enhance and emphasize local communities, companies, and memorable moments that are otherwise overlooked. This will all be fulfilled in the High Definition.

Whether it is a memorable family moment of two people sharing their vows, a nonprofit without a large budget for marketing or little Johnny’s little league football or baseball game that we stream live to the web, so grandma who lives thousands of miles away can still be a part; we are committed to filling a void that has not been met by our industry.

Press Play Media Group not only has the equipment, but we have the staff and the professionalism to handle any job, no matter how big or small it may be. This is a journey that has been a longtime in the making. Nevertheless, we are embarking on this journey with you in mind.

Although we do charge for our services, rest assured we are affordable. The thought for Press Play Media is to enhance our footprint in the market, and use our resources to empower our community through philanthropy. Once or twice a year we will have a social event that utilizes the proceeds to benefit a student, nonprofit or a need in the community. Concluding our last event PPMG gave $500 to a student at a local university. We are working toward another upcoming event where PPMG will give $500 to a local youth football program. I believe in the mantra, ”To much is given, much is required”.

We look forward to a wonderful relationship with our clients. It is important for me to have a dialogue with you. Therefore, I will look forward to talking with you through our “behind the scenes” section of our website. Also, I look forward to hearing from you about a number of subjects and ways that we may better be able to serve you.

Thanks for visiting PPMG,

Andre Morgan
PPMG, CEO & Owner

Securing a wedding videographer is often an 11^th hour decision.  Costs, lack of knowledge about the subject and other budget priorities for the big day usually take precedence.  We’re here to take 10 minutes of your time, with hopes of bringing clarity to (what can seem like) an overwhelming task.

KNOW YOUR VIDEOGRAPHER

You won’t spend the rest of your life together, but memories recorded in real-time certainly will.  Before you reach out to a videographer, talk to your friends who have braved the unknown and ask about their experiences.  Make a short list, and investigate.  Block off an hour of your day, and utilize sites like Vimeo and YouTube, watching as much of their work as possible.  Vimeo even has channels and groups dedicated to wedding videography.  Narrow your list down to 3 or less.

THE VISUAL INQUISITION

You can expect any wedding videographer to set up a meeting with you and your better half.  They will want to get to know more about you, your style and expectations for the big day.  This is your chance to do the same.  Since you did your homework, watching various video sites, you know what you want, and what you don’t.  Make sure you convey this to your videographer.  Explain any candid moments, or people you want to insure “make the cut”, and get their feedback.  The ability to reference and show any examples online would confirm they understand your vision.

TALKING TURKEY

Wedding videography is expensive.  Press Play has a rule for our brides: even if you don’t choose our PPMG; we want to arm you with information to make the best decision. When a company gives you a base price, it is imperative you ask for a breakdown of the costs.  Specifically:

1. Does this price include 2 cameras?
2. Will the groom/officiate/bride wear a microphone?
3. Does the price include a “trailer” of my big day, in addition to a full length video?
4. Will the video capture shots of the wedding party getting ready for the wedding, cutting the cakes, toast, first dance and leaving the reception? Does the price include a set number of hours?  If so, will you be paying handsomely by the hour to keep them there?
5. How many copies will be included?
6. What is the post-production turnaround time?
7. If the price is outside your budget, does the company offer an “a la carte” option, allowing you to build your videography package?
8. Do they charge more for certain venues, or charge extra to travel between the wedding venue and reception venue?
9. What camera(s) do they use, and will your video be in HD?
10. How does the company accept payments, half-down?  We would NOT suggest paying this in full until you receive the complete number of copies promised to you.
11. Sign a contract!  Make sure your requests are inked in a document that will assure everyone involved will fulfill their obligations throughout this process. Include any additional shots or requests IN WRITING.  We don’t want to scare you; simply hoping for the best, and planning for the worst.
12. Will you have rights to the video, and will your image or likeness appear in any promotions for the company in the future?  If privacy is important, this must be articulated in the initial meetings and conversations.
13. Ask who will be attending your wedding on behalf of the company.  No one wants a surprise on their wedding day, and the person with a big camera in tow shouldn’t be one of them.  Ask the representative who you brokered the deal if they will be shooting your wedding.  If not, and you are shy, make sure they allow you time to warm up to the videographer assigned to you long before your wedding day.

A week before the wedding, you should hear from your wedding videographer.  If you haven’t, give them a call, and make sure everything is squared away and they received your deposit.  This is an opportunity to ask if they plan to come to the rehearsal to block off camera shots, positions, etc.  Also inquire about their plans for your big day.  Get a firm time about when they will show up, and make sure you will be ready for them at that time.  Don’t forget to confirm if the company will stay until you leave the reception.

Wedding videography is such a beautiful token of one of the biggest days of your life.  The laugher, tender moments and happy tears will always resonate with you both as your love grows deeper over time.  Every year, the pastor calling the groom your dad’s name, and the ring bearer who stepped on your train will get funnier each time you watch.  You both will agree you looked like kids, and I almost guarantee, it will make you feel like that same love-struck kids again too.  Congratulations on finding your soul mate, we at Press Play Media Group wish you both immense blessings as you begin your life together.

If you have any questions for Press Play Media Group, we would be happy to talk to you, free of charge. [Contact Us]