On February 23, 2010, we received some HUGE news via a text message from Reagan Zugelter of Studio Z Films in Cinncinnati.  The message said that we won the EventDV Top 25, as one of the 25 hottest and most influential event filmmaking studios in the world.  While Jen was jumping up and down, I was trying to retrieve my jaw from the bottom of my cereal bowl.

It was a quiet drive into work.  No radio, no talking, just the noise of the road and the wind.  I was trying to let it all sink in.

This was not a contest that you enter.  We never asked for any votes, not that there is anything wrong with that, we just felt that personally it would mean more to us that way.   There are so many talented filmmakers in this world and many on this list are an inspiration to us.  The amazing thing about this award is the votes are cast by our peers in the industry and we are very honored.  Personaly, we feel there are many studios worthy of this award.

Wedding filmmaking has come such a long way and we are proud to be part of the new revolution in producing films that are progressive,  contemporary and just plain fun to watch.   Much of what we have learned is from various disciplines; including cinematography, photography, art, music,  magazines, etc.  But there is incredible value in collaborating with fellow filmmakers either in a formal setting or just enjoying dinner together, a drink at a bar or just sitting poolside.  Forums and Facebook have made the world so much smaller.  We have collegues all over the world who also inspire us.   It is amazing to see how we have evolved over the years, always seeking perfection, but we realize how elusive that can be.  When we started Northernlight Filmworks, it was important for us to acknowledge that we should never be comfortable with our work and to continue to evolve, to push ourselves and our equipment.   Also to not be afraid to take risks for we fear stagnation.   The other important part of our business model is that we acknowledge that God gave us these talents and because of that, we believe in giving back or paying it forward.

We want to thank all who voted for us.  It truly is an honor to be named with others who have contributed so much to our industry.

We would also like to acknowledge position number 25, which was reserved in honor of Julian St. Pierre of Studio Vieux Carre in New Orleans, who passed away last year.  His heart, spirit and love for the advancement of our industry has left a lasting imprint.

John and Jennifer Moon

Jay & Lauren from Northernlight Filmworks on Vimeo.

This was a wedding we filmed for Lauren and Jay. The wedding was held at Northwood Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN. The reception was at one of our favorite venues, the Grand Ballroom at Union Station. We worked again with Janie of Alanna Photography and always enjoy working throughout the day with her. We enjoyed observing and documenting the day for Lauren and Jay. Jay’s father was caught a little off guard during his speech as his sons life flashed before him. We love candid authentic moments like that. We weaved the speeches throughout this film to add some texture and depth. The reception ballroom was beautifully decorated and the party was kept alive by DJ Brian Whitis. Always a pleasure to work with him.

Alicia & Chad – In romantic Super 8 from Northernlight Filmworks on Vimeo.

This is a short film shot all in Super 8 film. Super 8 film was very popular back in the late 60′s and early 70′s. We shoot this on a vintage Canon Super 8 camera. The film is ordered on an as needed basis from California. We shoot the film and then have it processed at the same lab in California.

Super 8 does have a different feel to it. The texture is more organic than video and it enhances the romantic feeling of the day.

We also shoot 16mm film with another vintage 16mm Canon camera. 16mm is a very beautiful format.

This particular film of Alicia and Chad was shot at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.