Bar Mitzvahs: Videography Tips and Trends

Video Invites
One of the hottest trends in Bar Mitzvah videos starts long before the first "Mazel tov!" Video invitations are rapidly becoming all the rage. In lieu of a traditional paper invitation, guests receive a DVD in the mail which features a preview of the party -- often a photo slideshow of the Bar Mitzvah boy as he grows from babyhood to age 13, or a concept video (see more on those below) that hints at the theme of the party. The DVDs then give all the pertinent party information. In many cases, if you instruct guests to pop them in their computers, after the video plays the DVD can actually display a link to a personal party website (great because you can update info on the site as needed!). Other options include a PDF document guests can print out in case they want to hang on to the party info.

Concept Videos
Concept videos are a major Bar Mitzvah trend right now. In addition to using these for invitations, you can use it for your child's big entrance. "Many times we create a concept that's part of the celebrant's entrance to the party," explains Marc Smiler, creative director of Marc Smiler Video Artist. After guests are seated for the party, a screen (or screens) will emerge, and a video plays that introduces the Bar Mitzvah child into the room. Though sometimes these are video slideshows that end with a live formal introduction, many times concept videos are produced and shot beforehand with the full participation of the Bar Mitzvah boy, family, and friends. Smiler notes that he recently shot a concept video that had a Mission: Impossible theme for a Bar Mitzvah: The video features elaborate shots of the boy completing a "mission" to make it to his Bar Mitzvah, at the end of the exciting clip actually bursting through the screen to make his entrance! Added benefits: Not only are these videos a great keepsake, but also because your son and others will be working with the videographer before the party, they'll be more comfortable with him at the celebration (a big plus if you're worried your kid might be camera shy).

Dress Rehearsal
Because synagogues rarely allow cameras or videos for the service, those precious moments can be tough to capture on tape. To help you remember them (just think how many months he's spent practicing that Torah portion!), many videographers are encouraging parents to do a dress rehearsal. Just be sure to discuss this with your rabbi and other synagogue officials to make sure it's okay. A few days before the actual Bar Mitzvah, you'll head together to the synagogue for a dry run. Most people want to film at least their child's Torah portion, thank-yous, and explanation of the mitzvah project; if your rabbi is participating, you may also be able to film a portion of his speech as well. It's definitely worth it to go the extra length to get the service on film -- after all, this is what becoming a Bar Mitzvah is really all about.

On the Dance Floor
When it comes time for capturing the actual party, a huge trend is video screens on the dance floor that show a live feed of the action as it happens (and provide tons of raw footage for your videographer later!). "We usually bring a camera jib or crane to put over the dance floor, so we can get overhead shots and zoom in," explains Smiler. Another popular option is to have a stationary camera for kids to mug in front of, and for the video screens to occasionally feature throughout the party. "Kids love to see themselves on camera, and even a shy kid, once they've seen their friends do it, will want to get on camera," Smiler says.

Way to Watch
When it comes to actually putting together the Bar Mitzvah video (which these days is much more likely to be a DVD than a traditional VHS tape), some savvy videographers are taking a less-is-more approach. "Today, nobody is going to sit down and watch a two-and-a-half hour video," Smiler explains. "We create not a highlight reel, but a well-edited video that's about 45 to 60 minutes." So while you might enjoy poring over hours and hours of raw footage on a lazy Sunday (a number of videographers do still provide you with everything -- be sure to ask about this), your son will have a movie that's fun and quick to share with his friends. Another thing to note: With the DVD format, you get the main "movie" of the Bar Mitzvah, but don't forget you'll also get the "special features" (think candle-lighting ceremony and comments from relatives). Instead of having everything jumbled, you get to click and choose exactly what you want to watch.

Feature Presentations
Some families choose to go even further when it comes to capturing the Bar Mitzvah, with videos that are edited together like an actual television program. "Sometimes we film families talking about the party beforehand and then afterward, talking about their memories," Smiler explains. The interviews are then edited together with the party footage, almost like an episode of A&E's Biography. Other frequently asked for extras: a super-short edit of the Bar Mitzvah video (such as a highlight reel, music video, or trailer-style movie edit) to be streamed online. "When your child writes thank-you notes, he can include a web address in it so guests can go online and look at footage from the party," Smiler says. Even guests who weren't able to make it on the big day will still be able to see all the fun.


Thanks to Marc Smiler, creative director, and Brooke Rudnick, digital editor, Marc Smiler Video Artist, Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY