Don’t Fall for the “Cinematic” Trend — Here’s Why

Let’s talk about a word that gets tossed around a lot in the wedding video world: cinematic.

Now, don’t get me wrong — I love a well-composed shot and a buttery lens flare as much as the next filmmaker. But “cinematic” has become the buzzword that too many videographers use to market themselves… without actually delivering on what it means.

Somewhere along the way, cinematic stopped meaning “thoughtfully composed visual storytelling” and started meaning “slow-motion shots of shoes, rings, and people staring out windows.” It became a way to charge more without necessarily giving you something more meaningful.

The truth: You don’t want a video that just looks cinematic. You want a film that feels personal.

If your wedding film is all drone shots and no heart — that’s not serving you. If it’s a montage of fancy visuals but leaves you wondering where the emotion went — that’s not storytelling.

So what should you look for?

Watch the actual work.
Ask yourself: Do I feel something?
Can you picture yourself in the film, or are you just watching someone show off their camera skills?

At the end of the day, your wedding film should reflect you — not just a trending style. Don’t fall for the word. Fall for the work.