Meet Skip Skipper: Chattanooga Wedding Videographer

Skip Skipper (yes, that's his real name) owner of 148 Films didn't get his start in the industry the usual way. Most videographers use their hard-earned savings account to buy a starter camera. Then they’ll pour their after-hours energy into learning the skill. Ya know, maybe land an apprenticeship.

For Skip, it’s God-given talent and the ability to say YES to opportunity.

Skip was working at the Chattanooga Zoo when he got the opportunity to travel to Malaysia. The trip was conducting wildlife research and giving aid to impoverished orphanages.

For Skip, it was a quick YES.

And then oh no… what have I gotten myself into.

He’d never been so far from home.

But something in him was telling him to go for it.

His family gave him his first camera for the trip.

He naturally fell into the role of “unofficial photographer” for the expedition. He recalls taking photos of a 700 lb crocodile from a mere 6 feet away. Adrenaline pumping, he knew he loved this trade. His confidence quickly built.

When he returned from the trip, he began taking wildlife photos for the Zoo and saying yes to every opportunity. His travels took him to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and more.

During this time Skip was also a coach for the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was asked to film their annual summer camp and create a promotional video. After a colleague saw how fantastic his video was, they asked him to film their wedding.

Skip thought to himself, “If I can photograph a croc… I can film a wedding”.

BOOM. 148 Films was born.

That was almost 10 years ago.

Now, Skip works alongside his wife and a highly trained team of cinematic professionals. He films between 30-40 weddings per year.

His favorite wedding he’s ever filmed was a small ceremony on the sandy beaches of Hawaii. There was a hurricane that day. It poured down during the ceremony, but the sky quickly cleared and left a dramatic scene. Waves crashed into the towering mountains. Winds whipped the bride’s dress. Spirits were high, and so was the water level. It created a dramatic scene through the lens. The couple later threw a reception for their friends and family back home in Knoxville. Editing the two massively different scenes together was a fun challenge.  

Working with 148 Films

Skip loves building relationships with his clients and their other vendors. It’s one of the things he loves most about the wedding industry.

When you work with 148 Films, you’ll be working with someone who puts lots of faith and hard work into their craft. He tries to empathize with everyone. You have to understand the people your working with. You have to truly walk in their shoes to capture the most beautiful and authentic moments.

Who Should Work with 148 Films?

Anyone who wants to work with Chattanooga’s pick for Best Videographer in 2020.

“Vol fans are always a plus”, Skip jokes.

But in all seriousness, the best fit for 148 films will be someone who simply wants to enjoy the day.

All you need is a couple who genuinely loves each other. If the bride, groom, and their family want to enjoy their wedding day... that's all there is to it. Leave capturing the moments up to the film crew.

The crew at 148 films are genuine with their clients. With nearly a decade of experience, they’ve seen just about everything there is to see. They know it’s important to treat your clients like humans… not products. If you can help your clients have a good time, it’ll create the best wedding video in the long run

148 films loves getting to hear each couple’s unique stories. He loves seeing how their stories fit into the bigger picture. The story a divine creator has been orchestrating since the beginning of time.

What You Can Expect for Your Wedding Videography

Netflix-approved cinematic cameras. 148 Films have invested over $40,000 of equipment into their business. There are no starter cameras involved. Their products are professional and highly cinematic.

You can also expect their crew to roll with the punches and get creative on the fly. Skip recalls one wedding where a massive storm knocked the power out. It happened during a song that a bridesmaid had written and was personally singing to the couple.

The only light available was the light of Skip’s video camera. The team didn’t miss a beat. They immediately came in and turned a spotlight on the bridesmaid, and she was able to finish her song.

The rain stopped, but the power was still out for the couple’s first dance. The couple had worked hard to choreograph a special dance. So Skip organized an impromptu outdoor dance floor. They pulled cars around to square off a space. They turned on headlights to make mood-lighting, lit sparklers, and let the couple do their thing! It was a special moment. One that the couple (and the film crew!) will never forget.

Skip and his team makes sure that the actual experience of working with them is as high-quality as the products they deliver.

How to Work with 148 Films 

First, check out their website.

View their portfolio and package prices.

If you like what you see, fill out the contact form on their website.

The next step is a face-to-face meeting. This can be in person or on Zoom… whatever you feel more comfortable with. It’ll give you a chance to get to know eachother and talk about what’s important to you. Skip will outline what you can expect both on your wedding day… and after your wedding day.

148 Films doesn’t accept bookings during this meeting.

Living as 1/2 of a married couple himself, he knows that marriage is all about talking through big decisions. He lets you have the opportunity to practice being married. Take some time and talk about the decision. When you’re ready… he’ll send you a contract via email that you can sign online.

You’ll talk a few more times before the big day to make sure you’re all on the same page.