spotlight :: epic motion

(video courtesy of Epic Motion)

There is amazing talent in Michigan. Ryan Koral, of Epic Motion, is one of the videographers I have had the pleasure of getting to know in the blogosphere. He is based out of Royal Oak, Michigan, but I am certain if he was located in Grand Rapids, we would be working together this summer! Recently, I did a Q+A with Ryan. Please enjoy the video above + the questions below.

Pearls Events: How did you get into making movies?
Ryan Koral: I've always loved the idea of making movies... it probably started when I was about 10 years old and Fisher-Price came out with this sweet video camera for kids called the Pixelvision... I had dreams about owning that thing. I never did, but my best friend had access to a video camera, so at age 12, we were making the world's dumbest videos - we thought we were brilliant. It was addicting.

Pearls Events: Why do you love the wedding industry?
Ryan Koral: Being with people on their happiest day and creating something that helps re-tell their story of love and commitment to each other forever is pretty neat-o. I get to be creative. And I get to be inspired by others’ creativity. I’ve also made a lot of great friends in this industry. Being able to connect people with other people is fun to be a part of, too. There are a lot of things to love about it.

Pearls Events: Do you travel?
Ryan Koral: Epic Motion is based in Royal Oak, Michigan. We recently just started doing destination stuff - to places that are warmer than Michigan. I like that. A lot.

Pearls Events: What's the Epic Motion style?
Ryan Koral: I love when people DON'T ask me this question. Most of the time, I just like hearing people tell me what they think it is. Hip, fresh, fun... those are words that I like to use... but honestly - our style is continually evolving so I'm not really sure what to call it. I think we do some pretty cool stuff. So, my video style according to me is "Pretty Cool Stuff Style".

Pearls Events: How long does a couple wait to see their wedding-day video?
Ryan Koral: We have a same day edit upgrade so some clients watch a highlight reel from their wedding on the "same day" - usually during the reception, we offer a wedding trailer video that is online as early as 24hrs after the wedding, and our normal full length wedding movies take about 6-8 months to complete.

Pearls Events: Who is Ryan?
Ryan Koral: I'm in love with my family. My wife Andrea is a gift from God and our little son Evan is the coolest dude ever. I love people. I love laughing. I play in a band at church. I love owning a business and being a "professional". I'm glad I can wear jeans to work (except when I'm shooting an event... I don't wear jeans... unless I'm told I'm supposed to.) We don't have any pets - although we used to have a couple of beta fish - but they aren't around anymore. I love reading. I also write in a journal - something I hated doing in 8th grade - but something I love doing as a "grown-up". If I wasn't in the wedding industry, I would probably be a high school teacher.

Pearls Events: What did yo want to be when you grew up?
Ryan Koral: A baseball player. A fireman. A policeman. A rocker. A video game programmer. Rich. A husband. A dad. Happy. A Teacher. I think I achieved all of those. Sort of. Although I'm not certified in all areas.