Tobi Wögerer’s secret to capturing the essence of his stunning wedding films? Music. Hear more from the Vienna-based wedding filmmaker on what sparked his initial interest in filmmaking, his storytelling essentials, and how he utilizes Musicbed to find the right music for his work.
Musicbed: What sparked your passion for filmmaking/storytelling?
Tobi Wögerer: As a wedding filmmaker, my passion for filmmaking and storytelling was sparked by the unique stories each couple brings to their special day (nothing is the same). Witnessing the raw emotions, the unspoken glances, and the myriad ways love and joy are expressed, fuels my creativity. It’s about capturing those fleeting moments and crafting something that resonates with authenticity and emotion.
What keeps you motivated and creatively inspired?
What keeps me motivated and creatively inspired is the always-changing nature of love stories. No two weddings are the same, and this diversity pushes me to explore new storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics. I find inspiration in everything around me—from the way light filters through trees to the profound silence before a ceremony begins to the music played on the radio of the venue or in the room. These elements make a story visually appealing; the attention to detail, the composition, and the ability to evoke emotions through imagery.
What makes a story visually appealing? What role does music play in storytelling?
Music plays a pivotal role in storytelling and in general my work. It’s not just a background element but a character in its own right. Music sets the tone, evokes emotions, and can transform a simple moment into something completely different and memorable. In my work, music is as important as the visuals themselves sometimes even more than the visuals. It’s about finding the perfect track that complements the story, enhances the emotional impact, and ties the visual elements together seamlessly.
What elements do you think are essential for crafting a compelling story?
Crafting a compelling story requires a few essential elements: authenticity, emotion, and a clear narrative arc. Authenticity brings the story to life, making it relatable and genuine. Emotion is the heart of the story, driving the connection with the audience. A clear narrative arc ensures the story has a beginning, middle, and end, guiding the audience through the experience. Authenticity is what breathes life into a story. It’s about capturing the genuine, unscripted moments that happen in between the major events. These moments, often overlooked, carry the essence of the story you’re telling. They make your film relatable and real, allowing viewers to see themselves in the story and connect on a personal level. In wedding filmmaking, authenticity might come from a tearful smile, a nervous laugh, or a spontaneous dance. These can’t be scripted or replicated, and they hold the power to turn a simple video into a memorable story. Emotion is the driving force of any story. It’s what hooks your audience and keeps them engaged. Emotion in storytelling comes from understanding the nuances of human experience and being able to translate that into visual form. It’s about more than just the joy of a wedding day; it’s capturing the anticipation, the nervousness, the overwhelming sense of love and support from family and friends. Focusing on emotion allows your audience to feel the story, not just watch it. This emotional connection is what transforms a good story into an unforgettable one. Finally, a clear narrative arc is essential for guiding your audience through the story you’re telling. This means having a well-defined beginning, middle, and end. The beginning sets the stage, introducing the characters and the setting. The middle is where the action and emotional development occur, leading to a climax. The end brings closure, wrapping up the story in a satisfying way. Even in a non-linear narrative, maintaining a sense of progression is crucial. It’s about creating a journey for your audience, one that’s coherent, engaging, and ultimately fulfilling.
In summary, crafting a compelling story is an art form that requires a delicate balance of authenticity, emotion, and narrative structure. By focusing on these elements, filmmakers and creators can produce work that not only captivates audiences but stands the test of time, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience it.
What advice would you give other filmmakers/creators just starting their careers?
For filmmakers and creators starting their careers, focus on what moves you. Be curious, experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every project is a learning opportunity. Understand the rules, so you know how to break them creatively. And most importantly, develop your unique voice and style.
How do you balance pushing boundaries creatively and delivering what your client wants or audience wants to see?
Finding the balance between pushing creative boundaries and delivering what clients or audiences want is a delicate dance. It’s about communication, understanding expectations, and adding your unique twist. The challenge lies in staying true to your artistic vision while meeting the needs of your clients or audience.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a filmmaker/creative?
The most challenging aspect of being a creative is the constant juggling of creativity, business, and technical stuff. Staying ahead, both creatively and technically, requires continuous learning and adaptation.
What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
Regarding favorite projects, weddings where I’ve had complete creative freedom are the ones that stand out. These projects allowed me to experiment with narrative structures, visual styles, and music in ways that pushed my creative boundaries. I love it when the client says “Just do your magic.” That’s one of the biggest goals you can reach as a creative.
How do you search for music on Musicbed? What are some tips that you’d give other filmmakers to search on Musicbed?
Musicbed is an invaluable resource in my work because of its vast, high-quality music library tailored for filmmakers. When searching for music on Musicbed, I focus on the emotion and tone, location, and color of my project/wedding. I consider the pace, the instruments, and how the music builds over time. Use the filters on Musicbed—they’re fantastic.
My tips for other filmmakers are to use those filters effectively, experiment with different songs even if they seem out of your usual preference, and always consider the emotional journey you want your audience to take.
Why do you utilize Musicbed in your work?
I utilize Musicbed because it understands filmmakers’ needs and offers songs that elevate our work from mere videos to cinematic experiences. The quality of the music makes it an indispensable tool in my storytelling journey. Music is not just a part of my life; it’s a part of my storytelling language, shaping how I tell each unique wedding celebration and love story.
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Explore a curated playlist of Tobi’s favorite songs to use in his gorgeous wedding films—all available to license only on Musicbed.
