Timeless works
What distinguishes Leoš Brabec from other wedding videographers is his distinctive storytelling. Disregarding trends, he creates timeless and very personal works. A true auteur, he has to be given free rein when shooting his videos. The honesty and authenticity of his videos extends to the music, which Leoš chooses to match the footage and reflect the atmosphere of the wedding. He chooses a different soundtrack each time, one tailored to his clients.
He describes his wedding videos as reportage with value added. True
to the observer principle known from physics, he doesn’t just capture the story of the day – he also influences the unfolding events, imprinting his unique perspective on them. And the ability to see differently is something you can’t really learn. That said, he doesn’t possess any “hallmark”, because every wedding is different. It is the unpredictability of numerous external factors that make the outcome unrepeatable and the creative process elusive.
In depth
Both his words and his work make it clear that he thinks deeply about his role and emphasises certain key ideas, going beyond mere form, visuals and pleasing shots. He doesn’t just skim the surface. He wants more. For his clients, this is the added value they automatically get from him. The videos become a very personal affair. They not only preserve memories, they repeat them. And that’s why he only accepts a limited number of bookings for wedding season. He tries to become one with his clients so he can anticipate and always be in the right place at the right time.
Moving mountains
If the emotions caught on film are to be pure, it’s important not to be a complete stranger to the wedding couple. That’s why Leoš tries to get to know his clients as people. Establishing this relationship is the beginning of trust, which is essential for a relaxed atmosphere. Approaching his work like this results in a series of short-term but genuine friendships – it’s hardly an exaggeration to say he has one big family around the world. The idea of getting to know the bride and groom also gave rise to his pre-wedding videos, which capture the couple’s pre-wedding life like a “feature film”.
In short, Leoš Brabec’s approach to his work is sincere and heartfelt. He’s prepared to invest hours of effort and fine-tune every shot to perfection. He is a man on fire, thrilling the crowds and moving mountains for the perfect shot. A companion who makes you feel like you’ve known him for all your life. A neurotic who insists on putting his entire heart and soul into every job. A magician whose only props are what he sees in front of him. He finds stability in the constant changeability of people, events and stories, which acts like a shield against burnout.
A reflection of reality
Although Leoš and his Primetime have also been lured towards commercial work, so product, music and concert videos now account for a large part of his commissions, he still feels like an artist who brings to the video screen a specific reflection of reality unfolding before his eyes. Brides who are too controlling may sometimes find it hard to swallow, but he doesn’t let anyone tell him how to do his job. His work reaches deep insi- de you and lets you taste the power of love, trust and devotion when two lives become one.
Text: Diana Rykrová | Photo: Simona Smrčková, Honza Bartoň and Lucie Pešková
