055: Kelley Gilster

My next guest is Kelley Gilster. Kelley is a cinematographer based in Southern California. She runs 618 studios with her husband, Paul, and this year they celebrate their 14th year in business. Kelley and Paul and I have been fortunate to work together numerous times over the years and really grew up in the industry together. They have supported planner life through speaking and helping produce the online course and testimonials.

After over a decade in the industry, Kelley has become an educator alongside her business partner, Taylor Petrinovich, a Napa based videographer over at the Level Up Co. Kelley and Taylor teach photographers and filmmakers how to elevate their businesses to successfully break out the mainstream market and into the luxury wedding market. 

It was so fun to bring this conversation to the podcast as Kelley and I often chat about the industry, best practices and share insight into what we learned from our events and our education platforms.

In this episode, Kelley shares how a specific class in high school set her on this path to wedding filmmaking and how as high school sweethearts and newlyweds, Kelley and Paul have always been a team. I love how Kelley shares how she edited their wedding video and then 618 Studios was born. Kelley gives great perspective on what up and coming video and photo might be learning as they shift to working more with planners. 

Kelley shares such great insight like advice for planners on educating couples on the deliverables unique to wedding films. She shares when and how you can help set up your video team for success throughout the wedding day. We chat changes in the industry, new trends, and Kelley shares her reason for becoming an educator. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Kelly's Journey in the Wedding Industry

• Starting and Growing the Business

• Outgrowing Markets and Pricing

• Recognizing When to Move On

• Planners as Matchmakers

• Portfolio and Ideal Client Avatar

• Understanding Video Deliverables

• Timing and Wedding Day Schedule

• Optimizing Timing for Pre-Ceremony Activities

• The Importance of Dedicated Time for Filmmakers

• Building Relationships Between Planners and Filmmakers

• Educating Filmmakers for Success in the Luxury Market

 

Connect with Kelley

Kelley’s IG  |  618 Studios  |  Level Up Co  |  Westmade Films 

618 Studios Website  |  Level Up Co Website

This episode is supported by Sunday Muse Design. 

We know that you are knee-deep in wedding planning chaos, juggling a million details and striving to make every moment perfect. Not to mention trying to navigate and puzzle-piece together overlapping timelines while simultaneously consoling stressed-out clients. Safe to say... you're busy.

Here's the thing: Shannon from Sunday Muse Design knows what that feels like. She remembers the whirlwind of coordinating everything down to the tiniest detail. And the one thing that always felt like an extra burden? Managing her own brand and website.

Shannon took her love for design and her understanding of the wedding industry and founded Sunday Muse Design. They offer custom web design, brand identity, and SEO services tailored specifically for wedding planners and creatives. They actually understand the challenges you face, and they're here to make your online presence effortless and effective. 

If you're ready to elevate your brand and website, visit sundaymusedesign.com or find them on Instagram @sundaymusedesign. And be sure to mention that you heard about Sunday Muse Design through the Planner Life Podcast can get 10% off any Sunday Muse Design service booked.