Crane Media Productions

Crane Media was the first vendor I booked for my wedding because I wanted to make sure to snatch him up as soon as possible! James was a total breeze to work with, the planning was easy, his system (for SDE & slideshow) was perfect, and I was so pleased with his services. James was very easy to correspond with and payment was simple. His crew showed up first thing in the morning and were so professional and all around experts at what they were doing. I was SO impressed with the final product I couldn’t believe that’s what it was gonna turn out to be during the chaos of wedding preparations going on. I would highly recommend Crane Media, my SDE was the highlight of my reception and all of my guests loved it!

Amel and James were awesome! They both were easy to work with, great and prompt communication, open to suggestions and looks out for you and your events best interest. I live in California and we had a destination wedding in Hawaii so it is really hard to book vendors without meeting them. James and Amel answered all my questions in a timely matter and being as detailed as I am, they were very patient with me. Their professionalism built my trust. I booked their company for the screenbooth services. Screenbooth is better than a photobooth! It has the option of video and/​or taking your pictures. It also has each guests name inputted in the system so they can select their name, like a virtual guest book. This is a great feature to help identify those family members or friends you might not know as well when looking through the pictures/​videos. Because the screenbooth is not limited to a physical photobooth, you can take a really big group picture!!! I think we were able to get in over 20 heads… LOL!!!I If you are looking for something different then the ordinary photobooth, then the ScreenBooth from Crane Media Productions are your people! You won’t regret it! Thank you Amel and James for capturing fabulous memories for our guests and treating our guests like they were family!

I cried HAPPY tears! Our wedding was on June 10, 2011, sorry for the belated review on here. Anyway, my husband and I were going back and forth about hiring a videographer. What would we do with a video? Would we really watch it? What’s the point?
Well, about a month and a half before our wedding we decided, YES we want a videographer. Though photographs would capture many images of our big day, we felt having a video would also give us so much to cherish.
We contacted a number of videographers and felt Crane Media was the right fit for us. Their package information, pricing and style suited our needs. Honestly, I teared up watching every video on his website before booking him. I don’t even know these people and yet James was able to touch me through his wedding videos.
Luckily he was available for our day and booking was easy. He has a website to track our payments and invoices.
The day of he went right to work. He was so much fun to be around too. It was like family. Just like our photographer, his rapport was great among all our vendors. I swear we had a dream team working. He listened to our interests and captured them on film. For example, we told him we were foodies and next thing I knew he was showing me an awesome clip during the night that he took following the appetizer plate around. It’s hard to explain and imagine, but the point is he took our interests into consideration.
He was all over the place during the day. At one point he would be filming from afar and the next thing I knew he was laying on the grass getting some crazy shots in by my feet! All our guests were entertained by the positions they found him in while filming. True creativity at it’s best. He wasn’t abrasive either. There were a few times he asked us to do «a scene» over again but more because he wanted it from a different angle and that was only before the ceremony. After that, it was smooth sailing and he and his partner carried on throughout the night like ninjas.
We didn’t want a same-​day-​edit, but we needed a highlight video for our at-​home reception. He created one quickly for us and we were able to share it with everyone at our reception. Everyone’s comments were positive – it’s so professional, it’s so touching, it’s so beautiful and more. I couldn’t agree with our guests more. I cannot wait for our final full edit video and will cherish it for all the years to come.

Was in search for videographer and heard great things about Crane Media from people who worked with James several times and raved about his work. We set up an appt to meet with him in town. I left feeling disappointed because I was excited to meet with him, but was let down by his awful customer service. The first 5 minutes of our conversation with him, I knew he was NOT «The one.» His lackluster attitude gave me the impression that he wasn’t passionate about his work and was not interested in satisfying our needs and would not be a good fit for us in planning our wedding.
There was a female with him in his office who never said hello or introduced herself, very awkward, as she sat only about 10 feet from us during our meeting with James, and all she did the whole time was look at her phone.
I am big on customer service, unfortunately, this company did not go above and beyond.

I completely agree with Sarah E.‘s review as we had the same awful experience with James questionable business practice. We were fortunate enough to not book him as our videographer since he «coincidentally» booked the same date with another supposed client immediately after we provided him our contract revisions. He conveniently forgot to mention this «supposed client» at our initial meeting and during our contract negotiations which makes me believe this «supposed client» was more of a way out, a ruse if you will, from having to deal with the contract revisions.
James was not forthcoming and if there was an issue with our revisions of the contract, it should have been discussed openly and professionally. James seems to exude a stench of arrogance that common courtesy is beneath him. I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere.
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Follow up comment to James response on 04÷11÷13:
I agree with your analogy of the early bird and the worm, as you did act very worm-​like in our dealings. My wedding is not until next year so that must make me the early bird. I clearly understand the first come, first serve concept as it is not a new one. Other vendors have mentioned at the onset, potential conflicts in dates (a gesture that speaks volumes of their professionalism). You erroneously fail to mention the «potential conflict» on several occasions: at our initial meeting, during and throughout our conversations both in person and over the phone. Furthermore you proceeded to highlight the terms and conditions of your contract. Either you are not managing your business correctly or not forthcoming in your dealings… I will assume the latter as your email quip of «the date no longer available due to another booking» magically appearing minutes after I emailed you my revision of your contract. Your actions has questionable written all over it.
James, not forthcoming it is not an unfair label as you previously mentioned. It’s the truth. May I suggest to just be honest next time and don’t paint yourself as an overbooked videographer just because you couldn’t handle my revisions your contract. Here is another concept that is not a new one…“A contract is a mutual and voluntary understanding between two or more people.” A contract is not a document you prepared that requires my signature.
Judging by the other comments and rating average of your Unilocal account, you might want to revisit your business plan. No hard feelings, just a lingering taste of dirt.

I started, what I thought was an easy task of hiring a videographer for a corporate video. But, what I soon realized is that this was going to be an adventure. I was just amazed at the amount of production companies here in Honolulu. As I began my vetting process of calling and emailing companies, I was faced with the disappointing realization that not all companies are what they advertise. There were many entry level companies with little or no experience. I needed a company that was flexible to work with my demanding work load and able to complete my project in a timely manner. After an exhausting 6 months, I gave up, feeling a little disappointed that I was not going to complete my masterpiece. However, fate was on my side that same day, as I ran into a good friend, who referred me to Crane Media. From the very beginning, communication was prompt, service was excellent and we where able to complete my project under budget and a week ahead of schedule. What started as horror story turned into an epic adventure, with a happy ending. Words cannot express the amazing experience I had with Crane Media. I will always have James direct my next adventure… maybe a wedding video will be the next working title.

We chose James Chun and his crew from Crane Media as our videographers for our wedding. They were very professional, easy to get along with, very organized, and knew what they were doing. They worked well with our photographer and all of our other vendors as well. You can tell that they’ve been doing this for a long time and we were happy that they were familiar with our venue, the Halekulani, as well.
The same day edit and slideshow was unforgettable and they did an awesome job. It was so fun and exciting to see this at the wedding and we received many impressed comments from guests. Thank you James!

I had the pleasure of having James and his team capture the memories from my wedding day in January 2012. Right off the bat they were friendly and made me feel at ease. The DVD took about 5 months to complete, which is typical. Despite a small, but easily fixable mistake on our DVD, it turned out to be truly amazing. The quality of sound and footage was fantastic. There were a few moments that I wish they had included, like some of what our Officiant said during the ceremony, but they captured most of the main events that took place. Overall I would recommend Crane Media for your wedding day.

We needed a professional videographer for a project we have been working on and was referred to Crane media. We met with James and from minute one was friendly, professional and just outstanding! A true professional. The day of the shoot James came with his game face on and we could see he was constantly thinking of how to frame and shoot our video. He never rushed us, took his time, and time was never an issue. The final product just blew us away! His services did not end there. James followed up with several calls and emails to be sure our project was perfect and made sure we were satisfied.
I would not hesitate to hire crane media again and trust them with my project. I am a very picky person and Crane media exceeded my expectation! This company you can trust! Thank you James!

This media company ROCKS!!! Needed a project done ASAP, and it had to be great. I was afraid that a last minute rush job was going to look horrible. But James from CMP came out and nailed it. He was nothing but professional. He ran with our ideas and gave insightful input that only enhanced the project.
I think whatever your project is, from weddings to corporate, this is the company to trust.
Mahalo James. You made us look awesome!

Our daughter Ashley got married and Crane Media Productions did a fabulous job! They listen to the clients need and took the ball and ran. It was an enjoyable day especially when Crane Media captured all of the special moments on video. We can still feel it every time we sit and view it with our family and friends. Thank you James and Amel for a making Ashley’s and Jr’s wedding day super special and memorable.

Crane Media Productions, LLC and their staff, far exceeded our expectations of a wedding vendor! They were with us each step of the way from service consultation to the delivery of our DVDs. Exceptional customer service! They captured every memory of our wedding that we can now relive, and also a lot of memories that we missed.
We highly recommend them to all future brides (and grooms), and their families. The end product is nothing short of the finest cinematic quality.
Do not trust your uncle Joe to handle videography of your special day. Put your trust in the professionals at Crane Media Productions, LLC.
Let your memories last a lifetime.
Here’s the link to the highlight video they edited for us (same-​day edit) at our reception, following our ceremony:

Our same day edit video was amazing. Many compiiments from friends and family. James and his team were easy to work with. He sends out the instructions for everything in advance and it is written out in detail.
My makeup artist told me in advance that he would be up in our face. She said that she used to get annoyed with it but then he sent her a video clip to show how he does his videos and basically she was impressed and told me the same thing.
I’m still awaiting the dvd of the ceremony and reception but for now they deserve the 5 star rating!
Thank you to Crane Media :)

**This review is for the company’s screen booth/​digital guestbook**
This deserves negative stars. DO NOT book this service from them if you want quality pictures, good service or your guests/​you to be happy with the product. It seems like a cool concept. Its interactive and not your traditional photo booth set up. They have a big touch screen set up on a table with a camera on top and guests can even search for their names. You have the option of just taking pictures or leaving a video message. They also offered masks and props to use. If I’m not mistaken I think they offer a B&W option too. Like I said, cool in concept. Horrible execution.
If you weren’t standing close enough to the camera, the pictures came out blurry and grainy. Fail. The countdown between pictures was too fast and didn’t really leave enough time to change up the pose. Fail.
And the EPIC FAIL… they put the WRONG location on the «custom» logo strip. I noticed this but didn’t want to tell my friend, who’s wedding it was and whom I was the MOH for. Didn’t want to stress her out or upset her. So, I told one of our other friends. When she pointed this out to the on-​site technician, he said it could NOT be changed as they already input it. Something like «oh sorry it was an event we had last night.» WTF?! Ok thanks!
Needless to say my friend found out about the mistake anyway and was extremely unhappy. Those of you that have planned or participated in a wedding know that not everything is going to be perfect. Some things just can’t be helped. But the WRONG location on the logo strip?! C’mon really! And you can’t do anything about it?! I don’t even think the company acknowledged this glaring mistake after the event either. No apology. FAIL. So don’t book this service and think twice about booking this company for any other service for that matter because:
1) the pictures didn’t come out as expected
2) they put the wrong location on the logo strip
AND
3) they said nothing could be done about the incorrect location that was printed on every single photo that was supposed to remind guests of the momentous occasion.

We had our wedding videography with James from Crane Media today and it was truly the highlight of our wedding! Having the same day edits was incredible and James is such a talented artist. We now have a beautiful memory that was worth every penny! I absolutely recommend Crane Media. Anything else would just not be worth it. If you want a memorable wedding so special and unique, go with Crane! The fusion package with Perfekt Photo was incredible, too. David murphey is a joy to work with! Very patient for all you bridezillas out there. Overall, incredible experience, they are geniuses!!!

I worked with Crane Media on a non-​wedding project. This may give a different perspective, since most of these reviews are for weddings. Everything about this company, from communication, consultation, to actually booking the service and seeing the finished product WAS TOP NOTCH. I would have to seriously consider Crane Media if i were ever to take the plunge. Thanks Crane Staff!

A+ for slide show presentation
D for ceramony & reception coverage
I totally agree with Sky on this one!

As a Wedding and Event Coordinator in Oahu, I have had the pleasure of working with James Chun from Crane Media on several weddings. He is always very dedicated to the couples that are getting married and brings top-​notch work to the table. Every time I see the work that they do I think to myself «How on earth do they do that» it’s always a beautiful work of art and reminds me how important having a videographer at your wedding is.
I HIGHLY recommend Crane Media for any event.

Crane Media staff did an excellent job and our experience was awesome! I had secured their services early in our planning, because a videographer was on the top of my «Must Have Great» list. We were not disappointed. Their creativity was artistic and unique, making our DVD one of the best many have seen. James was very easy to work with and quick to respond to my many inquiries and concerns.
Our ceremony highlights was truly amazing. Since we had a destination wedding it was the perfect way to share with family and friends that were unable to join us. We watch it often to remind us of our special day…
Crane Media gave us breathtaking priceless moments to treasure and relive again and again — we couldn’t ask for more.

Crane Media compiled the videos for our wedding ceremony and our reception a year ago. Our experience with with them was mixed. They did a superb job on editing and putting together the DVD of the wedding and reception highlights, which were basically 5 minutes of the most important moments set to music. However, their coverage of our reception as a whole was quite disappointing. For some odd reason, despite having two cameras, 80% of our video consisted of the headshot of our MC talking. Where were the reaction shots of our guests, and more importantly, of our family enjoying the occasion?
When asked if they had more footage of our guests and family, they claimed they didn’t have any more. My wife and I were very disappointed.