I did a military funeral last summer. To cover the event, I used 2 other camera operators. I first started at the funeral home, where they brought the body out and laid it in the hurst. Taped the hurst leaving the funeral home. The 2nd camera person was waiting at the church for the hurst to arrive and taped the coffin going into the church. I made it inside the church before the ceremony started. We used 3 cameras at the church, and basically covered like a wedding, weird enough. They had a full mass and communion. I then taped the body coming out of the church and into the hurst again. Now the military will do this slow, but make sure you capture every move they make. I then jump into my car an got to the cemetary, before the percession did, captured the hurst pulling in, while the other camera person was already at the grave site waiting for the hurst to arrive there. We then taped the ceremony at the grave site which lasted about 15 minutes and with a 21 gun salute.

I had talked to the funeral home and cemetary several days before the funeral, so I had total access to everything. The family didn't want the media all over the place, but only wanted me to document the day. So get clearance, from them and the police, just incase you need a faster way to get to these places. You will need several people to shoot. I wish you luck and this is a great thing you are doing!!!

Man, I wish I was close enough to help. boom had a great suggestion: contact the police and ask them to transport your videographers. Semper Fi...

I lost my brother (a policeman) 3 years ago this Feb 20th in a SWAT training accident. A policeman's funeral has a lot in common with a miltary funeral, and as a survivor involved directly in one, I can tell you it is a very overwhelming experience - both for the family, and those covering the event, especially if you know the deceased. There is so much going on that is gut-wrenching that you become emotionally fatigued.

The local news team gave us copies of what they had shot because my brother had worked with them in the past. They had shots of the highlights that I'm sure you will capture - the hearse, the honor guard, 21 gun salute, taps, flyovers, etc.

But, you know what meant even more to me than the ceremonial honors were the shots of regular people paying their respects. It was the shots of schoolchildren with a banner that said "Thank You Sgt Hontz", the shots of the cars stopping by the side of the freeway, and people getting out and putting their hands over their hearts, the shots of my 4-year old nephew who just lost his Dad clutching his teddy bear - those are the shots that really touched me.

If you can, be sure to get the shots that show how people were touched by his life - even if they didn't know him, but were honored to have had him serving their country.

Thank you for doing this.

Larry,

If you're not already a member or have not thought to contact these folks, there is a local videographers association where you're at -

http://www.ivavideo.com/20401_1999.asp

You may get some assistance through them.

Best of luck,
David

You might try calling a guy by the name of Jonathon Harmening at (773) 410-9779. He *may* be able to direct you to some people who could help. I have not personally talked to him, only Sgt Joseph Brady, but they have been part of many services and may have some people they have worked with video wise, and for all I know may be part of the one you are speaking of. If I was there I would help you in a heartbeat.

To all who responded with ideas and heartfelt comments thank you.

A couple of local videographers have offered their help and I know feel that this will be something special.

Thank you.

Larry

Concerning grave site events, years ago, I used to pull funeral duty as the buglar. Unless I actually knew the deceased, the honor gaurd and I would wait at grave site -- not attending the service -- where we would rehearse. Only the pall-bearers would attend the church service.

Not evey funeral was the same, but the general order of events are:
The Chaplin will perform service.

After which, the honor gaurd will either already be in position, or will
move into position. Normally those attending are jolted with each volley.

I -- the buglar -- would be out of direct sight of the attendees. like behind a knoll, or tree, or shrubs, so that the call to taps would seem to be drifting on the wind. This is when everyone, including me, would break into tears.

After this comes the flag folding ceremony, when one bullet casing is tucked inside each fold of the flag. Then, the flag is presented to one of his family.

I am not a very good camera guy, so I can't give you much advice about that, but I do remember one funeral where a guy with a Kodak 8mm was running about like a fool getting in the way of everybody. Please take the time to visit the actual site beforehand, so you can get a feel about where, and what you are going to be doing.

Just a thought, you might want to talk to the officer, or nonCom in-charge of the detail so that you can tape a post-production repeat performance, after the family leaves. I seriously doubt that they will mind, however, they may not be permitted to actually fire their weapons again.

Sorry to be long winded here. You are doing a fine service for the family.

When I was a kid, in the military, I never gave this much thought, but now that I am a parent, I think about it all the time. God bless....