Behind the Lens: From BBC Journalist to International Wedding Filmmaker

You’ve watched some of the films, you’ve read the ethos behind Story Of Your Day, so here’s your opportunity to learn about the person behind the lens? It’s my pleasure to share a glimpse into my journey from BBC TV Journalist to one of Europe’s leading female wedding videographers.

Formerly known as Emma Massey during my 20 year career as a BBC TV Newsreader and Reporter, I’ve embarked on a transformative journey of reinvention and redefinition. From reporting breaking news to capturing life’s most intimate moments, I’ve embraced my passion for storytelling in a whole new light as Emma Wilson, Creative Director of International Wedding Film Company, Story Of Your Day.

Where did I come from?

During my time at BBC News & Current Affairs, reporting was not just my livelihood—it was my passion, my purpose, and my identity. Yet, amidst the excitement of the newsroom, I found myself yearning for something more, something that spoke to the depths of my creativity.

As well as appearing in front of the camera as a reporter I was also a BBC VJ Pioneer, one of the first Videography Journalists working for the BBC, where I learnt not only to report on stories but also film and edit them as well. That was my first chance to work behind the camera, something I thought I would hate, but actually loved it when I realised I was actually quite creative. Who’d have thought it?

But my journey into wedding filmmaking began quite unexpectedly –  A former colleague suggested I try my hand at filming weddings, and though hesitant at first, fate intervened when another colleague asked me to film their wedding. Despite my initial reservations, I took the leap, and it was a decision that changed my life. 

Wedding Filmmaking Became My Passion

From filming a few weddings, my wedding film company was born and began to take shape – a vision born out of a desire to explore the art of storytelling beyond the confines of traditional journalism. 

Juggling the demands of my career with the new beginnings of my wedding videography company proved to be a daunting task, yet it was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly. 

What’s In A Name

Amidst the excitement of building my dream company, I encountered an unexpected obstacle: I had to change my name. The BBC, while supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavor, had restrictions on using my BBC name for business purposes. Even my married name, Emma Wilson, couldn’t be used for my company. I needed a name that would encapsulate the essence of what I stood for – capturing the unique stories of couples on their special day. So, “Story Of Your Day” was born – a name that not only represented my commitment to storytelling.

From Local Beginnings to Global Recognition:

Reflecting on my journey, it’s incredible to see the extent of growth and evolution in my work. What began as filming local weddings in Yorkshire on modest budgets has blossomed into capturing high-end weddings across the globe, each with its own unique story to tell.

With each wedding, I strive to elevate my craft, pushing the boundaries of storytelling to create cinematic masterpieces that encapsulate the essence of every couple’s special day. It’s a journey marked by passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

From the Dales to the Alps

As my company grew, my family and I relocated from the Yorkshire Dales to the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. 

This move played a crucial role in cementing my path into destination wedding filmmaking.

The transition to Switzerland provided a unique opportunity to expand Story Of Your Day into the realm of destination weddings across Europe and beyond. Navigating the intricacies of filming in diverse locations enriched my craft and allowed me to create unforgettable wedding films for couples seeking extraordinary experiences.

Here’s a little highlights montage of some of my favourite weddings.

Overcoming Challenges

Building “Story Of Your Day” from the ground up posed significant challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I encountered barriers and biases that threatened my confidence and progress. Intimidation, feelings of inadequacy, and battles with imposter syndrome were common as I navigated the competitive landscape of wedding filmmaking. In a field where male voices often dominated, asserting myself and earning respect demanded unwavering determination and resilience. Despite moments of self-doubt, I persevered, proving my worth and carving out a space for myself in an industry that initially felt inaccessible. Through grit and determination, I paved the way for other women to follow.

Empowering Female Filmmakers

Recognising the pervasive gender disparities in the filmmaking industry during my journey with “Story Of Your Day,” I felt compelled to address these obstacles. With a commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment, I shifted my focus to supporting female filmmakers. 

I began a Facebook Group for Female Film Creatives and founded Evolve Videography Training, where I provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for women to thrive in this field.

Staying True: The Evolution of Story Of Your Day

As ‘a woman with a camera telling your story,’ my journey began with a simple mission: to capture the essence of people, places, and love and tell their story. 

Over time, as Story Of Your Day grew, so did the scope of our commissions and the diversity of clients. This growth led to a deeper commitment to redefine wedding films through cinematic storytelling.

What sets Story Of Your Day apart is an unwavering dedication to originality and client-focused audio-visual storytelling. We don’t follow trends or concern ourselves with what other videographers are doing. Instead, we prioritise our clients – you are our inspiration!

Nurturing my ‘purpose’ to bring the best out in my clients

At the core of my approach lies a genuine connection with my clients. I never book a wedding without first speaking to potential clients, and I never film a wedding without spending time connecting with them and getting to know their story.

I have a natural ability to put people at ease, which allows them to feel natural, confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Clients often express amazement at how I help them feel so good about themselves, and this confidence shines through in the films. 

From telling the News to being the News

It’s been a remarkable transition – from reporting the news to finding myself in the headlines. 

Camera magazine, Rangefinder, featured me in a story about my work as a female videographer and inspiring other female film creatives…

Recently, I’ve been honored to be featured in various publications, most recently in The Wall Street Journal, discussing my thoughts on Content Creators in the Wedding Industry.

And a wedding I filmed in France at The Palais Garnier also featured in Cosmo and Philippine Tatler.

Presenting remains a passion

Even as I transitioned into wedding filmmaking and education, my passion for presenting remained unwavering. Whether I’m delivering motivational speeches, educational presentations, or facilitating workshops, I find immense joy in sharing my knowledge and experiences with diverse audiences.

From symposiums to film festivals, podcasts, and TV shows, I’ve been fortunate to engage with fellow professionals, exchange insights, and contribute to the collective growth of the filmmaking community. These speaking engagements not only enable me to extend the reach of my message but also serve as a reminder of the importance of staying connected to my roots as a presenter.

Becoming ‘Swisstainable’

As I continue to expand my reach and impact within the wedding filmmaking industry, I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to grow and evolve, from humble beginnings to global recognition and then back to local again … with proposals, elopements and intimate weddings in my small mountain village of Wangen becoming some of my favourite stories to tell.

In line with my commitment to sustainability, when it comes to proposals and elopements I prioritise filming these within Switzerland. By focusing on capturing the beauty of nearby locations, I minimise our carbon footprint and support the preservation of the local environment and we also work very closely with local farmers to ensure we respect their land and boundaries.

In recounting my journey from a BBC TV Journalist to the founder of Story Of Your Day and The Story Creatives, it’s clear that each experience has shaped my path as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. From overcoming challenges to embracing new opportunities, my commitment to storytelling and dedication to excellence have remained constant.

If this journey resonates with you and you’re seeking a filmmaker to capture your love story in a beautiful cinematic film,, I invite you to explore more about me and my work. 

Right here on my website you can learn more about my approach, view my portfolio, and discover how I can help bring your vision to life.

Your love story is unique, and finding the right person to tell it is paramount. If my journey sounds like the right fit for you, I look forward to the opportunity to connect and discuss how we can create something truly memorable together.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to be a part of telling your story.