Author Archives: stlouisvideoservices

Commercial Building Certified Thermal Drone Inspections:The Smarter, Safer Way to See What Your Roof Is Really Doing

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When you manage or market a commercial property, you’re constantly juggling risk, budgets, and tenant expectations. Roofing and exterior building issues sit right at the center of that triangle—quietly developing out of sight until they become leaks, interior damage, or even business interruptions.

Certified thermal drone inspections have changed that equation.

Instead of sending people up ladders and across aging roofs with clipboards, modern facilities teams are using high-resolution thermal imaging drones to scan entire buildings quickly, safely, and with far greater insight. In just a short flight, you can see heat loss, trapped moisture, failing insulation, and HVAC anomalies that would be nearly impossible to spot from the ground.

Below is an expert overview of how certified thermal drone inspections work, the type of insights you can expect, and why partnering with an experienced visual media team like St. Louis Video Services gives you a real advantage over “guy-with-a-drone” providers.

What Is a Certified Thermal Drone Inspection?

A commercial thermal drone inspection combines:

  • Commercial-grade drone platforms
  • Radiometric thermal imaging cameras (not just “pretty colors,” but measurable temperature data)
  • Visible-light photography and video
  • Licensed, insured pilots familiar with FAA regulations and local airspace
  • Interpretable reporting that non-engineers can actually use

For commercial buildings, this typically focuses on:

  • Flat or low-slope roofing systems
  • Mechanical penthouses and rooftop HVAC equipment
  • Exterior walls and facade systems
  • Exterior electrical and utility infrastructure

The result is a set of thermal maps, annotated images, and visual documentation that facilities, engineering, and ownership teams can use to plan maintenance, validate warranties, and document conditions for insurance and capital planning.

Why Thermal Drone Inspections Beat Traditional Roof Checks

1. Safety First (and Always)

Traditional inspections expose people to:

  • Fall hazards on wet, fragile, or deteriorated surfaces
  • Trip hazards around mechanical units, conduits, and roof penetrations
  • Wind, ice, heat, and other environmental risks

With a drone inspection, the pilot and crew remain safely on the ground while the aircraft does the risky work overhead. For safety-sensitive organizations and highly regulated sites, that reduction in exposure is a major win.

2. Speed and Coverage

A certified thermal drone can cover:

  • Large roof areas in minutes
  • Multiple buildings in a single flight plan
  • Complex shapes and hard-to-reach sections without special access or scaffolding

That speed means less disruption for tenants or operations and more frequent inspections throughout the year, instead of one high-risk visit after a problem appears.

3. Seeing What the Eye Can’t See

A visible-light photo shows you what the roof looks like.
A thermal image shows you what the roof is doing.

Thermal imaging can reveal:

  • Trapped moisture in roofing systems
  • Insulation failures and missing or compressed insulation
  • Thermal bridging at penetrations and structural elements
  • Heat loss around doors, windows, and curtain walls
  • Overheating electrical components and mechanical equipment

By comparing thermal signatures across the roof and exterior, you can locate anomalies long before they translate into leaks, mold, or energy waste.

4. Objective, Visual Documentation

Unlike a handwritten inspection checklist, drone thermal inspections give you:

  • Time-stamped imagery and video
  • Repeatable flight paths for “before and after” comparisons
  • Visual documentation that can be shared across teams, vendors, and insurance carriers

This is especially powerful for:

  • Warranty claims
  • Insurance documentation after storms
  • Pre-purchase due diligence on acquisitions
  • Capital improvement planning and budget meetings

When everyone can literally see the problem, decision-making gets faster and less contentious.

Key Use Cases for Commercial Building Thermal Drone Inspections

1. Flat Roof Moisture and Leak Detection

Water intrusion is the enemy of every flat roof. Trapped moisture can:

  • Compromise insulation performance
  • Accelerate membrane deterioration
  • Add weight to structural systems
  • Lead to mold and interior damage

Thermal imaging identifies areas where moisture saturates the roof assembly, creating “hot” or “cold” signatures relative to dry areas. A certified thermal operator can flag these suspect zones so your roofing contractor can perform targeted core samples or repairs—focusing time and money where it counts.

2. Energy Loss and Building Envelope Performance

Marketing “sustainability” and “efficiency” is only credible if your building envelope actually performs. Thermal inspections help you:

  • Identify missing or damaged insulation in walls and roofs
  • Spot drafts and air leakage around fenestrations and curtain wall systems
  • Benchmark the performance of newly upgraded insulation or windows

This data supports ESG reporting, energy audits, and marketing narratives for “green” and high-performance buildings.

3. HVAC and Mechanical System Health

On a rooftop, thermal drones can quickly scan:

  • Packaged rooftop units (RTUs)
  • Chillers and condensers
  • Ductwork and refrigerant lines
  • Exhaust fans and intakes

Hot spots or unusual temperature patterns can signal:

  • Failing bearings or motors
  • Restricted airflow
  • Refrigerant issues
  • Heat rejection problems

Facilities staff can then prioritize preventive maintenance and avoid unexpected breakdowns that impact tenants and operations.

4. Post-Storm and Insurance Documentation

After hail, wind, or severe weather:

  • A thermal drone inspection can rapidly assess damage across multiple structures.
  • High-resolution visual and thermal documentation supports insurance claims.
  • You get an objective record of conditions shortly after the event.

That combination of speed, safety, and documentation is particularly valuable for property managers handling multiple sites or portfolios across the region.

What “Certified” Should Mean to You

Not all thermal drone providers operate at the same level. When you hear “certified,” you should be looking for:

  • FAA-licensed drone pilots with experience flying in urban and industrial environments
  • Training in thermography fundamentals and building science
  • Understanding of commercial roofing systems and building envelopes
  • Compliance with local regulations, site safety rules, and insurance requirements
  • Clear, actionable reporting instead of raw data dumps

At St. Louis Video Services, our background as a professional video production team matters here. We’re not just flying a drone—we’re planning reliable, repeatable image acquisition with clear storytelling in mind, whether the “audience” is your engineering staff, your insurer, or your executive team.

Turning Data Into Decisions: Deliverables You Can Actually Use

A strong commercial thermal drone inspection should deliver more than heat maps. Typical deliverables can include:

  • Overview report highlighting key findings, anomalies, and recommended next steps
  • Georeferenced still images of thermal and visible-light captures
  • Annotated callouts marking areas of concern with coordinates and photographs
  • Short interpretive video walking your stakeholders through the findings
  • Data files for engineers, roof consultants, or capital planners who need to dig deeper

Because our core business is visual communication, we ensure the output speaks to both technical and non-technical audiences. That’s critical when you’re presenting findings to ownership, boards, or non-engineering decision makers.

How Facility, Marketing, and Ownership Teams Benefit

For Facility Managers & Engineers

  • Faster, safer condition assessments
  • Better targeting for repairs and maintenance
  • Clear documentation for vendors and contractors

For Property & Asset Managers

  • Stronger documentation for lease negotiations and CAM discussions
  • Visual support for capital expenditure requests
  • Supporting evidence for insurance and warranty claims

For Marketing & Leasing Teams

  • Authentic visual content for “well-maintained,” “energy-efficient,” or “sustainability-focused” messaging
  • Before/after visuals to showcase improvements, retrofits, and upgrades
  • Confidence-building materials for prospective tenants or buyers

For Ownership & Investors

  • Reduced risk of surprise failures
  • Better information for long-term capital planning
  • Visual evidence that building systems are being proactively managed

Why Partner With a Full-Service Visual Production Team?

Certified thermal drone inspections live at the intersection of technology, building science, and communication. Many providers can handle one or two of those. Fewer can consistently deliver all three.

As an experienced videographer, photographer, and producer at St. Louis Video Services, we approach commercial building thermal inspections with the same discipline we bring to high-stakes corporate productions:

  • Pre-planning and scouting to understand your site, access, and regulatory needs
  • Shot planning and flight paths to ensure comprehensive coverage
  • Careful timing of flights for optimal thermal contrast (for example, after sufficient solar loading or at specific times of day)
  • Precise execution in the air and on the ground, coordinated with your operations
  • Professional post-production to turn raw data into clear, shareable visual reports

And because we are already embedded in corporate and industrial environments—shooting marketing content, training videos, and documentation—we understand how to work around your live operations with minimal disruption.

About St. Louis Video Services

St. Louis Video Services is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots.

For commercial building projects, we can customize your productions and inspections for diverse types of media and documentation requirements—from technical thermal reporting for facility teams to polished visual content for marketing and investor presentations. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types, styles of media, and the accompanying software your teams already use.

We leverage the latest in Artificial Intelligence across our media services to help analyze, organize, and enhance your visual assets—while keeping human expertise firmly in control of interpretation and storytelling. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props and environmental elements to round out your set.

We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production or inspection-driven communication is seamless and successful. Our specialized drones can even be flown indoors for certain controlled environments, adding unique perspectives in warehouses, plants, and large interior spaces.

As a full-service video and photography production corporation since 1982, St. Louis Video Services has partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area for their marketing photography, video, and now certified thermal drone inspection needs. If you’re ready to see what your buildings are really doing—and communicate that story clearly to every stakeholder—we’re ready to help.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Smart Shots: Economical Video Ideas for Service Businesses That Deliver Results

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As decision-makers responsible for marketing, photography, and video production, you understand the necessity of engaging visual content. However, the budget for extensive, high-end productions is not always available. The good news is that effective, high-quality video content does not have to break the bank.

At St Louis Video Services, we specialize in helping service-based businesses and organizations maximize their visual marketing spend. Here are several economical, high-impact video concepts that can significantly boost your brand without requiring massive budgets or complex setups:

1. The Expert Q&A Series: Establishing Thought Leadership

The Concept: Position your key staff or executives as industry experts by having them answer common client questions or discuss industry trends.

  • Economical Advantage: This requires minimal set design—often just a clean background, good lighting, and clear audio. The focus is on the value of the information, not elaborate visuals.
  • Production Notes: Keep segments short (1-3 minutes). Film several Q&A videos in one session to maximize crew and location time. Use basic on-screen text for the question and speaker identification.
  • Impact: Builds trust, demonstrates expertise, and provides excellent evergreen content for your website, social media, and email marketing.

2. The Customer Success Story (Testimonial Spotlight)

The Concept: Instead of an expensive scripted commercial, film authentic, short interviews with satisfied clients.

  • Economical Advantage: The location is often the client’s office or home, eliminating studio rental costs. The narrative is organic and requires minimal scriptwriting—the client tells their own story.
  • Production Notes: Focus on a clear “before and after” narrative: the client’s challenge, how your service solved it, and the tangible positive result. Use a dual-camera setup if possible for a more professional look, or simply use quality single-camera framing.
  • Impact: The most powerful form of social proof. Testimonials build credibility faster than almost any other content.

3. “How-To” and Service Breakdown Shorts

The Concept: Quickly and clearly explain a complex service, break down a process, or offer a useful industry tip.

  • Economical Advantage: These are typically screen-capture videos with a voiceover, or simple shots of a process in action (e.g., a hand demonstrating a technique). Minimal talent and set requirements.
  • Production Notes: Focus on clear, concise instruction. Use graphic overlays and simple animations (like arrows or highlights) to draw attention to key points.
  • Impact: Excellent for boosting SEO, demonstrating transparency, and educating prospects, leading to more informed sales conversations.

4. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Culture & People Snippets

The Concept: Show your company’s personality and the people who make your service happen. A quick tour, an employee interview, or a snapshot of your team collaborating.

  • Economical Advantage: Shot within your own workspace, leveraging existing, natural light and settings. This is a very authentic style that thrives on a “less polished” aesthetic.
  • Production Notes: Use natural sound and a handheld, documentary feel. Focus on capturing genuine moments. Keep the music upbeat and positive.
  • Impact: Humanizes your brand. Clients buy from people they like and trust. This content helps forge an emotional connection with your audience.

🎥 Your Full-Service Partner in Visual Success

Achieving professional, results-driven video and photography—even on a focused budget—requires the right partner with deep experience and specialized equipment.

St Louis Video Services is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, operating since 1982. We provide the expertise, creative crew, and technical equipment necessary for successful image acquisition, ensuring your media stands out.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots (including the capability to fly our specialized drones indoors). Our state-of-the-art, private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, with enough space to incorporate props to round out your set.

We are not just a vendor; we are your complete production team.

  • We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful.
  • We can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements.
  • Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, and we utilize the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services.

For over four decades, St Louis Video Services has successfully partnered with countless businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area, delivering high-impact marketing photography and video solutions.

Ready to explore economical video strategies that maximize your marketing budget? Let’s discuss how our experienced team can bring your visual goals to life.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Stop Wasting B-Roll: 12 Ways to Repurpose One Shoot into a 6-Month Content Engine

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As seasoned professionals in the world of commercial photography and video production, we’ve witnessed countless businesses invest significant resources into high-quality shoots, only to underutilize the resulting assets. The raw footage and images – especially that invaluable B-roll – often contain a goldmine of content waiting to be unleashed. The truth is, with a strategic approach, a single well-planned shoot can become a powerful, six-month content engine, driving engagement and reinforcing your brand message across diverse platforms.

Here at St Louis Video Services, we understand the critical importance of maximizing your media investment. It’s not just about capturing stunning visuals; it’s about smart, efficient content repurposing. Let’s delve into 12 actionable strategies to transform one shoot into a continuous stream of compelling material:

  1. The Cornerstone Hero Video: Every shoot needs its flagship. This is your primary marketing video, typically 2-3 minutes, designed for your homepage, key landing pages, and primary campaign focus. It establishes your brand’s core message and visual identity.
  2. Short-Form Social Media Snippets: Extract 15-30 second dynamic clips from your hero video and B-roll. These are perfect for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook stories. Focus on visually striking moments, quick tips, or compelling soundbites.
  3. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Content: Don’t underestimate the power of showing your process. Use candid shots and short video clips of your team at work, the setup, or even a humorous blooper reel. This humanizes your brand and builds authenticity.Image of
  4. Testimonial & Interview Excerpts: If your shoot included interviews or testimonials, pull out individual soundbites and pair them with relevant B-roll. These micro-stories are incredibly persuasive and ideal for social proof.
  5. Still Photography for Web & Print: Beyond just extracting stills from video, ensure your shoot includes dedicated high-resolution photography. These images are crucial for your website, brochures, press kits, and digital ads. A single shoot can yield dozens of unique photos.
  6. Blog Post Visuals: Every blog post needs engaging imagery. Instead of relying on stock photos, use your custom photography and stills from your video. This creates a cohesive brand experience and makes your content more memorable.
  7. Animated GIFs & Cinemagraphs: Take short, looping video clips or slightly animated still images to create eye-catching GIFs and cinemagraphs. These are fantastic for social media, email marketing, and even presentations to add a dynamic touch without sound.
  8. Website Headers & Banner Imagery: Your website’s visual appeal is paramount. Utilize the strongest, most compelling still images or short video loops as hero headers and banners to immediately grab visitor attention.
  9. Email Marketing Assets: From compelling imagery within your newsletters to short video clips embedded in promotional emails, your shoot assets can significantly boost open rates and click-throughs.
  10. Presentation Slides & Backgrounds: For internal and external presentations, leverage your high-quality visuals as backgrounds or illustrative elements. This elevates your professionalism and reinforces your brand identity.
  11. Podcast Visualizers/Audiograms: If you have a podcast, combine audio excerpts with captivating B-roll or still images to create visually engaging audiograms for social media promotion.
  12. Paid Advertising Creative: The diverse range of assets from a single shoot provides an arsenal for A/B testing in your paid ad campaigns. Test different video lengths, image styles, and messaging to optimize performance and maximize your ROI.

At St Louis Video Services, we’ve been helping businesses and organizations tell their stories through exceptional visual media since 1982. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we bring the right equipment, creative crew, and extensive service experience to ensure successful image acquisition every time. We offer comprehensive studio and location video and photography, complemented by expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots – yes, we can even fly our specialized drones indoors!

We pride ourselves on customizing productions for diverse types of media requirements. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another one of our core specialties. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, staying ahead of the curve by utilizing the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services. Our private studio offers perfect lighting and visual setups for small productions and interview scenes, with ample space to incorporate props to round out your set.

We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. Having worked with numerous businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for over four decades, St Louis Video Services is your trusted partner for marketing photography and video that truly performs.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

From Nervous to Natural: How a Teleprompter Instantly Elevates Non-Professional Talent

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If your spokesperson isn’t a trained anchor or actor, you still need them confident, concise, and on-brand—today. A well-run teleprompter can make that happen in minutes, not months. Used correctly, it doesn’t create “robotic” reads; it removes cognitive load so real people can focus on presence and clarity. Below is a practical, producer-level guide to getting natural performances from non-professional talent with a prompter.

Why Teleprompters Work for Real People

Non-professionals struggle with three things: remembering lines, pacing, and managing nerves. A teleprompter solves all three by:

  • Freeing working memory: No memorization—talent can concentrate on tone and body language.
  • Controlling tempo: The operator matches scroll speed to the speaker’s breathing and emphasis.
  • Reducing take-count: Clear, pre-approved language means fewer resets and tighter schedules.

The Right Prompter for the Job

  • On-camera beam-splitter (standard): The camera shoots through a piece of beamsplitter glass while the script reflects toward the talent. Best for direct-to-camera messages, leadership statements, product explainers.
  • Large-glass units: Wider glass allows more eye travel with less visible eye movement—ideal for longer scripts or slower readers.
  • Confidence monitors (off-axis): Floor or eye-level displays for talks where direct lens contact isn’t required (walk-and-talks, demonstrations).
  • Two-way interview aids (e.g., “eyeline” devices): Useful when we want the subject to look at an off-camera interviewer without losing connection.

Script Engineering: Write for the Mouth, Not the Page

Great reads start with scripts designed to be spoken aloud.

  • Target pace: 120–140 words per minute for non-professionals; trim aggressively.
  • Sentence shape: One idea per sentence. Prefer active voice. Avoid stacked clauses.
  • Readable formatting: Sentence case; generous line breaks; no centered text; avoid all caps for body copy.
  • Pronunciation guides: Add phonetics in brackets (e.g., “biologics (bye-oh-LAH-jiks)”).
  • Stage directions: Lightly annotate [beat], [smile], [gesture], [hold] to cue energy and pauses.
  • Brand/legal: Lock approved claims and disclaimers early to eliminate on-set rewrites.

Pro tip: Build two versions—Full (with details) and Tight (headline lines only). If a reader struggles, the Tight version can save the day without losing message integrity.

Performance Coaching That De-Mechanizes the Read

Teleprompters don’t make people sound stiff; poor coaching does. Here’s the fix:

  • Warm-up: Two “throwaway” takes at slightly faster scroll to lift energy.
  • Eye focus: “Look through the glass, not at the words.” We place the lens behind the text and use a longer focal length to minimize micro-eye movements.
  • Chunking: Encourage thought groups (one idea per breath). We pause the scroll at commas and restart on the inhale.
  • Energy ladder: Record 10–20 seconds at 90% intensity, then again at 105%—pick the one that fits brand tone.
  • Hands and posture: Ground the stance, unlock the knees, and bring hands into the frame when appropriate to naturalize cadence.
  • Safety alts: Capture one “conversational paraphrase” pass for authenticity, then one “precise claims” pass for legal.

Camera, Lens, and Lighting Choices That Flatter Prompter Reads

  • Lens selection: 85–135mm (full-frame) places the camera back and compresses eye movement; 50–85mm on Super35/APS-C.
  • Distance: Back the camera away to reduce visible eye tracking, then push in with focal length.
  • Prompter brightness: Balanced to key light; too bright causes squinting and glass reflections, too dim invites reading strain.
  • Glasses & reflections: Tilt the prompter glass and adjust key/fill angles to avoid double reflections for talent wearing lenses.
  • Line-of-sight height: Align copy to the optical center of the lens; even a 1–2″ mismatch can look “off.”

The Operator: Your Secret Weapon

A dedicated prompter operator (separate from director and cam op) listens for breath, marks emphasis, and rides speed dynamically. They also:

  • Maintain script versions, apply last-minute legal swaps, and build bookmarks by section.
  • Insert visual signposts (— long dash, • bullets) to cue phrasing.
  • Coordinate with sound for breath-friendly pacing and with lighting for glare management.

Remote & Hybrid Prompter Workflows

  • Remote executives: Use a compact, camera-mounted prompter plus a teleconference return so we can coach eyeline in real time.
  • Live webinars: Confidence monitor near lens for slides; brief headline lines in the prompter to keep presenters off script-heavy decks.
  • AI assist: Script timing, pronunciation flags, and pre-read voice previews can be generated ahead of time to set scroll targets and reduce surprises.

When NOT to Teleprompt

  • Testimonial authenticity: For emotionally nuanced stories, consider guided interviews instead. We’ll prep beats, not verbatim lines.
  • Fast back-and-forth dialogue: Bullet prompts or line-by-line cues often play more naturally.
  • Highly technical demos: Use hybrid—teleprompter for open/close and lower-thirds for precise specs while the talent speaks freely.

Risk Management: Brand, Legal, and Compliance

  • Route scripts through brand and legal before shoot day.
  • Lock “do not change” lines (claims, regulated language), highlight in the prompter UI, and capture a clean “compliance take.”
  • Plan captions and translations at the script stage to prevent post compromises (line length, on-screen real estate).

Measuring Success (What Decision Makers Care About)

  • Fewer takes -> shorter crew hours and room rentals.
  • Message fidelity -> fewer post pickups and reshoots.
  • On-brand tone -> consistent delivery across executives and product lines.
  • Faster approvals -> pre-approved language reduces review cycles.

Producer’s Checklist

Pre-Production

  • Lock script (Full + Tight).
  • Add phonetics, beats, and compliance highlights.
  • Book prompter operator and large-glass unit if text is long.
  • Choose lens package (85–135mm FF).
  • Schedule 20 minutes for warm-ups per speaker.

On Set

  • Calibrate prompter brightness to key.
  • Align copy precisely to lens center; test eyeline with a 20–30 second read.
  • Run two high-energy throwaways, then capture the keeper takes.
  • Record one paraphrase and one compliance pass.

Post

  • Deliver captions from the final script (no drift).
  • Create short social cuts that reuse on-brand lines captured verbatim.
  • Archive final scripts, approved claims, and pronunciation notes for future sessions.

Sample Script Format (Excerpt)

  • Opening hook [smile]: “If your team is still scripting from scratch for every market, there’s a faster way.” [beat]
  • Value prop: “A teleprompter lets our people speak naturally while staying on message.”
  • Proof point [gesture small]: “That means fewer retakes and faster approvals.”
  • CTA [warm]: “If you’re ready to scale video across the org, let’s plan your first session.”

About St Louis Video Services

Since 1982, St Louis Video Services has helped businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area capture confident on-camera performances—from first-time speakers to seasoned executives. We’re a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and a seasoned creative crew for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, plus editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots. We customize productions for diverse media requirements and specialize in repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction. We’re well-versed in all file types, media styles, and the accompanying software. We use the latest Artificial Intelligence tools across our media services for speed and consistency. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props for a complete set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators and providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. And yes, when the brief calls for it, we can fly our specialized drones indoors.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Don’t Mess Up Your Testimonials: Hire a Professional Camera Crew for Success

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When it comes to testimonials, authenticity, professionalism, and quality matter more than you might think. A well-executed testimonial video can be the difference between captivating potential clients and losing them to competitors. Testimonials build trust and credibility for your brand, showcasing real customer experiences in a way that resonates with your audience. However, creating a testimonial that stands out and truly communicates your brand’s value requires more than just pointing a camera at a subject. Hiring a professional camera crew, like the team at St. Louis Video Services, is essential to ensure that your testimonials not only look and sound professional but also achieve the intended impact.

Why Professional Testimonials Matter

In today’s media-saturated world, your audience is looking for something that speaks to their needs and concerns—real stories from people who have experienced your products or services firsthand. Testimonials are one of the most powerful ways to create this connection. But it’s not just about turning on a camera and asking your clients to speak. For a testimonial to be effective, it must engage the viewer, create emotional resonance, and reflect the professionalism of your brand.

Poorly produced testimonial videos, however, can have the opposite effect. Bad lighting, awkward framing, or poor sound quality can make your brand seem less credible or, worse, make the viewer feel uncomfortable. This is where a professional camera crew comes into play—helping ensure that your testimonial videos look polished and reflect the quality of your services.

The Impact of Professional Lighting, Sound, and Setup

Professional lighting and sound can make or break a testimonial video. Imagine a customer speaking passionately about how your product changed their business, only for their words to be drowned out by background noise or their face obscured by harsh lighting. A professional crew knows how to set the right mood, framing, and lighting to highlight the speaker’s facial expressions and emotions. They’ll also manage the acoustics, ensuring that your message is heard clearly without any distractions.

At St. Louis Video Services, we take great pride in our private studio lighting and visual setups, which are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Our studio is large enough to incorporate props and backdrops that can help reinforce the story your testimonial is telling. Whether you need a simple, clean background or a more elaborate set that incorporates your branding, our team can make it happen.

The Importance of a Customized Interview Studio

A great testimonial isn’t just about turning on the camera; it’s about creating a setting where the subject feels comfortable. For many people, being on camera can be intimidating, especially when they’re asked to talk about their experiences. A professional video crew can help put your interviewees at ease, ensuring that they’re comfortable and can speak naturally. This is crucial for eliciting authentic testimonials that truly reflect the value of your product or service.

At St. Louis Video Services, we offer customized interview studios that cater to the specific needs of your testimonial shoot. We ensure that everything—from the lighting to the sound equipment—is tailored to your production, creating an atmosphere that helps your client shine on camera.

The Role of Professional Camera Operators and Equipment

A good camera crew doesn’t just know how to operate a camera—they know how to capture the right shots, angles, and moments to make your testimonial engaging. Whether it’s a close-up of the subject, a two-shot that includes both the speaker and your product, or a dynamic shot that captures action, our camera operators have the skill and experience to create compelling visuals.

Furthermore, professional camera equipment, like the cameras, lenses, and stabilization tools we use at St. Louis Video Services, ensures that your video is crisp, clean, and polished. We also employ the latest in drone technology to capture unique angles, including flying drones indoors for creative and dramatic shots, providing a fresh perspective for your testimonial video.

Repurposing Your Testimonials for Greater Impact

A well-produced testimonial video is not just a one-off asset. It’s a tool that can be repurposed in various marketing materials across multiple platforms. Whether you’re posting clips on social media, including testimonials on your website, or using them in email marketing campaigns, a professional testimonial video can be a versatile asset in your marketing toolbox.

At St. Louis Video Services, we specialize in repurposing your photography and video branding to increase your reach and maximize its impact. We ensure that your testimonial video is optimized for every platform, whether that’s a full-length video for your website or a 15-second social media snippet.

Why Choose St. Louis Video Services

Since 1982, St. Louis Video Services has worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area to provide high-quality video and photography services. As a full-service commercial photography and video production company, we bring years of experience and a wealth of technical expertise to every project. Our team is equipped with the latest tools, including professional cameras, lighting setups, and licensed drone pilots, to ensure your testimonials are nothing short of exceptional.

We understand the importance of creating a seamless production process—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators. No matter the size or scale of your project, we can handle every aspect of your testimonial video, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.

Conclusion

Don’t let your testimonials fall flat. Hiring a professional camera crew from St. Louis Video Services ensures that your client testimonials are captured with the highest standards of quality, providing a polished and engaging representation of your brand. We are experts in full-service video and photography productions, and we’re here to make your testimonial videos stand out and work harder for your business. Reach out to St. Louis Video Services today to learn more about how we can help elevate your marketing efforts with stunning, impactful testimonial videos.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Smart B-Roll on a Budget: Pro Tips for Capturing Effective Supporting Footage Without Breaking the Bank

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When producing a compelling marketing video, the story is often in the details—the quick cutaway shots, environment visuals, and insert clips that support your main interview or narrative. That’s where B-roll comes in. Well-captured B-roll adds context, reinforces messaging, and elevates overall production value. But for many businesses and agencies working with limited budgets, the challenge becomes: how do you shoot effective B-roll without inflating costs?

As seasoned producers, videographers, and photographers at St Louis Video Services, we’ve honed strategies that help deliver impactful B-roll even when time and budget are tight. Below are practical, professional-grade tips to help you make the most of your shoot.

1. Plan Your B-Roll Like a Storyboard

B-roll should never be an afterthought. Start with a visual checklist tied directly to your script or talking points. If someone mentions customer service? Film interactions at a front desk. Highlighting innovation? Capture devices, screens, or brainstorming sessions. Thoughtful planning ensures your B-roll supports the narrative rather than feeling generic.

2. Use Your Existing Location to Its Full Potential

You don’t need exotic settings—just creative framing. Office spaces, warehouses, conference rooms, lobbies, and even hallways can provide dynamic visuals when filmed with intention. Use available space to vary angles and create movement: shoot through doorways, around objects, or from low and high perspectives.

3. Leverage Natural Light (or a Simple Lighting Kit)

When budgets are tight, lighting can often make or break the quality of your footage. Use natural light strategically near windows or open doorways. If indoors, a basic LED panel light or even a bounce board can dramatically improve your results. Don’t underestimate how lighting direction, not just intensity, shapes the mood of a scene.

4. Capture Motion—Even If the Subject Is Static

Movement adds life. If your subject is still, consider using camera motion. A slow pan, tilt, or slide (with a handheld stabilizer or even a tripod repositioned carefully) creates cinematic energy. Capturing hands typing, coffee being poured, or tools in use adds valuable texture.

5. Shoot in Sequences

Shoot wide, medium, and close-up angles of the same action. This not only gives your editor flexibility but also helps stretch your footage further across multiple projects or social edits. Simple sequence shooting can make one location feel like several.

6. Use Slow Motion for Emphasis

Many modern DSLR or mirrorless cameras offer high-frame-rate capabilities. Even a 60fps capture can be slowed down smoothly in post-production, giving everyday movements an elegant, professional feel. This trick works well for interactions, movement through space, or product demonstrations.

7. Get Creative with Insert Shots

Don’t overlook insert details—they’re fast to shoot and incredibly valuable. Think: a close-up of a logo on a shirt, a notepad with sketches, a hand swipe on a touchscreen, a doorknob turning. These shots ground your visuals and reinforce branding subtly.

8. Always Overshoot

Even if you’re tight on time, take a few more variations than you think you’ll need. One of the biggest pain points in post is realizing you don’t have enough coverage. Extra footage = more flexibility.

Why B-Roll Matters More Than Ever

In the world of short attention spans and fast-paced content, strong B-roll can keep viewers engaged longer. It turns static interviews into dynamic stories. It also gives marketers the flexibility to repurpose content across web, social, and broadcast platforms.

At St Louis Video Services, we specialize in producing rich, engaging B-roll that matches your message—whether it’s a tight-budget shoot in your office or a high-end production at multiple locations. With decades of experience and deep familiarity with how supporting visuals elevate a brand, we ensure your footage tells a story worth watching.

Why Choose St Louis Video Services?

Since 1982, St Louis Video Services has worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis region to deliver impactful photography and video. As a full-service commercial production company, we provide:

  • Studio and on-location shoots for interviews and B-roll
  • Licensed drone pilots, including for indoor aerials
  • AI-assisted media services for editing and content repurposing
  • Custom lighting setups for a polished, professional look
  • Repurposing strategies to maximize your content’s lifespan
  • Experienced crews who know how to keep projects efficient and cost-effective

Whether you’re building your brand library, launching a campaign, or filming for internal communications, we’re your partner for smart, strategic video.

Let’s make your next production seamless—and successful.
Contact St Louis Video Services today to learn how we can bring your vision to life.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Mastering the Shot: How to Plan a Shoot That Seamlessly Combines Ground and Drone Cameras

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In today’s fast-paced content landscape, businesses and agencies are constantly seeking ways to elevate their visual storytelling. Combining ground and drone cameras within a single production has become one of the most powerful ways to capture dynamic perspectives and produce visually engaging content. Whether you’re producing a commercial, a corporate overview, or a marketing promo, a well-planned hybrid shoot maximizes your creative potential—if executed strategically.

At St Louis Video Services, we’ve spent decades perfecting the art of synchronized ground and aerial video production. Here’s how to plan your next shoot for maximum efficiency and visual impact.

1. Define the Story—and How Aerial Footage Enhances It

Start by identifying the purpose of the video and the role each type of footage will play. Ask:

  • What scenes benefit from aerial context?
  • Where will ground-level storytelling or close-up detail drive emotional connection?

Drone shots often work best for:

  • Establishing locations (exteriors of buildings, campuses, or job sites)
  • Following motion (vehicles, people walking)
  • Providing scale (construction projects, outdoor events)

Meanwhile, ground cameras shine with:

  • Interviews and close-ups
  • Product demonstrations
  • Interior walkthroughs

By clarifying the purpose of each shot type early on, you reduce overlap and ensure every frame has a defined role in the final edit.

2. Map Out a Unified Shot List

Efficiency starts with planning. A joint drone/ground shoot must be carefully scheduled to avoid unnecessary resets or downtime. Create a master shot list that groups aerial and ground footage by location and time of day.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to consider sun position and weather when timing drone flights. You’ll want to fly during golden hour for cinematic light, but avoid harsh midday sun for interviews or interior shots.

Use mapping tools or location-scouting photos to plan each shot with precision—particularly for drone sequences, where altitude, line of sight, and FAA compliance must be factored in.

3. Synchronize Crew Roles and Communication

When working with both drone and ground units, clear crew communication is essential. Assign specific roles:

  • Drone Pilot (Part 107 certified)
  • Visual Observer (for drone safety)
  • Ground Camera Operator
  • Director or Producer to coordinate timing and transitions

Invest in communication tools like walkie-talkies or wireless headsets. This allows the drone team and ground crew to sync timing, especially when planning seamless transitions (e.g., drone rising from ground-level action or transitioning from an overhead shot into a close-up).

4. Use Matching Gear Settings and Frame Rates

Consistency in image quality is key when blending footage. Both drone and ground cameras should match in:

  • Resolution (e.g., 4K)
  • Frame rate (e.g., 24fps for cinematic, 30fps for corporate)
  • Color profile (shoot in log or flat for more grading flexibility)

At St Louis Video Services, we calibrate all cameras—whether mounted on tripods or flying drones—to ensure a seamless color grade in post. This prevents jarring shifts in contrast, saturation, or sharpness between clips.

5. Plan for Post-Production Integration

Efficient hybrid shoots think ahead to the edit. Capturing enough B-roll and transition footage helps editors bridge aerial and ground sequences smoothly. Consider movement direction, timing, and subject continuity. For example:

  • A drone shot following a subject walking into a building pairs well with a ground-level shot of them entering
  • A rising drone shot can transition into a ground-level scene panning across the same subject

Also, use markers or notes during the shoot for syncing audio and visual cues. Our post-production team uses advanced AI tools and editing software to streamline integration and enhance continuity between formats.

6. Ensure Legal and Safety Compliance

For drone footage, you must always:

  • Fly under FAA Part 107 regulations
  • Secure airspace clearance (especially in urban or restricted zones)
  • Respect privacy laws and no-fly zones
  • Use licensed and insured drone pilots

At St Louis Video Services, our drone operations are fully licensed, insured, and experienced in navigating both urban and rural airspace—including indoor drone flights, which require specialized skill and equipment.

Why Partner with St Louis Video Services?

Since 1982, St Louis Video Services has provided full-service professional video and photography production for businesses, marketing agencies, and organizations throughout the St. Louis area. Our team has the expertise and the gear to deliver seamless ground-and-drone integrated productions.

We offer:

  • Studio and on-location video and photography
  • Advanced post-production and editing services
  • FAA-certified drone pilots
  • Custom lighting setups for small productions and interview scenes
  • Repurposing services to extend the value of your branded content
  • AI-enhanced workflows for faster, more dynamic output

Whether you need a powerful aerial establishing shot or a cinematic interview setup, we bring the right equipment, creative vision, and crew coordination to make your next hybrid shoot a success.

Let us help you plan your next multi-dimensional production—with efficiency, safety, and creative clarity.

Ready to elevate your brand with a dual-perspective video production? Contact St Louis Video Services today to schedule a consultation.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Revive and Reimagine: Smart Ways to Re-Use Old Videos for New Marketing Content.

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In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the demand for fresh marketing content is unrelenting. However, creating entirely new video campaigns from scratch can be time-consuming and costly—especially when many companies already have valuable visual assets sitting dormant in their archives. For marketing decision-makers, repurposing existing video footage offers a cost-effective and strategic opportunity to generate fresh, engaging content that aligns with current campaigns and messaging.

At St Louis Video Services, we’ve helped countless businesses breathe new life into their legacy footage—transforming outdated video assets into dynamic marketing materials that resonate with today’s audiences. Here’s how your organization can do the same.

1. Create Short-Form Content from Long-Form Videos

Long corporate videos, training sessions, or event coverage may no longer be relevant in their entirety, but they’re often packed with usable moments. By extracting key highlights, you can create:

  • Bite-sized social media posts
  • Reels or YouTube Shorts
  • Video teasers or trailers
  • Testimonial clips

These clips can be customized with updated intros, new branding, or calls-to-action to reflect your current goals.

2. Update Graphics and Branding

Visual trends and corporate branding evolve over time. Outdated fonts, transitions, or logos can make older videos feel stale. Modernizing these elements is an easy way to give old footage a facelift:

  • Replace intros/outros with current branding
  • Overlay new lower-thirds or titles
  • Add fresh music, voiceovers, or subtitles
  • Use AI tools to enhance image quality or frame rates

At St Louis Video Services, we specialize in seamlessly integrating updated branding into archived footage for a polished, modern look.

3. Build Educational or FAQ Videos

If your past videos contain detailed product demonstrations, executive interviews, or how-to content, consider repurposing that footage into:

  • Training modules
  • Customer onboarding videos
  • “Did You Know?” social media series
  • FAQ explainer clips

Segmenting these pieces into digestible formats can position your company as an expert in your field and support your sales or customer service teams.

4. Compile Montage Reels and Testimonials

Have you collected various clips over the years from client testimonials, trade shows, or project walkthroughs? These can be woven together into:

  • Brand story montages
  • Case study highlight reels
  • Anniversary or milestone celebration videos

These compilations build trust and social proof—powerful marketing tools in any industry.

5. Convert to Different Formats or Channels

A great deal of older video content was created for one specific platform—often for websites or DVDs. Today, the same footage can be re-edited for:

  • LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok
  • Email campaigns
  • Landing pages or blog content
  • Webinar promotions or recap videos

By adapting older content to fit the specifications and tone of new platforms, you can reach different audiences without starting from scratch.

6. Use AI to Enhance, Transcribe, and Translate

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we work with video content. Old footage can now be:

  • Automatically transcribed and turned into searchable written content
  • Translated into other languages for global audiences
  • Enhanced in resolution or audio clarity using AI upscaling

At St Louis Video Services, we use the latest AI tools to streamline and elevate the editing process, making repurposing faster and more effective than ever before.

7. Integrate Footage into New Productions

Sometimes, legacy content still tells a strong story. B-roll, interviews, or testimonials from previous shoots can be incorporated into new videos alongside fresh footage—resulting in a cohesive, layered message that saves on production costs and filming time.

Why Partner with St Louis Video Services?

Since 1982, St Louis Video Services has helped businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis region tell their stories through high-quality photography and video. As a full-service commercial production company, we have the right equipment, creative crew, and post-production tools to make your visual content work harder for you.

Whether it’s studio or on-location video and photography, professional editing, post-production, or licensed drone operations—even flying drones indoors—we have every element needed to make your next production a success. Our private studio lighting and interview setups are perfect for controlled shoots, and our large studio space accommodates prop-heavy scenes and branding customization.

We specialize in repurposing photography and video branding to gain more traction and maximize ROI. From re-editing archival footage to delivering AI-enhanced content in modern formats, our team is ready to elevate your visual marketing game.

Let St Louis Video Services help you transform your existing footage into new opportunities for engagement, conversion, and brand growth.

Ready to bring new life to your old video assets?
Contact St Louis Video Services today and discover how smart editing and strategic repurposing can make your content go further than ever before.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Short or Long Testimonial Videos: What’s Best for Your Marketing Communications Strategy?

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Testimonial videos have become a cornerstone of modern marketing communications. They humanize your brand, establish credibility, and provide powerful social proof—all within a few minutes of screen time. But one of the most common questions we hear from decision makers in marketing, photography, and corporate communications is:

“Should we produce short or long testimonial videos?”

The answer depends on your platform, audience, message, and marketing goals. Let’s break down the advantages and best-use cases for both formats to help you make an informed choice for your next campaign.

Short Testimonial Videos (30 seconds to 2 minutes)

Best for:

  • Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook)
  • Website landing pages
  • Email marketing
  • Trade show booths or digital signage
  • Paid ads and promotional reels

Why it works:
Short-form testimonials are punchy and digestible. They capture attention fast—ideal for today’s fast-scrolling digital audience. When done well, a short testimonial delivers a memorable quote, an impactful result, or an emotional hook in just a few seconds.

Key strengths:

  • High shareability and engagement
  • Easily repurposed into ads, stories, and teasers
  • Ideal for A/B testing and campaign performance metrics
  • Quick turnaround time from production to delivery

Pro Tip: Keep the message focused. Choose one core theme (e.g., customer satisfaction, measurable ROI, or a transformation story) and build the visual and dialogue flow around that single concept.

Long Testimonial Videos (2 to 5+ minutes)

Best for:

  • Case study landing pages
  • Client-focused microsites
  • Internal presentations
  • B2B sales enablement tools
  • Conference or pitch deck content

Why it works:
Long-form testimonials allow for a deeper dive into the customer journey. You get context, emotion, detail, and resolution—making it perfect for audiences already interested in your solution. These viewers are likely further down the sales funnel and are looking for validation and proof before making a decision.

Key strengths:

  • Provides a full narrative arc (problem > solution > result)
  • Establishes thought leadership and authority
  • Builds emotional trust through storytelling
  • Allows room for supporting visuals like B-roll, charts, or product demonstrations

Pro Tip: Incorporate multiple speakers or layered visuals to maintain energy and engagement. A two-camera setup and a mix of interview footage with authentic B-roll can elevate even the longest video.

How to Decide: Strategy First, Then Format

Choosing between short or long testimonial videos starts with your marketing strategy. Ask yourself:

  • Who is the audience? Top-of-funnel prospects or decision-stage buyers?
  • Where will the video live? On social media, your homepage, or during in-person presentations?
  • What’s the goal? Brand awareness, lead conversion, or deeper engagement?

A well-rounded strategy often includes both formats:

  • A short video to draw attention and direct leads.
  • A long version to convert those leads into customers.

Even better, shoot once, repurpose often—extracting social clips, gifs, email snippets, and even podcast content from a single testimonial shoot.

Why Work With St Louis Video Services?

When it comes to producing impactful testimonial videos—short or long—St Louis Video Services brings the expertise, experience, and creative tools to make every second count.

We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment, skilled crew, and creative vision for successful image acquisition. From studio and location shoots to editing, post-production, and licensed drone operation, we handle every element of your project in-house.

Our private studio is tailored for interview-style testimonial production, complete with custom lighting, soundproofing, and enough space to incorporate props or stylized set designs. Whether you need a 30-second punchline or a 5-minute transformation story, we deliver compelling visuals and sound with professional polish.

We specialize in:

  • Custom video solutions for all media formats and file types
  • AI-enhanced editing and media processing
  • Repurposing content to give your video assets more mileage
  • Indoor drone operation to create dynamic visuals, even in controlled spaces

Since 1982, St Louis Video Services has partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the region—building testimonial videos that build trust, drive action, and deliver results.

Whether your audience wants it fast or prefers the full story, we’re here to help you produce testimonial videos that work. Let’s bring your client success stories to life—with impact, clarity, and creativity.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

B-Roll on a Budget: Tips for Awesome Video

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When it comes to creating compelling video content, B-roll is an essential element that enhances storytelling, keeps viewers engaged, and adds a layer of professionalism to your production. However, acquiring high-quality B-roll doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a business looking to elevate your marketing videos or a creative agency aiming for high-impact content, mastering budget-friendly B-roll strategies can help you achieve professional results without overspending.

Capture multiple angles, different focal lengths.

Understanding the Power of B-Roll

B-roll refers to the supplemental footage that supports the primary (A-roll) content, such as interviews or scripted scenes. It helps create seamless transitions, illustrates key points, and provides visual interest. Well-executed B-roll makes videos more dynamic, engaging, and visually appealing. Without it, even the most well-spoken on-camera subject can result in a monotonous presentation.

Budget-Friendly B-Roll Strategies

1. Plan Ahead and Storyboard

Before you shoot, outline what B-roll footage you’ll need. Storyboarding or creating a shot list ensures you capture essential visuals efficiently, reducing unnecessary reshoots and wasted time. Knowing what to film in advance allows you to maximize your time on set and minimize costs.

2. Use In-House Resources

Rather than renting expensive locations, leverage in-house spaces, office environments, or outdoor settings that align with your brand’s message. Many businesses already have interesting visual assets such as product displays, employees at work, or branded office interiors that can serve as impactful B-roll.

3. Shoot More Than You Need

Extra footage can be a lifesaver during post-production. Capture multiple angles, different focal lengths, and variations of movements to ensure you have enough material to work with. This avoids the need for costly reshoots.

4. Utilize Stock Footage Wisely

If live shooting isn’t an option, stock video can be an affordable alternative. Choose clips that match your brand’s visual style and integrate them seamlessly with your original footage. Many stock footage platforms offer budget-friendly options with high-quality visuals.

5. Get Creative with Camera Movements

Even with a basic camera setup, dynamic movements can enhance the production value of your B-roll. Handheld shots, slow motion, and panning can add variety and professionalism. If you have access to a stabilizer or a slider, these tools can elevate the quality even further.

6. Leverage Natural Light

Lighting can make or break a video. If studio lights are outside your budget, take advantage of natural light. Positioning subjects near large windows or shooting outdoors during golden hour can yield stunning results without the need for costly lighting setups.

7. Use Drones for High-Impact Shots

Aerial footage can add a cinematic feel to your B-roll. While hiring a drone operator can be expensive, some production companies, like St Louis Video Services, offer licensed drone pilots at a reasonable cost. Drone footage can be particularly effective for showcasing large spaces, events, and scenic backdrops.

8. Optimize Editing Techniques

Post-production is where B-roll truly comes to life. Use transitions, color grading, and slow-motion effects to enhance the footage. Editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve offers tools that can refine your B-roll without requiring expensive additional shoots.

The St Louis Video Services Advantage

At St Louis Video Services, we understand the importance of high-quality B-roll in video production. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment, experienced crew, and creative expertise to ensure successful image acquisition.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Whether you need a private custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or high-quality B-roll that aligns with your brand, we have you covered. Our specialized drones can even fly indoors to capture unique perspectives.

Since 1982, we’ve worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area, helping them produce visually compelling content that resonates with their audiences. Contact us today to see how we can bring your next video production to life, even on a budget.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

5 Creative B-Roll Ideas for Interview Projects: Enhancing Your Storytelling

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B-roll footage is a crucial component in interview-based video projects. It’s the supplementary footage that enriches the story and creates a more immersive and engaging viewing experience. While the interview itself is the focal point, B-roll serves as a tool to visually support the key messages and add context, helping to bring your narrative to life. As an experienced videographer and producer at St. Louis Video Services, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients to craft compelling interview videos that stand out. Below are five creative B-roll ideas that can elevate your interview projects and engage your audience more effectively.

Keep the interactions natural. Candid shots of genuine conversations often work better than posed or staged interactions, as they feel more authentic to the viewer.

1. Action Shots of the Subject in Their Environment

One of the most powerful ways to incorporate B-roll is by capturing the subject actively engaged in their environment or performing their work. For example, if you’re interviewing a CEO, showing them in their office, leading a meeting, or interacting with their team can give the audience insight into their role and personality. This adds context and makes the interview feel more grounded in the real world. Whether it’s an office, a factory floor, or a creative studio, action shots create a dynamic atmosphere that complements the spoken words.

Pro Tip: Ensure the lighting and angles match the tone of the interview. A busy environment might require a wide shot, while a more personal setting could benefit from tighter framing to maintain intimacy.

2. Cutaways to Products or Services

A great way to showcase a business’s offerings is to include close-up shots of products or services in action. For example, if you’re interviewing a product designer, you can film the process of them working on their design, adjusting details, or interacting with the product. This type of B-roll adds depth to the story by visually demonstrating the subject’s expertise or highlighting the key elements of their work. Product demonstrations are powerful storytelling tools in interviews, allowing you to show rather than just tell.

Pro Tip: When filming products, pay attention to lighting to highlight texture, features, and movement. Use a macro lens for extreme close-ups or slow-motion to draw attention to intricate details.

3. Interaction with Clients or Colleagues

Including shots of the subject interacting with colleagues, clients, or customers helps to humanize the story and gives a sense of community or teamwork. These moments not only provide a visual break from the interview but also reinforce the subject’s role in a larger narrative. Whether it’s a handshake, a conversation, or a collaboration, capturing these moments can add authenticity and highlight the relationships that drive a business.

Pro Tip: Keep the interactions natural. Candid shots of genuine conversations often work better than posed or staged interactions, as they feel more authentic to the viewer.

4. Visual Metaphors or Symbols

Sometimes, using symbolic or metaphorical B-roll can enhance the themes of an interview. For instance, if the subject discusses overcoming challenges, you could film a time-lapse of a sunrise, a plant growing, or a bustling city to symbolize growth or resilience. These types of visuals add a layer of artistic storytelling that connects emotionally with the audience. Choosing the right metaphor can elevate your video to something more memorable.

Pro Tip: Be subtle with metaphors. Overuse of symbolic shots can detract from the interview’s core message, so make sure the metaphor aligns with the key takeaways.

5. Behind-the-Scenes of the Production

A unique way to add B-roll is by showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of the production itself. This could be shots of the team setting up equipment, adjusting lighting, or prepping for the shoot. Behind-the-scenes footage not only adds transparency to the production process but also helps to reinforce the professionalism and care that goes into making a high-quality video. This can be a nice touch, especially in interviews where the production values are part of the story.

Pro Tip: Keep the behind-the-scenes shots quick and purposeful. Too much behind-the-scenes footage can detract from the focus of the interview. Use it to add context to the production and highlight your team’s expertise.

Why Choose St. Louis Video Services for Your Next Project?

At St. Louis Video Services, we understand the importance of capturing the right B-roll to support and enhance your interview projects. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we offer a range of services, including studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. We can customize your productions for diverse media requirements, from small productions with private studio setups to large-scale projects that involve intricate equipment and crew coordination.

We specialize in repurposing photography and video branding to help you gain more traction with your content. Our experienced team is well-versed in all file types and media styles, ensuring your final product meets the highest standards of quality. Our private studio lighting and visual setups are perfect for small productions, such as interviews, and our versatile space can accommodate props to enhance your set.

With extensive experience working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, St. Louis Video Services has everything you need to make your next video production a success. Whether you need sound and camera operators or specialized drone footage indoors, we are here to help at every step of the process. Since 1982, we’ve been committed to creating impactful video productions that engage and inspire audiences.

Let us bring your vision to life with creative B-roll, seamless production, and expert storytelling.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Common Mistakes in Training Videos and How to Fix Them

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Creating an engaging, informative, and effective training video is no small task. Done right, a training video can serve as a valuable resource for onboarding new employees, demonstrating product usage, or educating clients. However, there are common pitfalls that can diminish the impact of your training content. In this post, we’ll highlight these frequent mistakes and provide actionable solutions to help decision-makers produce exceptional training videos.

1. Lack of a Clear Structure

The Mistake: One of the most common errors is failing to organize the content into a logical sequence. Without a clear structure, your audience may struggle to follow the information, leading to confusion and disengagement.

The Fix: Start with a well-thought-out script and outline. Divide the content into sections with clear headings and objectives. Use visual cues, transitions, and title slides to break up the information and reinforce key points. Working with a professional production company, like St. Louis Video Services, ensures that your video follows a cohesive narrative.

2. Overloading with Information

The Mistake: Packing too much information into a single training video can overwhelm viewers and reduce retention.

The Fix: Keep your videos concise and focused on specific learning objectives. If the subject matter is complex, consider creating a series of shorter videos instead of one long, information-heavy video. Our team at St. Louis Video Services can help you plan and repurpose content into digestible segments that resonate with your audience.

3. Poor Audio and Visual Quality

The Mistake: Nothing diminishes credibility faster than poor lighting, muffled sound, or low-resolution visuals. Subpar production quality can make your brand appear unprofessional and cause viewers to lose interest.

The Fix: Invest in high-quality equipment and experienced crew members. Our private studio at St. Louis Video Services is equipped with professional-grade lighting and sound setups, perfect for creating crisp, polished content. Whether you need on-location shoots or indoor interviews, our team has the expertise to deliver exceptional quality every time.

4. Monotonous Delivery

The Mistake: If the presenter speaks in a flat tone or the visuals remain static for too long, viewers may lose focus.

The Fix: Incorporate dynamic visuals, such as cutaways, graphics, and animations, to keep viewers engaged. Choose presenters who are comfortable on camera, or consider voiceovers paired with visuals for variety. Our custom interview setups and post-production enhancements can bring life and energy to your training videos.

5. Inadequate Branding and Visual Consistency

The Mistake: Failing to incorporate consistent branding elements can make your training video feel disconnected from your company’s overall visual identity.

The Fix: Maintain consistency by including branded colors, logos, and fonts throughout your videos. Our experienced editors at St. Louis Video Services can seamlessly integrate branding elements to ensure your video reinforces your company’s identity.

6. Neglecting Audience Interaction

The Mistake: A training video that only provides information without engaging the audience can feel impersonal.

The Fix: Add interactive elements, such as questions, prompts, or quizzes, to encourage viewers to engage with the content. In post-production, we can add on-screen prompts, captions, and calls to action that foster interaction and boost comprehension.

7. Ignoring Accessibility Needs

The Mistake: Many training videos fail to consider viewers who may need captions, alternative audio descriptions, or visual accommodations.

The Fix: Include closed captions and ensure your video adheres to accessibility standards. St. Louis Video Services is well-versed in editing software and file formats that allow for easy integration of accessibility features to make your training content inclusive for all.

8. Not Repurposing Content for Multiple Platforms

The Mistake: Creating a training video solely for internal use without considering repurposing options limits its potential reach.

The Fix: Repurpose training content into shorter clips for social media, email campaigns, or client demonstrations. Our team specializes in reformatting and optimizing video content for various platforms, ensuring you maximize your investment.

9. Inadequate Testing Before Release

The Mistake: Releasing a training video without thorough testing can result in mistakes being discovered after distribution.

The Fix: Conduct multiple rounds of review and testing to identify any errors. We recommend pilot testing your video with a small group before full release. Our production team offers comprehensive editing and revision services to ensure your final product is flawless.

How St. Louis Video Services Can Help

At St. Louis Video Services, we understand that creating a successful training video requires more than just a camera and a script. Our full-service commercial photography and video production company has the right equipment and experienced crew to support every stage of your production. From concept development and storyboarding to studio shoots and post-production, we provide tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.

We offer:

  • Full-service studio and location video and photography
  • Editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots
  • Custom interview setups and sound/camera operators
  • Indoor drone filming for dynamic shots
  • Expertise in all media styles, formats, and software

Our private studio lighting and visual setup are ideal for small productions and interview scenes, and our space is large enough to incorporate props and set designs. Since 1982, St. Louis Video Services has worked with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies across the St. Louis area to create impactful training videos, corporate films, and branded content.

By partnering with us, you can rest assured that your training video will not only avoid common pitfalls but will also stand out as a valuable asset for your organization. Let us help you achieve your vision and deliver professional results that drive engagement and learning.

Contact St. Louis Video Services today to make your next training video a success.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Video Services Interview Style

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When planning a corporate video project, the style of the interview can make or break the overall effectiveness of your content. Whether it’s for internal communications, marketing campaigns, or customer testimonials, the way you capture an interview plays a significant role in how your message is received by the audience. Choosing the right interview style can be daunting, but by asking the right questions, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your company’s needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key questions you should ask before selecting an interview style for your next video production.

If the background or setting is not essential, then a studio interview with clean, controlled lighting can focus the audience’s attention solely on the subject.

1. What is the Objective of the Interview?

Before deciding on an interview style, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of the video. Are you showcasing an expert’s authority? Do you want to create an emotional connection with the audience? Or is your goal to inform or educate?

For example:

  • If you need a professional, polished presentation of an expert or executive, a traditional sit-down interview may work best.
  • If you aim to humanize your brand and create a relatable, storytelling atmosphere, an on-location or walking interview could be more effective.

2. What is the Tone of the Interview?

The tone of your interview will significantly influence the style you choose. Will the interview be formal, casual, or somewhere in between?

  • For a serious, authoritative tone, a traditional sit-down interview often delivers the best results.
  • If you want a more relaxed and conversational tone, walking interviews or roundtable discussions can help convey a more informal vibe.

3. How Will the Interview Be Presented to the Audience?

Consider how the final video will be distributed. Will it be shown at a corporate event, shared on social media, or embedded in a website?

  • Corporate events or formal presentations may require more traditional, clean styles like sit-down interviews or two-camera setups for a professional finish.
  • Social media or website use might benefit from more dynamic styles, like walking interviews or on-location shots, which offer a more engaging and personalized feel.

4. What is the Environment Like?

The location where the interview is filmed plays a major role in your choice of interview style. Will the interview take place in a controlled environment like a studio, or will it be on-location?

  • A private studio setup offers control over lighting, sound, and background, making it ideal for controlled interviews or corporate settings.
  • On-location interviews provide authenticity but can present challenges with lighting and noise, which may require additional equipment and preparation.

5. How Much Time Do You Have for Setup and Filming?

The amount of time available for filming will also influence your decision. More complex interview styles often require additional setup time.

  • Traditional sit-down interviews are relatively quick and easy to set up, requiring minimal equipment and crew.
  • Walking interviews or multi-camera setups may require more crew and time for adjustments, but can offer richer, more dynamic footage.
  • If you have limited time, you may opt for single-camera setups or green-screen interviews that allow for more flexibility in post-production.

6. How Important is Visual Appeal?

The visual elements of the interview are key to maintaining viewer engagement. Does the setting play an important role in conveying the message?

  • On-location interviews can visually reinforce your message, providing contextual clues that are highly engaging and visually dynamic.
  • If the background or setting is not essential, then a studio interview with clean, controlled lighting can focus the audience’s attention solely on the subject.

7. What is the Length of the Interview?

Longer interviews may require more dynamic approaches to maintain viewer interest. Will the interview be a short soundbite, or a more in-depth conversation?

  • For shorter interviews, a traditional sit-down or two-camera setup can keep the content concise and impactful.
  • For longer interviews, a dynamic two-camera or walking interview style can help break up the footage and make it more engaging.

8. Do You Need to Repurpose the Content?

Repurposing video and photography is a powerful strategy for maximizing your investment. Will the footage need to be edited into multiple formats, or used across different platforms?

  • Two-camera interviews or green-screen setups offer great flexibility for repurposing content, giving you multiple angles or the ability to add backgrounds in post-production.
  • A multi-location or roundtable discussion might be ideal for creating a series of videos from one shoot, allowing you to break down content into bite-sized pieces for different channels.

Why St. Louis Video Services is Your Best Choice for Video Production Success

At St. Louis Video Services, we’ve been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982. We understand that each project is unique, and our team is dedicated to creating videos that meet your specific objectives. Whether you need a traditional sit-down interview, a dynamic walking interview, or a full-blown multi-camera shoot, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver.

Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the right tools for the job, including full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. St. Louis Video Services excels at customizing video productions to meet your diverse media requirements, whether you’re looking to enhance your branding, repurpose content, or create a video that resonates with your audience.

Our private studio offers flexible lighting setups perfect for small productions and interviews, and we can accommodate larger sets for more complex shoots. We also specialize in flying drones indoors, providing unique and high-quality aerial shots for your video. From private interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators, we offer everything you need to make your next video production flawless.

Choose St. Louis Video Services for your next project and experience how our expertise, equipment, and creative vision can help bring your ideas to life.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

How to Repurpose Old Content into Short Videos

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In the fast-paced digital landscape, creating fresh content can often feel like a daunting task. However, many businesses overlook a treasure trove of existing material that can be revitalized and transformed into engaging short videos. Repurposing old content not only saves time and resources but also enhances your marketing strategy by maximizing the value of your previous investments. Here’s a guide on how to effectively convert your old content into captivating short videos that resonate with your audience.

Cut out any unnecessary details, focusing instead on delivering the key message and call to action.

1. Identify Valuable Existing Content

Begin by reviewing your existing content library. This could include blog posts, white papers, webinars, interviews, or even older video footage. Look for content that performed well in the past, such as posts with high engagement rates or videos that garnered significant views. The key is to select material that still holds relevance for your current audience.

2. Determine Your Objective

What do you want to achieve with your short video? Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving traffic to your website, or generating leads, having a clear objective will guide the direction of your video. This focus will also help you choose which pieces of content to repurpose and how to present them.

3. Create a Compelling Narrative

Transforming written content into video requires a shift in how you present information. Instead of reading a script, think visually. Identify the core message of your content and develop a narrative that can be illustrated through visuals. Consider incorporating elements such as graphics, animations, or B-roll footage to enhance the storytelling experience.

4. Edit for Brevity

Short videos should be concise and to the point. Aim for a duration of 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on the platform and your audience’s preferences. Cut out any unnecessary details, focusing instead on delivering the key message and call to action. This brevity will keep viewers engaged and more likely to share your video.

5. Incorporate Branding Elements

Make sure to weave your brand identity into the video. This includes using your logo, brand colors, and consistent messaging. Reinforcing your brand will help ensure that your audience associates the repurposed content with your company, strengthening brand recognition.

6. Optimize for Different Platforms

Each social media platform has its own nuances, including video length and format preferences. Tailor your repurposed content for each platform to maximize its reach and engagement. For instance, Instagram favors vertical videos, while YouTube may allow for longer content. Be mindful of these differences to effectively engage your audience.

7. Promote Your New Video

Once your video is ready, promote it across your channels. Share it on social media, embed it in your email newsletters, and feature it on your website. Encourage your team and followers to share the video within their networks to broaden its reach.

Conclusion

Repurposing old content into short videos is a strategic approach to maximize your existing assets while enhancing your digital marketing efforts. By following these steps, you can breathe new life into your old content, making it more engaging and accessible to your audience.

At St. Louis Video Services, we understand the importance of effective video production and content repurposing. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with over 40 years of experience, we have the right equipment and a creative crew with extensive service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer comprehensive studio and location video and photography, as well as expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone piloting services.

Our team specializes in customizing productions for diverse media requirements, ensuring that your photography and video branding gains maximum traction. We are well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software. Our private studio, equipped with professional lighting and visual setups, is perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Large enough to incorporate props, our studio can help you create the ideal backdrop for your next video project.

Whether you need a private custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or specialized drone services, St. Louis Video Services is here to make your next video production perfect. Partner with us to unlock the potential of your old content and create impactful short videos that resonate with your audience.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

How to Prepare for a Successful Marketing Video Interview

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In the realm of marketing, video has become a powerful tool to engage audiences, convey messages, and establish brand identity. One of the most effective formats is the video interview, where key people within your organization share insights, explain products, or deliver key messaging in a professional setting. But for these interviews to truly resonate with your audience, preparation is key. Here are the steps to ensure a successful marketing video interview.

The visual environment of the interview can have a huge impact on its effectiveness. You want a setting that reflects your brand, yet is neutral enough to keep the focus on the person speaking.

1. Define Your Goals and Audience

Before stepping in front of the camera, it’s essential to be clear on your goals. What message do you want to communicate? Are you introducing a new product, sharing customer testimonials, or discussing your company’s mission? Understanding your goals will help shape the interview’s content and tone.

Equally important is understanding your audience. Are they potential clients, partners, or industry peers? Knowing who will watch the video helps you tailor the language, tone, and style of the interview to make it more relatable and impactful.

2. Craft the Right Questions

The foundation of a great interview is great questions. These should be carefully crafted to elicit meaningful responses while keeping the audience engaged. Instead of simple yes/no questions, focus on open-ended ones that encourage detailed and thoughtful answers.

For example:

  • Instead of asking, “Do you think this product will succeed?” ask, “How do you see this product transforming the market?”
  • Instead of asking, “Can you explain your role?” ask, “What aspects of your role drive the company’s success?”

This approach ensures the interview remains dynamic and informative, offering viewers valuable insights.

3. Prepare the Interviewee

Even the most experienced professionals can become nervous when the camera starts rolling. To avoid stilted responses, it’s essential that interviewees are well-prepared.

  • Rehearse: Allow interviewees time to practice their responses. Encourage them to stay natural but remind them to hit key points.
  • Confidence-building: Brief the interviewee on camera techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, and staying calm.
  • Focus on key messages: Make sure they understand the main message or points that need to come across.

An interviewee who feels prepared will appear more confident, relaxed, and authentic on camera.

4. Set the Scene

The visual environment of the interview can have a huge impact on its effectiveness. You want a setting that reflects your brand, yet is neutral enough to keep the focus on the person speaking.

Here are key considerations for setting the scene:

  • Background: Choose a clean, uncluttered background that complements the tone of the interview. Avoid distractions or elements that can steal focus.
  • Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial for professional-quality video. Aim for soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows. At St Louis Video Services, we provide private studio lighting setups tailored to small productions and interview scenes.
  • Props and Set Design: Depending on the theme, props or set elements can enhance the video. A large enough studio space, like ours, offers the flexibility to incorporate relevant props that complement the interview.

5. Pay Attention to Sound Quality

A high-quality video interview depends as much on sound as it does on visuals. Clear, crisp audio ensures your audience can fully engage with the content. We recommend using professional microphones, as the built-in microphones in cameras may not deliver the best sound quality.

At St Louis Video Services, we provide professional sound operators who ensure the perfect audio setup for interviews. Whether it’s reducing background noise or ensuring the right levels, proper audio will make a big difference in how your video is perceived.

6. Timing and Pacing

A successful interview video is concise yet thorough. While you want to dive deep into key points, avoid lengthy rambling answers. Keep responses focused and to the point. A well-timed and paced interview will keep the audience engaged while still delivering all necessary information.

7. Post-Production and Editing

The post-production phase is where the magic happens. Editing ensures the interview flows smoothly, trimming unnecessary segments and highlighting key moments. It’s also where branding elements, captions, and graphics can be added to reinforce your message.

At St Louis Video Services, our post-production experts will craft the final product to align with your brand’s vision. We can incorporate graphics, add captions, and ensure that the final video reflects a polished and professional look.

Why Choose St Louis Video Services for Your Next Interview Production?

At St Louis Video Services, we understand the importance of getting every element of your video interview just right. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we offer top-tier equipment and a highly experienced creative crew to ensure successful image and video acquisition.

Our services extend beyond basic production. We provide:

  • Full-service studio and location video and photography: Whether you’re shooting in our studio or on location, we have the right tools and skills.
  • Editing and post-production: Your video will go through meticulous editing to ensure the highest quality.
  • Licensed drone pilots: We can elevate your production with dynamic aerial footage and even fly drones indoors.
  • Custom productions: We tailor each production to your specific media requirements, ensuring your message is clear and impactful.
  • Repurposing photography and video branding: We help you get more traction from your media assets by repurposing them across platforms.
  • Studio lighting and setup: Our private studio lighting and set designs are perfect for small productions or interviews, and our large studio space allows for versatile set designs that can include props to round out your visual story.

Since 1982, we have worked with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies across the St. Louis area. Whether you need a custom interview setup, camera operators, sound engineers, or cutting-edge equipment, St Louis Video Services has everything you need to make your next video production perfect.

Let us help you tell your story through a successful marketing video interview. Contact us today to get started.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com