Tag Archives: corporate video production st louis

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

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

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

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

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

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Sit-Down Interviews with Camera Crews

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Sit-down interviews are a powerful tool in any video production arsenal. They provide an opportunity to capture genuine moments, share compelling stories, and convey important messages directly from the source. However, executing a successful sit-down interview requires careful planning and attention to detail. As experienced photographers and video producers at St Louis Video Services, we’ve seen our fair share of interview mishaps. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when working with camera crews for sit-down interviews:

Sit-down interviews capture genuine moments, share compelling stories, and convey important messages directly from the source. However, executing a successful sit-down interview requires careful planning and attention to detail.

1. Poor Lighting

Good lighting is essential for capturing high-quality video footage and ensuring your subject looks their best. One common mistake is relying solely on natural light, which can be unpredictable and inconsistent. Instead, invest in professional lighting equipment to control the brightness and ambiance of the interview setting. Properly positioned lights can help eliminate shadows and create a flattering glow, enhancing the overall look of your video.

2. Inadequate Sound Quality

Clear audio is just as important as crisp visuals in a sit-down interview. Poor sound quality can detract from the message being conveyed and make it difficult for viewers to engage with the content. To avoid this mistake, use high-quality microphones and audio recording equipment. Consider factors such as background noise and echo, and take steps to minimize any potential disruptions during the interview.

3. Lack of Preparation

Effective interviews require thorough preparation on the part of both the interviewer and the interviewee. One common mistake is diving into the conversation without a clear plan or agenda. Take the time to research the topic beforehand, prepare a list of questions, and establish the overall tone and direction of the interview. This will help keep the conversation focused and ensure you capture the most relevant and compelling content.

4. Overlooking Visual Composition

The visual composition of your interview footage plays a crucial role in conveying emotion and meaning to your audience. One common mistake is neglecting elements such as framing, camera angles, and background aesthetics. Pay attention to the placement of the camera, the positioning of the subject within the frame, and the overall visual balance of the shot. Incorporating visually appealing elements can enhance the storytelling aspect of your interview and capture the viewer’s attention.

5. Ignoring Post-Production

The work doesn’t end once the interview is over. Post-production editing is a critical step in refining your footage and ensuring it meets your desired standards. One common mistake is rushing through the editing process or neglecting key aspects such as color correction, audio enhancement, and pacing. Take the time to carefully review and fine-tune your footage, paying attention to details such as transitions, graphics, and overall continuity. This will help elevate the final product and create a polished and professional end result.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your sit-down interviews are engaging, impactful, and visually stunning. At St Louis Video Services, we understand the importance of flawless execution in every aspect of video production. With our extensive experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and creative expertise, we’re committed to helping you achieve your vision and captivate your audience.

St Louis Video Services is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service 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. St Louis Video Services 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. Our private studio lighting and visual setup are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We can help with every part of your production, from a private custom interview studio setup to providing sound and camera operators to equipment. We have everything to make your next video production perfect. We can even fly our specialized drones indoors. As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Video Services has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video needs.

314-604-6544

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Video Formatting Guide for Social Media

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Welcome to St Louis Video Services’ comprehensive guide on video formatting for social media! As experienced producers based in St. Louis, we understand the importance of creating captivating and visually appealing videos for your business’s branding and marketing communications needs. In this article, we’ll explore the essential aspects of video formatting to ensure your content stands out on various social media platforms.

Video shooting variations for social media options | Raw Footage

Why Video Formatting Matters

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and promote their products or services. One of the most engaging forms of content on social media is video. However, different platforms have specific requirements for video formatting, and overlooking these guidelines can lead to a diminished impact on your audience.

When your videos are correctly formatted, they are more likely to catch the attention of users as they scroll through their feeds. A well-formatted video can increase engagement, shareability, and ultimately boost your brand’s visibility and reach. So, let’s dive into the various aspects of video formatting for popular social media platforms.

1. Aspect Ratios

The aspect ratio of your video refers to the proportional relationship between its width and height. Different platforms support different aspect ratios, and adhering to the appropriate ratio ensures that your video displays correctly on users’ screens.

Here are some common aspect ratios for popular social media platforms:

Instagram Feed: 1:1 (square), 4:5, 16:9
Instagram Stories: 9:16 (vertical)
Facebook Feed: 4:5, 16:9
Facebook Stories: 9:16 (vertical)
Twitter: 16:9
YouTube: 16:9

Keep in mind that aspect ratios may change over time due to updates in platform design or algorithms. Therefore, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines for each platform.

2. Resolution and Quality

High-resolution videos with excellent visual quality are more likely to captivate your audience. While maintaining high quality is crucial, you also need to consider file size and loading times, as large files can deter users from watching your content.

For most social media platforms, a resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) is generally sufficient. However, for platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, you may want to upload videos in 4K resolution for optimal viewing on larger screens.

3. Video Length

The length of your video is a critical factor in determining its success on social media. Each platform has different optimal video lengths:

Instagram Feed: Up to 60 seconds
Instagram Stories: Up to 15 seconds per story (with the possibility of multiple stories in a sequence)
Facebook Feed: Up to 240 minutes, but shorter videos perform better
Facebook Stories: Up to 20 seconds per story
Twitter: Up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds (however, shorter is better)
YouTube: No strict limit, but viewership tends to drop off after 3-4 minutes

It’s crucial to grab your audience’s attention quickly, especially on platforms with shorter video limits. Concise and engaging videos are more likely to retain viewers and encourage them to take action.

4. Captions and Subtitles

Captions and subtitles are essential elements of video formatting, especially when you consider that many users watch videos on social media without sound. Adding captions makes your content accessible to a broader audience and can significantly increase viewer retention.

Additionally, search engines can crawl through captions, making your video more discoverable in relevant searches. Several social media platforms offer automatic captioning tools, but it’s always a good idea to review and edit the captions for accuracy.

5. Branding and Consistency

Maintaining brand consistency across all your social media videos is crucial for building brand recognition and trust. Incorporate your brand elements, such as logos, color schemes, and typography, in your video content. This consistency helps viewers associate your videos with your brand, even without explicitly mentioning your company name.

6. Call-to-Action (CTA)

Every video you create should have a clear call-to-action that prompts viewers to take the desired action, such as visiting your website, subscribing to your channel, or making a purchase. Your CTA should be concise, visually engaging, and placed strategically within the video or in the accompanying caption.

7. Platform-Specific Considerations

Each social media platform has its unique features and preferences when it comes to video formatting. Here are some platform-specific considerations:

Instagram:

Use eye-catching visuals in the first few seconds to grab attention.
Utilize the Stories feature for short, engaging content.
Make use of IGTV for longer videos.

Facebook:

Upload videos natively to Facebook for better reach and visibility.
Use the Facebook Live feature to interact with your audience in real-time.

Twitter:

Keep videos short and impactful due to the platform’s character limit.
Optimize for autoplay, as videos play automatically on users’ timelines.

YouTube:

Include relevant tags and descriptions to improve searchability.
Create custom thumbnails that reflect the content and attract clicks.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, video formatting plays a pivotal role in capturing your audience’s attention and driving engagement. By following the guidelines for aspect ratios, resolution, video length, captions, branding, and platform-specific considerations, you can create compelling videos that resonate with your audience.

At St Louis Video Services, we are committed to helping businesses like yours leverage the power of video for branding and marketing communications. As experienced photographers, we have produced hundreds of video productions for all types of companies in the St. Louis region. Our full-service video production company and studio can accommodate all your video production, formatting, and editing requirements. Whether you need captivating social media videos, corporate documentaries, or promotional content, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today and let St Louis Video Services take your branding and marketing to the next level with professionally crafted videos that leave a lasting impact on your audience.

314-892-1233

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

When potential purchasers look at your product marketing video they want to know the technical specs of the product and they want to meet the business behind the product and the people who use it.

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Are you considering buying a product but don’t know its technical specs or who stands behind it? Video product tours offer an efficient way to discover the features of a product and can provide insight into the people who created and use it. In this blog, learn how videos can help you make an informed decision on your next purchase.

Giving people the chance to meet others who are using the product, as well as giving them a glimpse into the craftsmanship and technology behind it will help them understand what makes your product different from others on the market.

Introduction

When it comes to product videos, the introduction is key. It’s the first thing viewers learn about your product, so it’s important to focus on connecting with them and displaying the benefits of your product right away.

Introducing the people behind a product – from leadership team to customers and influencers – can be a great way to form a personal connection, not just with your video but your brand and product as well. Additionally, technical specs of a product should also be included in an introductory video as it’s important for consumer trust: people want facts before they commit to making a purchase or using your service.

Demonstrating how easily a customer can use said product or what benefits they can gain from buying are all essential components of successful introduction videos. Ultimately, introducing viewers to both the people behind the product and its technical features will ensure viewers become confident in investing in that specific item or service before seeing anything else you have to offer.

What are the Technical Specifications of the Product?

Technical specifications are essential information that lets consumers know what to expect from the product. These specs give consumers an idea of the product’s performance and capabilities, so they can assess whether or not it is the right choice for their needs. Technical specs might include details such as:

the materials used to construct a product
its overall dimensions
power consumption
other vital data.

Product videos should show viewers a brief overview of the technical specifications in order for them to make an informed decision before purchase.

Who are the People Behind the Product?

When people watch a product video, they want to form a connection with the people behind the product. They want to get inside information about the product, how it was made, and how it works. Knowing who’s involved in making it can make all the difference in conveying that information to potential customers.

The people behind a product are often showcased in interviews and clips from their workspace or gallery. It’s important to share their background, experience and proudest accomplishments related to their involvement with the product. Showing who is behind the scenes can help make the product story come alive for those viewing it.

At the same time, getting an inside look at those who use your product provides an unbiased perspective on its value and quality. It gives viewers insight into what kind of results they can expect when using your product that they can observe back up with real life scenarios captured on video or photos. By demonstrating these human perspectives related to your products you create that emotional connection between customer and merchant which can be invaluable when making that sale!

What are the Benefits of the Product?

When exploring the details of a product, potential customers are interested in what it does and what benefit it can be for them. Detailing the benefits of the product allows customers to clearly understand how the product can improve their lives or solve their problems.

Product videos provide an opportunity for companies to really showcase the benefits that a particular product offers its users. When people watch these videos, they should clearly understand what features, convenience and other advantages this particular item provides. Explaining how these features provide solutions to common issues will have potential customers engaging more with this feature-rich product and inevitably leading to increased sales.

This type of clarity is easily attained through a well-made video where important points are highlighted with detailed graphics or demonstrations which further explain exactly how this feature increases customer satisfaction in comparison to competitive products. For example, a camera phone could demonstrate in a video how its photo quality is improved by having extra megapixels or even that certain images can be produced using HDR (high dynamic range) technology. In addition to highlighting technical specs, potential buyers may also want insights into who else uses this item and customer testimonials from satisfied users will reassure them that they are making an informed decision when they purchase this product. This type of personalization also serves as a trust factor between the customers and the company selling the item as buyers can connect more with it being demonstrated by real people rather than just numbers on paper or online charts.

*st louis video production crew shooting a product video*

How Does the Product Compare to Alternatives?

When people watch a product video, they want to know the technical specifications of the product and how it compares to other similar products on the market. The video should clearly explain how your product stands out from competitors by emphasizing its features and benefits. It is also important to provide potential customers with evidence that your product is better than related products in terms of strength, durability, cost-effectiveness, performance or results. This can be done through illustrations, animations or actual use examples.

By bringing in testimonials or reviews from satisfied customers who are using your product, you can help build trust with viewers who are considering making a purchase decision. Comparison videos statistically have higher engagement and conversions because viewers can easily see what the differences are between each option and why they should choose yours over something else.

At St. Louis Video Services, we strive to make sure that our clients’ produced videos offer a clear explanation of their products’ features and benefits as compared to alternatives on the market. Our goal is to create detailed comparisons that inspire confidence in potential buyers while helping them make an educated purchase decision based on proven facts rather than assumptions or uncertainty.

How Do People Use the Product?

Viewers want to see the product being used in a meaningful way, for everyday tasks, projects and workflows. They can imagine themselves using and owning the product when they see others doing it. Show them customers or team members talking about how they use and what they like most.

Share customer success stories that feature customers talking about their experience and show off unique use cases of your product to give viewers additional insight into its power and show them why it stands out in the market.

Demonstrate best practices with visuals and examples that take the audience through a series of steps, such as setting something up or troubleshooting an issue, that demonstrate the value of the product.

What’s the Customer Experience?

When it comes to customer experience, product videos are an ideal way to highlight why people should choose a product. Showing how easy or convenient it is to use and how it fits into the broader lifestyle of the user helps potential customers understand the benefits and advantages provided by the product. Additionally, a customer experience product video can be used to demonstrate an emotional connection to the brand. Impactful visuals show why the customer should emotionally connect with a product, building loyalty and engagement with the brand in ways other approaches cannot.

A customer experience product video also needs to contain concise (think short and powerful) details about what sets this individual product apart from similar offerings on the market. Visually highlighting surprising features or pointing out simple solutions for everyday problems allows potential customers to make informed decisions about what products will best fit their needs.

Finally, though not often immediately discussed when considering customer experience in product videos, creating a visual narrative that shows how people use its products in various contexts overcomes challenges posed by language barriers across different geographical regions.

Ultimately, when it comes to product videos, it’s important that you are focused on the person watching them.

Giving people the chance to meet others who are using the product, as well as giving them a glimpse into the craftsmanship and technology behind it will help them understand what makes your product different from others on the market. Additionally, by focusing on technical specs, as well as customer stories and experiences with your product, you can create a clearer picture of why they should consider your brand over another.

By making sure that people have access to all of this information in an engaging product video, you will be better positioned to reach potential customers and increase conversions.

Norm Krull, St. Louis Video Producer

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

314-892-1233

Video Production Company | Marketing Communications | Corporate Events

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When your live event ends keep up the marketing communications. Continue to reach your audience with high-quality event video highlight reels. Event videos can be used to keep your audience engaged, attract new sponsors, promote new products, and create successful social media marketing campaigns.

Whether you are live streaming or you just want to make it available to your audience afterward, it’s critical to film and photograph your live event. Consider all the aspects of your story – your audience, the events and the location all characters you should document in your story.

*St. Louis corporate events video taping and photography.*

From one-day live events to full-scale conference video productions, we have the industry expertise and equipment to manage it all. We utilize state-of-the-art production technologies to meet the needs of every client, every time; in a manner that exceeds their expectations.

With decades of experience, our award-winning St Louis video production crews will take on any project, no matter what the size or scope. We provide turnkey video production services ranging from multiple camera shoots, animation and motion graphics, to live webcast video streaming, post production, and complete video editing.

314-913-5626
Mike Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Services
stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Your video producer partners in production.

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We are a one-stop shop for the best corporate video production service; whether you need to shoot a video production in St. Louis or anywhere around the country. Our video production company specializes in working with organizations to develop the best corporate video possible.

Our talented team of producers, videographers, and technicians work with the latest state of the art filming equipment to capture corporate video in St. Louis. We understand that not everyone is comfortable on camera and that’s where our talented producers work hand-in-hand with your spokespeople, your talent, or executives to get them comfortable on camera and to coach out the best video delivery, regardless of whether you are producing a marketing video, a series of testimonials, or training videos.

From concept development to creative storytelling, we use our creative solutions to shoot, edit, produce, & publish corporate video productions in a wide range of industries and sectors.

314-913-5626
Mike Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Services
stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Return to editing The importance of pre-planning for video production.

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Video has become a commodity of sorts. It seems like everybody’s in on the act … some of it is good, and some not so good. What is it that makes a video succeed? It usually boils down to one thing: Planning.

If you are considering hiring professionals to craft a video, the first thing should ask yourself is: what is the purpose? Which is another way of asking, what is the message? Once you have defined your message, you can decide the best way to deliver it. So there: you have started your planning. Your chances of producing a successful project have taken a giant leap forward!

Too many people make the mistake of grabbing a camera, shooting footage, and then try piecing it all together and hoping for the best. It’s not a good approach. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, would you? Crafting a video is the same thing. And your unique blueprint is your script.

We can’t overstate the importance of script preparation. Scriptwriting is not easy, and sometimes not fun, but it’s the single most important element for the work we do. And it’s important to do it early in the production process. Give it the attention it deserves.

st louis video production services and crews

A script will take the guesswork out what footage needs to be captured by your video crew. This helps reduce wasted time, and allows your crew to spend more time getting the shots you really need.

With video, as with many things in life, the devil is in the details. Spending time at the beginning to plan will save enormous headaches later on. We are talking about things like locations, budgets, graphics, and the rest of the nuts and bolts. There is too much to get into in this short video. But if you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact us. We would love to help.

314-913-5626
Mike Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Services
stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

Video Production Services Saint Louis

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St. Louis Video Services offers film and camera crews for hire to out of town producers, offering High Definition video production. St. Louis Video Crews is pleased to offer broadcast-quality video and film crews and production services in whatever format you request.

Our professional video production crews are made up of the best in St Louis Video; experience film and video veterans. We are an experienced turnkey solution for production and editing that you can trust.

We know the metro area for the city of Saint Louis, and can help with directions, contacts, and production know-how. If you’re searching for a standard film crew, or something specialized, St. Louis Video Services can provide cameras, tripods, lights, HD monitors, media, microphones, cables, a makeup artist, expendables like gaffer’s tape and more.

314-892-1233

Mike Haller

St Louis Video Producer

St Louis, Missouri, USA | Video Production

stlouisvideoproduction@gmail.com

st louis video | production companies | producers

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The Video Interview Look

One of the most common questions we get before a video shoots is, “What do I wear?” There really aren’t any defined rules here. It’s best to avoid super busy patterns because they can play tricks with the camera. Solid, bold colors are always a great choice. Unless you’re in a studio with big lights, heavy powder make-up isn’t generally necessary. If you are standing for your interview, try to keep your feet planted. I say that, but you also want to feel natural. If you talk with your hands and tend to gesture, you should feel free to do so during your interview.

314-892-1233

Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer

St Louis Video Producer

robh@hallerconcepts.com

video services in st. louis

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What do you need in the arena of video production services? We’ve been in the video production business in St. Louis since 1982. We know this town and the video talent that serves it. We have a small creative team that can focus on your project, but should you need a specialty such as a graphic artist or animator, we can help there too! Many of the higher specialty talents for video can be obtained as a crew member or as a free lancer, saving you the expense of a larger production house.

Pre-Production:

Our Pre-Production services include:

Concept development

Scriptwriting

Storyboarding/shot list

Location scouting

Set design

Casting

Production: We have an exceptional production facility. Our fully equipped is ready for your next production

HD studio and location production

Directing

Producing

Multi-camera production

Green screen production

Location audio

Post Production: Professionally skilled editors, digital artists, and sound mastering engineers have the talent and experience needed to bring images to life.

Our Post-Production services include:

HD editing

Video Effects and Graphics

Color Correction

Video Animation

Compositing

Digital Media Authoring

Audio Recording Studio

Sound Mixing/Design

Duplication/Replication

St Louis Video Production Services, Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer and Photographer, 314-892-1233. robh@hallerconcepts.com Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

st louis video services | corporate video production | scripting and pre-production

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The best script is critical to your corporate marketing and training videos.

A video has the power to show and tell a convincing story about your business or service.

A well written production script and pre-production planning is a successful blueprint for a successful video. Without the right plan, the rest of the creation process is very difficult.

Understand and know your audience, your message and your call-to-action.

Tell your unique story. Many video scripts present a problem and then introduce a solution. From there explain how your solution works best. And don’t forget to close with a call to action. Use the power of video to show your audience actual people you have helped. Or benefits your services have provided to your customers. Most folks when providing testimonials create stories about themselves to help them define who they are. And that will help position you with a good image

Norm Krull, StL Video Producer

stlouisvideoservices@gmail.com

314-892-1233

st louis video production services

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St louis video services – pre-production, production and post-production video services are available. Our experienced video crews have the knowledge and experience to make your project a success. On time and on budget.