Fresh Video Ideas for Service Businesses

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In today’s dynamic digital landscape, a strong visual presence is no longer a luxury for service businesses – it’s a necessity. While a professional headshot or a few product photos are a good starting point, to truly connect with your audience and showcase the value you provide, video is the undisputed champion. As experienced visual storytellers, we at St Louis Corporate Video & Photography understand that the key to impactful video lies in creativity and strategic execution.

For service-based businesses, the challenge can be demonstrating the intangible. How do you visually convey expertise, trust, and exceptional customer experience? The answer lies in moving beyond generic, talking-head videos and embracing innovative approaches that highlight your unique offerings and connect with your audience on an emotional level.

Here are some fresh video ideas designed to bring your service business to life:

1. The “Day in the Life” Immersion

Rather than simply explaining what you do, show it. A “Day in the Life” video offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at your operations. This could involve following a team member through their daily tasks, showcasing the meticulous processes involved in delivering your service, or even highlighting the collaborative environment within your office. This approach builds transparency and trust, allowing potential clients to visualize themselves benefiting from your services. Imagine a short, engaging video showing a financial advisor’s careful research process or a landscape designer’s creative consultation from initial sketch to final installation.

2. Problem/Solution Narratives

Every service business exists to solve a problem. Video is an incredibly effective medium for articulating these pain points and then elegantly presenting your solution. Start by clearly defining a common challenge your target audience faces. Then, introduce your service as the ideal remedy, showcasing how you address the problem and the positive outcomes your clients experience. This narrative structure is inherently compelling and resonates deeply with viewers who are actively seeking solutions.

3. Client Success Stories (Beyond Testimonials)

While traditional testimonials are valuable, elevate them into genuine client success stories. Instead of a static interview, create a mini-documentary style video that features a client describing their initial challenge, their experience working with your team, and the tangible benefits they achieved. Include shots of them interacting with your service, or even before-and-after visuals if applicable. This makes the success story more relatable and powerful. For example, a marketing agency could showcase a client’s website traffic growth, or a personal trainer could highlight a client’s fitness journey.

4. Expert Tips and How-To Guides

Position your business as a thought leader by sharing valuable, actionable advice through short video tutorials or tip segments. These don’t need to be highly produced; authenticity and helpfulness are key. A law firm could offer tips on understanding legal documents, an IT service provider could share cybersecurity best practices, or a cleaning service could demonstrate effective stain removal techniques. These videos build credibility, demonstrate expertise, and provide genuine value to your audience.

5. Interactive Q&A Sessions and Live Streams

Engage directly with your audience by hosting live Q&A sessions on social media platforms. Encourage viewers to submit questions in advance or in real-time. This fosters a sense of community, allows you to address specific concerns, and showcases your team’s knowledge and personality. Live streams can also be used for virtual tours of your facility, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or even product launches. The raw, unscripted nature of live video builds authenticity and connection.

6. Culture and Team Spotlights

Your team is the heart of your service business. Introduce them! Short videos highlighting individual team members, their roles, and their passions (both professional and personal) can humanize your brand and build rapport. This is especially important for services where trust and personal connection are paramount. Showcase team collaboration, celebrate achievements, and allow your employees’ personalities to shine through. This not only attracts clients but also potential talent.

7. Explainer Animations and Motion Graphics

For complex services or abstract concepts, animated explainer videos can simplify information and make it engaging. Motion graphics can illustrate processes, data, or benefits in a visually appealing and easy-to-digest format. This is particularly effective for businesses in technology, finance, or consulting, where a purely live-action approach might struggle to convey intricate details.

At St Louis Corporate Video & Photography, we understand the power of compelling visuals for service businesses. Since 1982, we have been 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 Corporate Video & Photography 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 use the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough 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. We can even fly our specialized drones indoors for unique perspectives. As a full-service video and photography production corporation, St Louis Corporate Video & Photography has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video needs, helping them tell their stories and connect with their audiences effectively.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

The Producer’s Playbook: Achieving Stress-Free Corporate Video Production

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In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, high-quality video is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for effective communication, marketing, and training. However, for many business decision-makers, the thought of initiating a video production can conjure images of budget overruns, scheduling nightmares, and complicated logistics.

As a seasoned producer, photographer, and videographer, my goal is to demystify this process and offer a Producer’s Playbook for achieving a stress-free corporate video production—one that is delivered on time, on budget, and meets every creative and business objective. The secret lies not just in technical skill, but in meticulous preparation and partnering with the right production house.

1. Define Your “Why” Before the “How”

The single biggest source of stress in any production is a poorly defined objective. Before a camera operator even checks their gear, your production team needs clear answers to these fundamental questions:

  • What is the core message? Boil it down to one clear, concise takeaway for the viewer.
  • Who is the target audience? Knowing this dictates the tone, style, length, and distribution method.
  • What is the call to action (or desired outcome)? Do you want viewers to purchase a product, sign up for a newsletter, or understand a new company policy?
  • What is the distribution strategy? Will it live on a website, social media, a convention screen, or all three? This informs technical specifications (e.g., aspect ratio, file size).

An experienced production partner will guide you through this discovery phase, ensuring the creative concept is perfectly aligned with your business goals.

2. Embrace the Power of Pre-Production

The smoothest productions are won in the planning room, not the edit suite. Pre-production is the blueprint for success and minimizes costly, stressful surprises on set. This includes:

  • Detailed Storyboarding and Scripting: Every shot, graphic, and sound bite is mapped out. This allows for clear communication and minimizes last-minute script changes that impact scheduling and budget.
  • Comprehensive Location Scouting: A producer should assess lighting, ambient noise, power availability, and space logistics well in advance. For interviews, finding a quiet, visually appealing, and comfortable location is paramount.
  • Talent Coordination and Briefing: Whether using company employees or professional actors, clear communication about schedules, wardrobe, and expectations eliminates friction on the day of the shoot.

A thorough pre-production phase ensures that on the shoot day, the crew is executing a well-rehearsed plan, allowing the client to relax and focus on performance.

3. Choose the Right Tools for the Job

In the world of corporate video, the latest gadget doesn’t always guarantee success. The key is having access to the right equipment, operated by professionals who know how to use it efficiently.

  • Lighting is Paramount: High-quality lighting is often the element that separates an amateur video from a professional production. A well-lit interview or product shot immediately elevates your brand’s perception.
  • Sound is Half the Story: Poor audio is the fastest way to lose a viewer. Professional microphones, boom operators, and dedicated sound mixers are essential for capturing clean, broadcast-quality dialogue.
  • Aerial and Specialized Shots: Utilizing licensed drone pilots for sweeping exterior shots or specialized equipment like indoor-capable drones can add dynamic, high-production value without the traditional expense and complexity.

By partnering with a full-service production house, you gain access to a fully-vetted inventory of professional camera, sound, and lighting equipment, ensuring every technical requirement is met.

4. Strategize for Media Repurposing

A truly stress-free and cost-effective production anticipates its future use. An expert production team won’t just create one video; they will capture assets and plan deliverables that can be repurposed across various media channels.

For example, a single interview shoot should yield:

  • The main corporate video.
  • Short, 15-second soundbites for social media.
  • Behind-the-scenes photography for content marketing.
  • Clean audio clips for a corporate podcast.

This specialized approach ensures you maximize your investment by acquiring images and footage that can be used for years to come, across diverse platforms and file types.

Why St Louis Corporate Video is Your Stress-Free Production Partner

Since 1982, St Louis Corporate Video has served as a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company in the St. Louis area, partnering with countless businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies for their marketing photography and video needs.

We understand this playbook because we’ve been writing it for decades. Our experience, coupled with the right equipment and a creative crew, is the foundation for successful image acquisition.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as complete editing and post-production services. Our in-house resources include a team of licensed drone pilots and specialists in repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, and we integrate the latest in Artificial Intelligence into our media services to enhance efficiency and creative output.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, with a size that can comfortably 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. This even includes the capability to fly our specialized drones indoors for unique, cinematic shots in controlled environments.

St Louis Corporate Video can fully customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements, ensuring that every visual asset we create delivers on your strategic objectives, on time and on budget. Partner with us, and make your next corporate video production truly stress-free.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

Faster Shoots, Fewer Edits: Teleprompters That Make Real Employees Camera-Ready

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Marketing leaders love real voices—your engineers, your account managers, your CEO. What they don’t love are four-hour shoots that turn into rescue edits because a great subject “freezes” on camera. A disciplined teleprompter workflow solves this. Used correctly, it preserves authenticity, protects the message, and compresses production time and post-production cost.

For Decision Makers

  • Non-professional talent speaks with confidence when the copy is written and formatted for the teleprompter.
  • A trained prompter operator and producer coaching keep delivery natural—not “read.”
  • Better A-roll means fewer pickups and less editorial surgery, shrinking edit hours and approvals.
  • Clear scripts and legal-approved language reduce risk in regulated categories.

Why Teleprompters Belong in Corporate Shoots

  • Message discipline: Keeps SMEs on-brand and within legal/compliance guardrails.
  • Time efficiency: Cuts retakes caused by mid-sentence rephrasing, blanking, or rambling.
  • Consistency across speakers: Multiple locations and teams can match tone, tempo, and phrasing.
  • Confidence on set: Anxiety drops when talent knows the exact words will be there.

Script Engineering for Teleprompter Success

Well-written copy is the single biggest driver of natural delivery.

  • Write for the ear, not the eye. Short clauses. Everyday words. One idea per sentence.
  • 12–16 words per line break. Insert deliberate line breaks at natural breaths.
  • Mark emphasis. ALL-CAPS sparingly for acronyms and proper names only; use (beat) or [pause] for timing.
  • First-person and conversational. “Here’s how we solved it” reads better than “The solution was implemented.”
  • On-screen time math: 130–150 words ≈ one minute of speech for most non-pros.
  • Variant blocks. Prepare A, B, and short “promo” versions (e.g., :60, :30, :15) to future-proof reuse.

Keeping It Authentic (Not “Read”)

Teleprompters get a bad rap when they’re used like a news desk. The fix is process, not luck.

  • Warm-up reps: First pass at 85% speed, second at 95%, final at 100%—builds rhythm.
  • Eyes on the lens: Use a through-the-glass prompter with the camera centered; avoid iPad-on-stand setups that shift eye-line.
  • Pace and prosody: A skilled operator “rides” speed to the talent’s breathing, not the other way around.
  • Gesture prompts: Add inline cues—(smile), (hand open), (lean in)—to remind body language without breaking flow.
  • Cutaway insurance: Plan purposeful B-roll to cover micro-stumbles while keeping the best take’s audio.

Technical Setup That Protects the Look

  • Prompter type: 70/30 beamsplitter glass, 15mm rail-mount or studio pedestal for stability and fast lens swaps.
  • Lens choice: 70–100mm FF equivalent for flattering compression on single-subject interviews; widen slightly for leaders who naturally “scan.”
  • Camera height: Lens at or slightly above eye level; reduces upper-lid shadowing and keeps gaze connection.
  • Brightness and contrast: Match prompter brightness to key light to avoid eye strain; high-contrast, sans-serif font at ample point size.
  • Operator comms: Clear talkback between prompter op, director, and talent to adjust speed mid-sentence.

Producer’s Playbook: Run of Show

  1. Pre-pro (marketing + legal): Lock core claims, disclaimers, and CTA variants. Approve scripts and alt lines.
  2. Table read (virtual): 20–30 minutes per speaker. Mark tongue-twisters. Rewrite for cadence.
  3. On-set rehearsal: One off-camera pass with the prompter rolling; build muscle memory fast.
  4. Record strategy: Two clean takes for safety, then a “performance” take with personality. Grab pickups by paragraph, not single lines.
  5. Slate discipline: Label takes by script version (A/B), paragraph, and CTA to accelerate edit pulls.

Post-Production Savings You Can Bank On

  • Cleaner selects: Fewer stumbles means faster string-outs and less micro-cutting to hide errors.
  • Reduced audio repair: Steady cadence minimizes filler words and breath edits.
  • Shorter approvals: Fewer script deviations lead to fewer review cycles.
  • Asset longevity: Pre-written alt CTAs and modular paragraphs make future re-cuts painless.

Compliance, Brand, and Risk Management

  • Claims control: Approved language duplicated verbatim in the prompter reduces off-script risk.
  • Accessibility: Provide caption files generated from the final prompter script for accuracy.
  • Localization: Swap nouns and CTAs in region-specific prompter blocks without re-shooting the whole piece.

Teleprompter Readiness Checklist

Content

  • Final, approved script + :60/:30/:15 variants
  • Inline pauses, emphasis, and gesture cues
  • Pronunciation notes for names and technical terms

People

  • Trained teleprompter operator
  • Producer/coach for performance
  • Script supervisor for continuity

Gear

  • Through-the-glass prompter with proper hood
  • Rail or pedestal mount matched to camera package
  • Monitoring for director and client

On Set

  • Eye-line verified, lens centered
  • Font size/contrast set for comfort
  • Rehearsal pass, then two clean takes + one personality take
  • Planned B-roll to cover paragraph-level pickups

Sample Teleprompter Paragraph (Natural Cadence)

Today, our customers expect clarity and speed. [pause]
In under two minutes, I’ll show you how we cut onboarding time by 42%—without adding headcount. [beat]
Let’s start with the three changes that made the difference: simpler forms, smarter routing, and real-time status updates. [smile]

Where Teleprompters Shine Most

  • Executive messages and town halls
  • Product launches and feature explainers
  • Customer stories with busy stakeholders
  • Recruiting, culture, and safety training videos
  • Regulated industries (finance, healthcare, manufacturing)

Bottom Line

Teleprompters don’t eliminate authenticity—they enable it. With the right script architecture, coaching, and operator, your real people will speak clearly, stay on message, and finish the day early. Your edit team will thank you, and so will your budget.

About St Louis Corporate Video

Since 1982, St Louis Corporate Video has helped businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area deliver confident on-camera performances and measurable results. We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and seasoned crew for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, and post-production, and we deploy licensed drone pilots—including specialized drones we can safely fly indoors.

We customize productions for diverse media requirements and repurpose your photography and video branding to gain more traction across channels. Our team is well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software. We also leverage the latest Artificial Intelligence across our services—accelerating cleanups, captions, versions, and compliance—while preserving brand accuracy.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, with room to incorporate props that round out your set. From building a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators—plus the right gear—we support every aspect of your production to keep your next video seamless and successful.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

Your Guide to Hiring a Camera Crew for Customer Stories: Crafting Authentic Marketing with Video

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Capturing real customer experiences on video not only humanizes your brand but also builds credibility and sparks engagement. But turning a great customer story into compelling content requires more than pointing a camera and pressing record. It takes a skilled, well-equipped camera crew that understands how to produce authentic, professional, and persuasive stories that resonate.

As seasoned professionals at St Louis Corporate Video, we’ve helped businesses and organizations elevate their brands through strategic video storytelling for over four decades. This guide will walk you through the essentials of hiring a camera crew for your next customer story—and how to ensure it delivers maximum return on your marketing investment.

1. Know the Purpose Behind the Story

Before hiring a crew, clarify what you’re trying to achieve:

  • Do you want to build brand trust?
  • Highlight product performance?
  • Showcase customer success and ROI?
  • Or create emotional brand alignment?

The answers will inform the tone, style, format, and even the crew composition.

2. Look for Experience in Interview-Based Production

A successful customer story depends on more than technical video skills. Your crew should be experienced in:

  • Conducting on-camera interviews
  • Creating a relaxed, conversational setting
  • Asking questions that draw out natural, enthusiastic responses

Experienced crews know how to guide interviewees—even nervous ones—so their answers feel authentic, not scripted.

3. Insist on High Production Value

Consumers and B2B buyers alike can spot a low-budget video from a mile away. A professional crew should offer:

  • Proper lighting setups to flatter subjects
  • High-quality audio capture (lavaliers, booms, and backup channels)
  • Multiple camera angles for dynamic editing
  • B-roll planning and execution to support the narrative visually

If your customer video looks amateurish, it could unintentionally reflect on your brand.

4. Ensure They Can Match Your Brand’s Voice and Style

Whether you need sleek and polished, documentary-style, or fast-paced social-friendly cuts, your crew must be flexible. Look for producers who:

  • Understand your brand guidelines
  • Are skilled in multiple editing styles
  • Can deliver different aspect ratios for cross-platform use (e.g., 16:9, 9:16, 1:1)

The end product should integrate seamlessly with your existing marketing assets.

5. Expect Strategic Post-Production

Editing makes or breaks a customer story. The right production company will:

  • Cut down long interviews into punchy, focused narratives
  • Add text overlays, callouts, music, and branded motion graphics
  • Use AI tools to enhance audio, transcribe content, and streamline repurposing across channels

Be sure the company you hire has both technical skills and storytelling instincts in post-production.

6. Plan for Scalability and Repurposing

Don’t just make one video. A great crew will help you shoot with purpose:

  • Capture testimonials from multiple customers in one day
  • Create multiple edits from one shoot (short clips, long-form, social snippets)
  • Design interview setups that can be reused for internal stories, recruiting, or case studies

Video content is an investment—maximize your shoot days by thinking ahead.

Why St Louis Corporate Video is the Right Partner for Your Customer Story Projects

At St Louis Corporate Video, we understand what it takes to produce authentic, high-impact customer stories. Since 1982, we’ve worked with companies, marketing agencies, and creative firms across the St. Louis area to bring brand narratives to life.

Our full-service capabilities include:

  • On-location and studio video production with the right crew, equipment, and lighting
  • Expert interview direction and production with professional sound and camera operators
  • Post-production services using the latest editing tools and AI-driven enhancements
  • Licensed drone pilots to add cinematic aerial visuals
  • Repurposing strategies to multiply your marketing reach from a single shoot
  • Private studio space equipped for interviews and small productions, including set design and prop integration

Whether you need one impactful testimonial or a full customer success video series, St Louis Corporate Video is equipped to make your production seamless, strategic, and successful—from first setup to final delivery.

Let us help you turn your customers into your most persuasive storytellers.

Contact St Louis Corporate Video today to start planning your next customer story shoot.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

How to Keep Your Marketing Videos Clear and Easy to Understand.

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In today’s fast-paced, content-driven business environment, marketing videos must do more than just look good—they must communicate clearly. Whether you’re launching a product, explaining a service, or building your brand story, clarity is everything. Viewers are more likely to engage with content that is simple, easy to follow, and visually compelling.

As experienced professionals in commercial video production, we at St Louis Corporate Video know that even the most visually stunning video can fall short if the messaging is confusing or cluttered. Here’s how your business can ensure its marketing videos remain clear, accessible, and effective.

1. Start with a Clear Objective

Before a single frame is filmed, identify the purpose of your video. Are you explaining a process? Showcasing a success story? Promoting a new service? Define what you want your viewer to walk away with. A focused objective will guide the structure, script, visuals, and editing decisions to follow.

2. Craft a Concise Script

Effective communication starts with a clear script. Avoid industry jargon unless it’s essential to your audience. Use plain, conversational language. A good script leads the viewer through a logical path—introducing a problem, presenting a solution, and ending with a call to action.

Tip: Keep it brief. Attention spans are short. A 60- to 90-second video can deliver a strong message when written with clarity and purpose.

3. Use Professional Visual Storytelling

Strong visuals should support the message, not distract from it. Use graphics, animations, or b-roll footage that complement the voiceover or dialogue. Avoid excessive transitions or effects that clutter the viewer’s experience.

At St Louis Corporate Video, we employ studio and on-location cinematography to capture crisp, well-lit visuals that align with your brand. Our camera operators and lighting crew ensure every shot is intentional and free from visual noise.

4. Design for Silent Viewing

Many viewers watch videos without sound—especially on social media. Including subtitles or animated text ensures your message remains accessible and clear. Our post-production team uses motion graphics and captioning tools to reinforce your messaging visually, without relying on audio alone.

5. Prioritize Sound Quality

When audio is used, clarity is non-negotiable. Invest in clean, professional sound recording. Poor audio—echoes, background noise, or unclear speech—can derail even the most polished production.

At St Louis Corporate Video, our expert sound operators use high-quality directional microphones and post-processing tools to ensure your message comes through loud and clear.

6. Edit with Clarity in Mind

Post-production is where clarity is refined. Keep the pace steady. Trim filler content. Use clean transitions. Emphasize key points with cutaway visuals or text overlays. Remove anything that distracts from your message.

We specialize in streamlining and repurposing footage for maximum impact. Whether it’s for social media snippets, internal presentations, or full-length corporate videos, our editing approach keeps the core message front and center.

7. Leverage AI for Precision and Speed

Modern video production benefits greatly from artificial intelligence. At St Louis Corporate Video, we use AI tools for transcription, smart editing, noise reduction, and even advanced visual analysis. These technologies help us produce sharper, more focused content faster—without sacrificing quality.

8. Test Before You Launch

A clear video resonates across your intended audience. Test your video with a small sample of viewers before publishing. Did they understand the key message? Were there any confusing moments? Their feedback can help fine-tune your final version.

Why Work With St Louis Corporate Video?

For over four decades, St Louis Corporate Video has partnered with businesses, marketing agencies, and creative teams across the St. Louis area to produce impactful video content that is as professional as it is purposeful. We are a full-service commercial photography and video production company offering:

  • Studio and on-location video and photography
  • Full editing and post-production services
  • Licensed drone pilots for indoor and outdoor aerial footage
  • A private studio setup perfect for interviews and small set productions
  • Custom productions to suit any media requirement
  • Repurposing services to extend the value of your video and photo assets
  • AI-powered tools for enhanced clarity, speed, and style matching
  • Experienced crew and top-tier equipment for flawless execution

Whether you’re building your brand, explaining a service, or sharing a success story, we’re here to help you communicate clearly, creatively, and effectively.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

What Should You Ask in a Testimonial Video? A Strategic Guide for Marketing Decision Makers.

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In the world of corporate storytelling, few tools are as effective and trustworthy as a well-crafted testimonial video. Real voices, authentic expressions, and genuine stories build instant credibility and emotional connections that traditional marketing materials often struggle to achieve. But the key to success lies in the questions you ask.

As a decision maker responsible for photography, marketing, or video production services, you understand the importance of clarity, quality, and strategy. Whether you’re producing testimonials for B2B services, internal communications, or public-facing campaigns, getting the right answers means asking the right questions.

Here’s a strategic guide to what you should ask in a testimonial video to maximize its marketing impact.

1. Start with the Human Element

Purpose: Establish relatability.
Sample Questions:

  • “Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?”
  • “What challenges were you facing before working with [Company Name]?”

These introductory questions warm up your interviewee and provide context. Viewers are more likely to connect with someone they can relate to—whether it’s a fellow small business owner, an IT director, or a marketing manager.

2. Highlight the Problem

Purpose: Showcase the pain point your product or service solved.
Sample Questions:

  • “What were you looking for in a solution?”
  • “How were these issues impacting your business or daily work?”

Framing the problem helps set the stage for the value your company provides. It also ensures the testimonial isn’t just praise—it’s a story arc that begins with a real need.

3. Reveal the Solution

Purpose: Clearly position your service as the game-changer.
Sample Questions:

  • “What made you choose our company over others?”
  • “What stood out to you during the process of working with us?”

This is your opportunity to allow clients to discuss your standout qualities—your communication, creativity, turnaround time, customer service, or innovative solutions.

4. Focus on Results

Purpose: Drive ROI and trust through measurable outcomes.
Sample Questions:

  • “What changes or improvements have you noticed since working with us?”
  • “How has this impacted your business or your clients?”

If you can get hard numbers—such as “20% more qualified leads” or “cut production time in half”—even better. If not, let the client describe results in their own words. Authenticity wins over polish every time.

5. Capture Emotion and Authenticity

Purpose: Strengthen emotional resonance.
Sample Questions:

  • “What was your favorite part of working with our team?”
  • “Would you recommend us to others? Why?”

These are the money questions. They often yield the most heartfelt responses, which work powerfully in video form. You’re not just looking for what was done—you want to capture how it felt.

6. End with Open-Ended Wrap-Ups

Purpose: Provide unscripted gems that often become the best soundbites.
Sample Questions:

  • “Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?”
  • “If you had to summarize your experience in one sentence, what would it be?”

These questions give your interviewee space to express thoughts that weren’t prompted directly. Sometimes the best material comes from unscripted, off-the-cuff reflections.

Bonus Tips for Better Testimonial Interviews:

  • Prep your interviewee: Let them know what topics you’ll cover so they feel confident.
  • Keep the atmosphere relaxed: A calm subject gives a more natural performance.
  • Use a two-camera setup for visual variety in editing.
  • Always capture clean B-roll to overlay during edits and tighten up pacing.

Why Work With a Professional Team Like St Louis Corporate Video Production?

Crafting an effective testimonial video is more than just asking questions—it’s about capturing the right answers with the perfect visual and audio setup. At St Louis Corporate Video Production, we bring decades of expertise to every project.

We are 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 studio and on-location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone services—including the ability to fly drones indoors.

Need a custom interview studio with tailored lighting? Our private studio setup is ideal for clean, branded testimonial videos that look polished and professional. Our space is large enough to incorporate props and set design for a visually rich production environment.

Our team is well-versed in repurposing media for maximum branding impact, and we specialize in file type conversions, media style matching, and advanced AI tools to streamline and enhance every phase of production.

Since 1982, we’ve worked with marketing firms, creative agencies, and businesses throughout St. Louis—delivering standout results through expert media craftsmanship and creative direction.

If you’re ready to transform client success stories into your most compelling marketing assets, St Louis Corporate Video Production is ready to help. Let’s make your next testimonial video not just good—but unforgettable.

Let me know if you’d like a version of this formatted for your website, newsletter, or social media campaign!

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

B-Roll Basics: What It Is and Why You Need It for Effective Video Production

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In the world of professional video production, B-roll footage plays a crucial role in enhancing storytelling, maintaining audience engagement, and adding a polished, professional touch to corporate videos. Whether you’re producing a marketing video, a corporate training piece, or an interview segment, B-roll can elevate the overall quality and effectiveness of your production. Understanding what B-roll is and why it’s necessary can help decision-makers in photography, marketing, and video production services maximize the impact of their video content.

B-roll can be overlaid to maintain a smooth visual experience without noticeable jumps in the video.

What Is B-Roll?

B-roll refers to any supplemental footage that is interwoven with the main narrative, also known as A-roll, which typically consists of interviews or scripted dialogue. While A-roll provides the core content, B-roll helps visually support the story by showing relevant imagery, action shots, and contextual details.

Common examples of B-roll include:

  • Footage of employees working in an office or production facility
  • Aerial shots of a company’s headquarters or event venue
  • Close-up shots of products, machinery, or processes
  • Customers interacting with services or products
  • Scenic exterior shots establishing the setting
  • Cutaways to hands typing on a keyboard or making notes during a meeting

Why Is B-Roll Important?

1. Enhances Storytelling

B-roll footage helps tell a more compelling story by providing visual evidence of what is being discussed in the main interview or narration. Instead of just hearing about a company’s operations, viewers get to see the business in action, reinforcing the message and increasing engagement.

2. Improves Video Flow and Engagement

A video that consists only of talking heads can feel static and unengaging. By cutting to B-roll footage, you add variety and dynamism, maintaining the audience’s interest throughout the video.

3. Masks Editing Cuts and Mistakes

When editing an interview or presentation, B-roll provides a seamless way to cover cuts or transitions. If a speaker pauses, stumbles over words, or needs to have sections removed, B-roll can be overlaid to maintain a smooth visual experience without noticeable jumps in the video.

4. Adds a Professional and Cinematic Touch

High-quality B-roll makes corporate videos look more polished and sophisticated. Strategic use of slow-motion shots, aerial drone footage, and close-up details can make even simple concepts appear high-end and visually striking.

5. Supports Branding and Marketing Strategies

B-roll can reinforce a company’s brand identity by showcasing its facilities, employees, products, and customer interactions. This type of footage helps create a strong visual connection between the company and its audience, making the brand more recognizable and trustworthy.

Best Practices for Capturing Effective B-Roll

To maximize the impact of B-roll, it’s essential to plan your shots carefully. Here are some best practices:

  • Align B-Roll with Your Story – Every B-roll shot should serve a purpose and align with the key messages of your video.
  • Use a Variety of Angles – Capture different perspectives, including wide, medium, and close-up shots, to add depth and interest.
  • Ensure High Production Quality – Proper lighting, composition, and camera stability are crucial for professional-looking B-roll.
  • Incorporate Movement – Slow pans, tilts, and tracking shots can add cinematic appeal to your footage.
  • Leverage Drone Footage – Aerial shots provide a unique perspective and can be especially effective for corporate branding and event coverage.

How St Louis Corporate Video Can Elevate Your B-Roll Game

At St Louis Corporate Video, we understand the critical role B-roll plays in producing high-quality, engaging video content. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment, expertise, and creative crew to capture compelling B-roll footage tailored to your marketing and branding needs.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, along with expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our team specializes in customizing productions to meet diverse media requirements, ensuring that your B-roll enhances the effectiveness of your video content.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for controlled, high-quality shots, including interview scenes and detailed product filming. With a spacious studio that allows for customizable set designs, we can bring your vision to life with professional lighting, sound, and camera operators. Plus, our specialized drones allow us to capture stunning aerial footage, even indoors, to add dynamic perspectives to your project.

Since 1982, we have partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area, delivering high-quality video production that stands out. Whether you need expertly crafted B-roll for a corporate video, brand documentary, or social media content, St Louis Corporate Video has the experience, technology, and artistic vision to make your production a success.

Ready to take your corporate videos to the next level? Contact us today to discuss your next project and discover how high-quality B-roll can transform your video storytelling.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

What to Look for When Scouting Video and Photography Locations for Your Marketing Productions

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As businesses increasingly use video and photography for their marketing campaigns, the importance of selecting the right location cannot be overstated. The location sets the tone for your production and can either elevate or detract from your overall message. Whether you’re creating corporate videos, promotional material, or branded photography, your choice of location plays a pivotal role in the success of the project.

Pay attention to potential distractions—are there any outside sounds that might interfere with your production, such as traffic, construction, or ambient noise from nearby buildings?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through key considerations for scouting video and photography locations and explain how St Louis Corporate Video can help you secure the perfect spot for your next production.

1. Space and Layout

When scouting for a location, it’s crucial to understand the physical dimensions of the space and how they will accommodate your shoot. A location must be large enough to house your crew, equipment, and talent, yet flexible enough to allow for creative setups and staging. Keep in mind the camera angles you need to cover and the kind of props or set designs you may require.

If you’re planning a corporate interview or product demonstration, make sure there’s enough room for the cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and your interviewees. Additionally, consider if the space offers a natural flow for your crew to work efficiently without getting in each other’s way.

2. Lighting Conditions

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in both video and photography. While many locations may look great in person, they might not always translate well on camera due to poor or uneven lighting. When evaluating a location, pay close attention to the natural light sources, such as windows or skylights. Think about whether these can be used to your advantage, or if they will need to be supplemented with artificial lighting.

Ideally, the location should offer flexibility for lighting adjustments, whether you’re shooting indoors or on location. At St Louis Corporate Video, we offer private studio lighting and setups perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Our studio space is also large enough to incorporate props, providing the creative freedom to build a custom set for your project.

3. Noise Levels

Background noise can make or break a video production. Whether you’re shooting an interview, a corporate video, or a product video, clean, clear audio is essential. Pay attention to potential distractions—are there any outside sounds that might interfere with your production, such as traffic, construction, or ambient noise from nearby buildings?

When selecting a location, it’s also important to assess how well sound can be controlled in the space. Consider the acoustics—hard surfaces might cause echoes, while carpets or drapes might help to absorb sound. Our St Louis Corporate Video team is well-equipped with sound engineers who can create a controlled environment for high-quality audio capture, ensuring your production is free from unwanted noise.

4. Accessibility

Whether you’re shooting on-location or in a studio, accessibility is a top priority. Make sure that the location is easily accessible for your crew and talent, especially when transporting heavy or bulky equipment. Check if the space offers loading docks, parking, or clear paths for crew and talent to move through the set with ease.

At St Louis Corporate Video, we understand the logistics of a production shoot. Our crew is experienced in making sure everything runs smoothly, from setup to breakdown. Whether it’s finding the right parking for your crew or coordinating security, we’ve got the expertise to keep things organized.

5. Visual Appeal and Branding Potential

Ultimately, the location should align with your brand’s values and message. Choose a space that reflects the tone of your production, whether it’s a modern office for a corporate video or an industrial warehouse for an edgy product shoot. Be sure to also consider the background—what will appear behind the talent and in your shots?

Think about how the location can be used creatively to tell your brand’s story. The right location can become a character in itself, enhancing your narrative and solidifying your brand’s identity.

6. Flexibility and Permits

If you’re planning a more dynamic shoot, flexibility is essential. Does the location allow you to move furniture, bring in props, or make other adjustments to enhance your production? Also, if you’re shooting in a public or outdoor space, make sure you have the necessary permits in place to avoid any legal complications.

Our team at St Louis Corporate Video specializes in navigating the logistics of complex shoots, ensuring that you have the necessary permits and permissions to shoot on location without any hassles. We also offer location scouting services to help you find the ideal space for your production.

Why Choose St Louis Corporate Video for Your Marketing Production?

St Louis Corporate Video is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the unique needs of your marketing productions. Since 1982, we’ve been helping businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area create high-quality video and photography that aligns with their brand’s goals.

Our team is equipped with the latest technology and an experienced crew, ensuring that we can handle every aspect of your production. From providing sound and camera operators to offering private custom interview studio setups, we have everything you need for a successful video shoot. We also specialize in repurposing photography and video branding, giving your content more reach and impact across multiple platforms.

We are well-versed in working with all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, ensuring that your production is not only visually stunning but also optimized for your specific media needs. With our indoor drone capabilities and creative approach to studio setups, we can help you bring your vision to life in the most effective way possible.

Whether you’re looking for a small-scale production or a large-scale corporate video, St Louis Corporate Video is here to make your next marketing production a success. Our team’s experience, creative expertise, and attention to detail ensure that your brand’s story is told in the most compelling way possible.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com