July 8, 2025 by videocrewsstlouis

From Takes to TikToks: 9 Effortless Ways to Turn Interview Footage into Scroll-Stopping Social Media Content

Interview days can feel like a sprint—lighting tweaks, sound checks, and the pressure of getting usable sound-bites before the talent’s next meeting. But once the cameras power down, the footage you captured is anything but finished. In fact, an expertly shot interview is a gold mine for weeks—sometimes months—of snack-sized social clips that feed every algorithm and stretch marketing budgets further. Below you’ll find a strategic, step-by-step playbook for extracting maximum value from each interview session, tailored for marketing leads, brand managers, and agency producers who need results fast.

1. Edit With the End Platform in Mind

Before you press record, decide where your clips will live.

Platform	Sweet-Spot Length	Must-Have Aspect Ratio
Instagram Reels / TikTok	15–45 s	9:16
LinkedIn Feed	30–90 s	1:1 or 4:5
YouTube Shorts	≤60 s	9:16

Framing your subject slightly wider than a traditional landscape interview lets you crop vertically later. Capture room tone, extra B-roll, and alternate angles so each micro-edit feels fresh.

2. Auto-Caption for Silent Autoplay

Research shows up to 85 % of mobile viewers watch with the sound off. Leverage AI transcription tools (e.g., Descript, Whisper, or Premiere Pro’s Speech-to-Text) to generate captions in seconds, then brand them with your corporate color palette.

3. Micro-Quote Reels

Identify one compelling sentence—an insight, statistic, or provocative statement. Sandwich it between a bold title card and a branded end-slate. Keep total runtime under 30 seconds. These “aha” clips spark comment threads and shares on LinkedIn.

4. Split-Screen “Before & After” Insights

Pair the speaker’s sound-bite on the left with data visuals or product shots on the right. This technique doubles viewer retention, especially for complex concepts. Most NLEs (Final Cut, Resolve, Premiere) have drag-and-drop split-screen templates.

5. Animated Audiograms

Transform audio-only highlights into animated waveforms over brand imagery. Audiograms consume less edit time yet perform exceptionally on X (Twitter) and Stories because motion graphics grab attention even without faces on screen.

6. Carousel Frame-Grabs

Export five high-resolution stills of expressive moments, overlay key quotes in large font, and post them as a swipeable carousel on Instagram or LinkedIn. Carousels encourage engagement dwell time—an algorithmic win.

7. 15-Second “Lightning Round” Compilations

Stitch three to four rapid-fire answers together with punchy jump-cuts and dynamic text. This style mirrors trending TikTok pacing and positions your speakers as authoritative yet relatable.

8. GIF Loops for Email & Slack

Loop a single gesture or nodding moment into a silent GIF (<2 MB) to add personality to newsletters, internal comms, or pitch decks. Viewers visually associate the talking head with expertise before even clicking play.

9. Poll & Quiz Overlays

Repurpose a bold statement from the interview as a question: “Video doubles landing-page conversions—agree?” Post it natively on LinkedIn with poll options, then drop the clip in the comments. The poll algorithm boosts reach, while the video answers the question.

Distribution & Measurement Cheat-Sheet

Batch-schedule releases with a social CMS (Sprout, Later, Hootsuite).
A/B-test openers: question vs. statistic leads.
Track view-through rate (VTR), saves, and click-throughs back to your site.
Refresh evergreen clips quarterly—swap music beds, update graphics, or add newly captured B-roll for a second life.

Why Repurposing Works

Cost Efficiency: One shoot, infinite deliverables.
Algorithm Favorability: Platforms reward consistency and varied formats.
Brand Consistency: Viewers hear the same core message reinforced across channels.

Partner With the Team Who Planned for Repurposing Before the Shoot

St Louis Video Production Crews has specialized in extracting every ounce of value from interviews since 1982. Our directors light and frame with multiple outputs in mind—vertical shorts, 4K masters, even silent GIFs—so you never have to “fix it in post.”

Full-Service Studio & Location video and photography, plus an AI-enabled post pipeline that auto-transcribes, color-matches, and formats content for each platform.
Licensed Drone Pilots capable of flying specialized rigs indoors for high-impact reveal shots or environmental B-roll.
Private, Modular Studio with changeable sets and prop inventory, perfect for rapid content capture without additional location fees.
End-to-End Support: from custom interview backdrops and professional sound operators to final deliverables optimized for TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and your digital signage network.

Whether you need 30 micro-clips from a single CEO sit-down or an always-on pipeline of branded social content, St Louis Video Production Crews delivers the right gear, crew, and creative vision—on budget, on message, and on every screen that matters. Let’s make your next interview work overtime for your brand.

videocrewsstlouis@gmail.com

314-913-5626

June 8, 2025 by videocrewsstlouis

Quick Setup Tips for Aerial and Ground Shooting: How to Maximize Efficiency and Quality on Location

When it comes to capturing stunning visuals—whether on the ground or in the air—successful productions begin long before the camera rolls. Efficient setup practices are crucial for staying on schedule, maintaining image quality, and creating a seamless experience for both your crew and your client. At St Louis Video Production Crews, we understand that time is money, and preparation is power.

Here are expert tips to ensure quick yet professional setups for both aerial and ground-based video and photography shoots:

1. Scout and Plan with Precision

Before wheels hit the ground, conduct a detailed location scout. Evaluate natural lighting, sound interference, space for gear, and any airspace restrictions for drone operation. Use GPS pin drops, aerial mapping apps, and sample footage stills to visualize the environment and plan efficient shooting angles.

Pro Tip: When working with drones, verify FAA flight restrictions and check weather forecasts up to the hour before takeoff.

2. Pack for Speed and Simplicity

Your gear checklist should reflect speed and versatility. Modular camera rigs, quick-deploy tripods, and gimbal stabilizers can make all the difference when moving between shots. For drone operations, ensure batteries are fully charged, firmware is updated, and props are pre-attached for rapid deployment.

Recommended Gear for Quick Setups:

Ground: Lightweight tripods with fluid heads, LED panels with battery packs, mobile monitor stations
Aerial: Compact drones with obstacle avoidance, spare SD cards, foldable controllers

3. Use Pre-Programmed Flight Paths and Ground Presets

If you’re shooting the same location across multiple sessions, create saved presets for camera profiles, white balance, and gimbal movements. For drones, use waypoints or intelligent flight modes for consistent and safe repeatability.

4. Control Lighting and Shadows Fast

For ground shoots, use bounce boards or collapsible diffusion panels to manage natural light quickly without having to rig a full lighting setup. For drone shoots, shoot during golden hour to minimize harsh shadows and avoid midday glare.

5. Communicate with Clarity and Confidence

A well-briefed team is a fast team. Establish roles beforehand—who’s monitoring audio, flying the drone, handling lighting, or capturing B-roll? If you’re coordinating a client-side marketing team or talent, let them know the schedule and flow so everyone works toward a shared vision.

6. Backups and Redundancies Save the Day

Always bring backups: camera batteries, drone props, lenses, media cards, and charging cables. A small hiccup shouldn’t derail your production, especially when timing is tight and locations are remote.

7. Be Creative—but Stay Flexible

Even the best-laid production plans can shift with weather, lighting, or last-minute client input. Stay agile. The best crews know how to pivot quickly without compromising production value.

Why Work with St Louis Video Production Crews?

At St Louis Video Production Crews, we’ve mastered the art of quick and effective setups, whether we’re shooting a dynamic aerial sequence over a construction site or a polished sit-down interview in a corporate office. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we provide:

Studio and on-location video and photography
Expert editing, post-production, and AI-enhanced workflows
Licensed drone pilots capable of indoor and outdoor flights
Private studio lighting and set design for controlled environments
Custom interview studios and dedicated sound/camera operators
Deep experience working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies since 1982

We are well-versed in all modern media formats and use the latest technology to ensure your video and photo assets not only meet expectations—but exceed them. Our specialization in repurposing branded visual content helps your media stretch further, engage deeper, and drive more value across platforms.

When you need a reliable team who can hit the ground (or air) running, St Louis Video Production Crews has the tools, talent, and track record to bring your vision to life—efficiently, creatively, and professionally.

314-913-5626
Mike Haller, St Louis Video Crew Captain

videocrewsstlouis@gmail.com

April 7, 2025 by videocrewsstlouis

Avoid These B-Roll Blunders: How to Capture Visuals That Actually Enhance Your Story

When businesses invest in professional video content, a surprising amount of focus tends to fall on the interview or scripted narrative — and understandably so. But it’s often the B-roll — those supplemental shots that visually support your main footage — that determines whether your final production is forgettable or truly compelling.

At St Louis Video Production Crews, we’ve seen firsthand how great B-roll elevates messaging, adds context, and keeps audiences engaged. Unfortunately, we’ve also seen what happens when B-roll is overlooked or poorly executed. If you’re a decision-maker guiding photography and video production for your organization, understanding common B-roll mistakes — and how to avoid them — can save time, money, and your brand’s credibility.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Planning Phase

One of the most common B-roll blunders is treating it as an afterthought. Without a strategic plan, the footage captured is often generic, redundant, or irrelevant.

Solution: Plan your B-roll with purpose. Think in terms of visual storytelling — how can your supporting footage visually reinforce what’s being said? At St Louis Video Production Crews, we map out a detailed B-roll shot list during pre-production based on the script or interview content. This ensures that every cutaway has a reason to be in the edit.

Mistake #2: Relying on Stock Footage

Stock B-roll may save time, but it rarely aligns with your brand’s authenticity or messaging. Overused clips can cheapen your final product, especially when audiences recognize them from other unrelated content.

Solution: Custom footage is always king. Whether we’re filming at your facility, in our private studio, or capturing aerial shots with licensed drones, our goal is to create B-roll that is uniquely yours. We customize every aspect to your branding, tone, and media objectives.

Mistake #3: Shooting Without Intentional Framing

Even experienced crews sometimes capture B-roll that lacks composition — resulting in shaky, overly wide, or uninteresting visuals. This lack of attention to detail can make your production look amateur.

Solution: B-roll deserves the same professional treatment as any hero shot. Our camera operators understand the art of visual composition, lighting, and motion. With our private studio lighting setups and framing expertise, we deliver clean, intentional footage that enhances your message and looks great across all platforms.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Audio Opportunities

While B-roll is typically silent in the final edit, capturing relevant natural sound (also known as nat sound) can create richer storytelling options in post. It’s often a missed opportunity.

Solution: We train our crews to think ahead — when appropriate, we roll audio with our B-roll, capturing footsteps, ambient office sound, or machinery in action. This gives editors more creative tools to weave an engaging narrative and texture your video with authenticity.

Mistake #5: Using Outdated or Inconsistent Visual Styles

Using mismatched frame rates, resolutions, or color profiles can leave your B-roll looking inconsistent — distracting from your brand’s polished image.

Solution: Our team ensures visual consistency across all footage, applying calibrated color profiles and using matching cameras and frame rates throughout the shoot. We’re well-versed in all media file types and editing software, and we use the latest AI-assisted tools in post-production for style matching, color grading, and motion smoothing.

Elevate Your Next Production with the Right Team

B-roll is not just “filler.” Done right, it gives your video depth, emotion, and brand personality. Done wrong, it drags down your entire production. That’s why it’s essential to work with a crew that understands the nuance and power of supplemental visuals.

St Louis Video Production Crews 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, editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots, including the capability to fly specialized drones indoors.

We can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements — and we specialize in repurposing photography and video branding to gain more traction across marketing channels. With experience in all file types, media styles, and advanced editing software, we use the latest Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance and streamline our services.

Our private studio features professional lighting, a clean visual setup for small productions or interviews, and enough space to incorporate props to round out your set. Whether you’re looking for a private custom interview scene or need camera operators, sound techs, or a turnkey production team, we’ve got you covered.

Since 1982, we’ve helped businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area bring their stories to life with compelling, professional video content.

Let’s avoid those B-roll blunders — and make your next video production perfect.

Ready to roll? Contact St Louis Video Production Crews today to start planning your next standout production.

videocrewsstlouis@gmail.com

314-913-5626

March 7, 2025 by videocrewsstlouis

St. Louis Video Production: What Equipment Do You Really Need?

When planning a professional video production, one of the most important factors to consider is the equipment. Whether you’re shooting a corporate interview, a product showcase, or an event highlight reel, the right tools can make or break your final product. But with so many options available, how do you determine what equipment is necessary for a high-quality production?

Tripods & Fluid Head Mounts – Essential for steady shots.

Essential Equipment for Professional Video Production

1. Cameras: Choosing the Right One

The type of camera you need depends on your production goals.

Cinema Cameras – Ideal for high-end commercial work, these cameras offer superior image quality, dynamic range, and color depth.
Mirrorless & DSLR Cameras – Great for flexibility and mobility, these cameras are used for corporate interviews and online content.
Action & 360-Degree Cameras – Used for immersive video content, often seen in sports and experiential marketing.

At St. Louis Video Production Crew, we use industry-leading cameras, ensuring crisp visuals that meet your marketing and branding needs.

2. Professional Lenses: Shaping the Look

Lenses significantly affect the storytelling aspect of your video. Some essential lenses include:

Prime Lenses – Offer exceptional sharpness and low-light performance, ideal for interviews and product close-ups.
Zoom Lenses – Provide versatility, making them perfect for event coverage and dynamic shots.
Wide-Angle Lenses – Great for capturing spacious environments and sweeping landscapes.

Our expert videographers select the best lens for your project to enhance visual impact.

3. Lighting: Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere

Lighting sets the mood and ensures proper exposure. Essential lighting equipment includes:

Softbox & LED Panels – Used for controlled studio lighting and interviews.
Ring Lights – Ideal for beauty and product videos.
Gobos & Colored Gels – Used for creative and cinematic effects.

At our private studio, St. Louis Video Production Crew has a fully equipped lighting setup to match any production requirement.

4. Professional Audio: Clear Sound Matters

High-quality visuals need to be complemented by superior audio. Key audio gear includes:

Lavalier Microphones – Perfect for interviews and presentations.
Shotgun Microphones – Used for capturing directional audio in dynamic settings.
Boom Poles & Wireless Systems – Allow for flexible audio recording on set.

Our professional sound operators ensure pristine audio capture, eliminating background noise and enhancing vocal clarity.

5. Stabilization: Achieving Smooth Shots

Shaky footage is a major red flag in professional production. Key stabilization tools include:

Tripods & Fluid Head Mounts – Essential for steady shots.
Gimbals & Stabilizers – Used for smooth movement in action sequences.
Dollies & Sliders – Provide cinematic motion for dynamic storytelling.

Our team ensures that every shot is properly stabilized, maintaining a polished and professional look.

6. Drones: Capturing Aerial Perspectives

Drone footage adds a cinematic feel to your video. Our licensed drone pilots specialize in both outdoor and indoor drone operations, offering unique vantage points that elevate your brand’s visuals.

7. Editing & Post-Production Software

After capturing the footage, the magic happens in post-production. We utilize industry-standard software like:

Adobe Premiere Pro & Final Cut Pro – For high-quality video editing.
DaVinci Resolve – Used for professional color grading.
After Effects & Motion Graphics – For adding visual effects, animations, and branding elements.

Do You Need Everything?

Not necessarily. The key to successful video production is selecting the right equipment based on your project’s needs. Working with a professional video production crew ensures that you’re using the optimal gear without unnecessary expenses.

Why Choose St. Louis Video Production Crew?

At St. Louis Video Production Crew, we have the right equipment and expertise to bring your vision to life. As a full-service commercial photography and video production company, we offer:

Studio & Location Video and Photography
Editing, Post-Production & Motion Graphics
Licensed Drone Pilots for Aerial & Indoor Drone Filming
Custom Productions for Various Media Needs
Private Studio Lighting & Interview Setups

Since 1982, we’ve partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in St. Louis, providing expert video production solutions that drive engagement and enhance brand visibility. Whether you need a full-scale production or a simple studio shoot, our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced crew ensure high-quality results tailored to your marketing objectives.

Ready to elevate your video content? Contact St. Louis Video Production Crew today to discuss your next project!

videocrewsstlouis@gmail.com

314-913-5626

March 23, 2024 by videocrewsstlouis

The Critical Role of a Production Coordinator in Your Video Crew

In the dynamic world of video production, ensuring a seamless and successful shoot requires meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. Behind every great production, there’s a crucial figure orchestrating the entire process: the production coordinator. Often overlooked but indispensable, the production coordinator plays a pivotal role in bringing your vision to life. In this article, we’ll delve into the responsibilities and significance of a production coordinator within your video crew.

The production coordinator meticulously plans every detail, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that the shoot progresses smoothly.

Understanding the Role

1. Pre-Production Planning

The production coordinator is the linchpin of pre-production activities. They liaise with clients to comprehend their objectives, budget constraints, and timelines. From scouting locations to arranging permits, equipment, and crew, they ensure that every logistical aspect is meticulously addressed.

2. Crew Coordination

Coordinating a diverse team of professionals is no small feat. The production coordinator serves as the central point of contact for crew members, scheduling their assignments, and ensuring everyone is briefed on their roles and responsibilities.

3. Logistics Management

From transportation to catering, the logistics of a shoot can be intricate. The production coordinator meticulously plans every detail, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that the shoot progresses smoothly.

4. Problem-Solving

In the fast-paced environment of video production, unforeseen challenges are inevitable. The production coordinator’s ability to think on their feet and swiftly resolve issues is invaluable in maintaining momentum and quality throughout the shoot.

5. Post-Production Support

Even after the cameras stop rolling, the production coordinator’s work continues. They facilitate the seamless transition to post-production, overseeing the delivery of footage, managing revisions, and ensuring that the final product aligns with the client’s vision.

The Significance of Experience

An experienced production coordinator brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. They have honed their skills through years of navigating the complexities of video production, enabling them to anticipate challenges and devise effective solutions. With their guidance, your production will not only meet but exceed expectations, delivering results that resonate with your audience.

Why Choose St Louis Video Production Crews?

At St Louis Video Production Crews, we understand the critical importance of a skilled production coordinator in ensuring the success of your video projects. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional results, thanks to our experienced team and state-of-the-art equipment.

From concept to completion, we handle every aspect of your production with precision and creativity. Whether you require studio or location shoots, editing, post-production, or licensed drone services, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the trust of numerous businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area.

If you’re ready to elevate your video productions to new heights, look no further than St Louis Video Production Crews. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Video Production Crews has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video.

videocrewsstlouis@gmail.com

314-913-5626

February 24, 2024 by videocrewsstlouis

Strategies for the Marketing Team on Shooting Day for Business Videos

In today’s digital landscape, video content has become a cornerstone of successful marketing strategies. As a member of the marketing team, understanding the intricacies of shooting day for business videos is crucial for ensuring the production process runs smoothly and the final product effectively communicates your message to your audience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into essential strategies to optimize shooting days for business videos, ensuring maximum efficiency and quality.

Stick to the shooting schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Preparing for the Shoot

1. Storyboarding and Scripting

Before the shooting day, collaborate with the video production crew to develop a storyboard and script. This provides a clear roadmap for the shoot, ensuring key messages are conveyed effectively.

2. Location Scouting

Scout locations in advance to identify suitable settings for the shoot. Consider factors such as lighting, acoustics, and background aesthetics to create visually appealing and professional-looking videos.

3. Equipment Check

Ensure all necessary equipment, including cameras, microphones, and lighting gear, is in working order and fully charged. Test equipment prior to the shoot to avoid any technical issues on the day.

On Set

1. Effective Communication

Maintain open communication with the production crew and talent throughout the shoot. Clearly convey expectations and provide direction to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.

2. Optimizing Lighting and Sound

Pay close attention to lighting and sound quality during filming. Proper lighting enhances visual appeal, while high-quality audio is essential for clear communication. Make adjustments as necessary to achieve optimal results.

3. Managing Time Wisely

Stick to the shooting schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity. Allocate sufficient time for each scene or segment, but be flexible enough to adapt to unforeseen circumstances or creative opportunities that may arise.

Post-Production

1. Reviewing Footage

Review footage carefully to identify the best takes and shots for editing. Consider factors such as performance quality, framing, and continuity to select the most compelling footage for the final cut.

2. Editing and Enhancements

Work closely with the editing team to refine the footage and add any necessary enhancements, such as graphics or special effects. Ensure the final product aligns with the brand’s aesthetic and messaging.

3. Feedback and Revisions

Solicit feedback from stakeholders and team members to fine-tune the video as needed. Address any concerns or suggestions promptly to ensure the final product meets expectations and objectives.

Conclusion

Effective collaboration between the marketing team and video production crew is essential for successful business video shoots. By following these strategies, you can optimize shooting days, resulting in high-quality videos that resonate with your target audience and achieve your marketing goals.

As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Video Production Crews has extensive experience collaborating with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video needs. Our team is equipped with the right expertise and creative vision to ensure successful conference documentation and diverse media requirements. Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your brand through tailored video and photography solutions.

Author: Mike Haller, Experienced Photographer and Video Director at St Louis Video Production Crews

St Louis Video Production Crews is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful conference documentation. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing and post-production. St Louis Video Production Crews 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. As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Video Production Crews has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video.

videocrewsstlouis@gmail.com

314-913-5626

February 6, 2022 by videocrewsstlouis

Video production crews and support in Saint Louis.

We are a full-service video production company located St Louis, Missouri. Since 1982 we’ve worked with a variety of businesses from startups to tier one supplier’s producing product and service videos, commercials, marketing and sales videos, company overviews, case study videos and corporate communications. We create with businesses of all sizes to create effective video solutions that help meet your objectives.

Our production crews have st. louis and you covered
From live streaming and red carpet event coverage, to documentaries and cutting-edge commercials, our Gateway City creative teams are up to the challenge. If you can imagine it, our St. Louis video production crews can capture your imagination.

A successful video starts before we ever hit record. It’s all about pre-production, which we call the story development process. This means clearly defining the purpose, selecting engaging people, filming in relevant locations, and building a plot structure that keeps the audience’s attention to the very end.

Whether it’s a website video, corporate training, documentary, commercial, music video, or short film, we can create it. We scale our productions to your needs, so you get the best video for your working budget.