Tag Archives: content-marketing

What to Expect When Filming Customer Testimonials: A Professional’s Guide to Capturing Authentic Stories

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In the world of B2B and corporate marketing, customer testimonials have become one of the most powerful forms of social proof. But unlike written reviews or star ratings, video testimonials offer depth—real people sharing real experiences in their own words, with genuine tone, emotion, and expression. When done right, these stories inspire trust and drive decisions.

At St Louis Commercial Video, we’ve spent decades helping businesses and marketing agencies produce compelling testimonial content that aligns with their brand and business goals. This guide offers a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect when filming customer testimonials—so you can prepare your team, your customer, and your message for success.

1. Pre-Production: Planning the Message and the Logistics

Every successful shoot begins with a strategic pre-production process. This stage includes:

  • Storyboarding and messaging goals: What is the core message? What outcome do you want viewers to take away?
  • Interviewee prep: We’ll help you brief your customer, share sample questions, and offer tips to help them feel comfortable.
  • Location scouting: We’ll choose a visually appropriate space—whether at your customer’s site, in your office, or in our studio.
  • Scheduling and release forms: Coordinating schedules, handling logistics, and ensuring proper release documentation is signed.

Our crew ensures all the moving parts are in place before anyone steps in front of the camera.

2. The Day of the Shoot: Creating a Relaxed and Professional Environment

The shoot day is about making your customer feel supported, not scrutinized. Here’s what happens:

  • Setup: We arrive early to set up lighting, sound, cameras, and the scene. Our private studio, when used, is designed for comfort and professionalism, complete with space for props or branded elements.
  • Interview flow: We use conversational prompts to elicit authentic responses. No teleprompters—just real dialogue shaped around your goals.
  • Capturing B-roll: In addition to the interview, we film supporting footage that visually reinforces the message—your product in action, the customer’s workspace, candid interactions.
  • Sound and camera monitoring: Our experienced operators ensure everything looks and sounds great in real time, using professional gear and backup systems.

We guide the entire process, making your customer look and feel like a star—without ever feeling like they’re acting.

3. Post-Production: Turning Raw Interviews Into Strategic Content

After filming, our editing team steps in to bring the story to life:

  • Editing for narrative: We distill the interview down to the strongest, most authentic moments that support your marketing goals.
  • Visual enhancements: Logo animations, lower-thirds, branded color grading, and music enhance the final product.
  • Optimizing formats: We deliver in multiple formats (social media, website, presentation-ready) and can provide transcriptions or captioning as needed.
  • Repurposing opportunities: A single shoot can yield a main testimonial, short clips, quote graphics, and more—extending the value of your investment.

Using the latest AI-assisted post-production tools, we streamline this process without compromising creativity or quality.

4. Customer Comfort Is Key

Many customers aren’t used to being on camera. That’s why we:

  • Coach them gently on camera presence and positioning
  • Keep things conversational, not scripted
  • Allow for do-overs and natural pauses
  • Make edits that remove stumbles, filler words, and distractions

Creating a positive, no-pressure environment ensures that the testimony feels natural—and that your customer will be happy to participate again.

5. Results You Can Use Across Platforms

Great customer testimonials have a long shelf life and multi-platform value:

  • Website trust-building content
  • Email marketing
  • Sales presentations
  • Social proof for LinkedIn and YouTube
  • Internal communications or recruiting

We help you think strategically about how to use and reuse your video assets so they serve more than just one campaign.

Why Choose St Louis Commercial Video for Your Testimonial Production

At St Louis Commercial Video, we specialize in crafting impactful, professional customer testimonials from start to finish. Since 1982, we’ve supported marketing teams, creative agencies, and business leaders throughout the St. Louis area in capturing stories that convert.

We offer:

  • Full-service studio and location video production
  • Professional interview lighting, audio, and camera operators
  • Editing and post-production, powered by the latest AI tools
  • Licensed drone pilots for dynamic aerial shots
  • Flexible formatting for all platforms and marketing uses
  • Private studio spaces with built-in lighting and visual setups
  • Expertise in repurposing content for greater ROI

From setting up a custom interview studio to producing polished final edits, St Louis Commercial Video supports every stage of your testimonial journey with creativity, care, and technical excellence.

Let us help your customers become your brand’s most persuasive storytellers.

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626

How Long Should Your Customer Testimonials Be?

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Finding the Perfect Balance for Impactful Brand Storytelling

Customer Testimonials: The Unsung Heroes of Brand Trust

In the realm of corporate marketing, customer testimonials are a powerful form of social proof. When executed well, they communicate authenticity, trust, and satisfaction—all through the lens of your customer’s experience. But one of the most frequent and important questions we hear at St Louis Commercial Video Production is: “How long should our customer testimonials be?”

The answer, like most things in media production, is strategic. The ideal length depends on your marketing goals, the platform where the content will live, and how deep your audience wants to go. In this post, we’ll break down optimal lengths for testimonial videos across different use cases, and offer best practices to ensure every second adds value.

Short and Sweet: 30 to 60 Seconds

If your testimonial is destined for paid advertising, social media, or website headers, aim for 30 to 60 seconds. This format is great for grabbing attention and sparking interest. In just under a minute, the testimonial should answer:

  • Who the client is
  • What problem they faced
  • How your company helped
  • What result or benefit they gained

These micro-testimonials are perfect for YouTube pre-roll ads, Instagram stories, or as looping banner content on landing pages.

Medium-Form: 1 to 2.5 Minutes

For more in-depth storytelling on your website, email campaigns, or organic social, the sweet spot lies between 60 and 150 seconds. This gives your client enough time to develop their story without losing viewer attention. This is the most versatile format—it’s engaging, digestible, and ideal for conversion-focused content.

In this length, you can explore:

  • Emotional drivers
  • Challenges faced
  • Your unique process
  • Tangible results
  • A compelling closing remark or call to action

This format is ideal for B2B audiences or buyers who require more information before making a decision.

Long-Form Testimonials: 3 to 5+ Minutes

Long-form testimonials work when the viewer is already invested—often during mid-to-late stages of the buyer’s journey or in presentation decks, investor meetings, or trade show exhibits.

These testimonials:

  • Explore deeper narratives
  • Allow room for anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage
  • Establish trust with high-ticket or complex services

However, long-form shouldn’t mean rambling. Clear structure, intentional editing, and focused messaging are essential to keeping your audience engaged.

Tips to Make Any Length Work:

Regardless of the duration, follow these best practices:

  1. Know Your Audience: Tailor tone, pacing, and content style to match the expectations of your viewer.
  2. Script the Structure, Not the Words: Keep it authentic by guiding the narrative without feeding lines.
  3. Use B-Roll Strategically: Support the voiceover with relevant, high-quality visuals that add dimension and credibility.
  4. Professional Production Quality Matters: Crisp audio, clean lighting, and intentional framing enhance the impact of your message.
  5. Make Repurposing Easy: Edit into multiple formats—snippets for social, trailers for ads, full versions for presentations.

Why Partner with St Louis Commercial Video Production

At St Louis Commercial Video Production, we’ve been crafting compelling customer testimonial videos since 1982. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we bring decades of experience and creativity to every project. Whether it’s in-studio or on-location, our team is equipped with everything you need to make your customer’s voice shine.

We provide:

  • Studio and location video and photography
  • Editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots
  • AI-enhanced services for smarter content strategy
  • Expert lighting and private studio setup for clean, polished visuals
  • Custom interview setups and operator teams
  • Full-service indoor drone capability for immersive shots
  • Repurposing strategies to get more life out of your content

Our commitment to customized production means we meet you where you are—whether that’s a 30-second sizzle reel or a five-minute case study. We’re well-versed in all file types and styles of media, ensuring seamless delivery for all your marketing needs.

Let us help you tell your customer stories in a way that’s not only seen—but remembered.

Ready to get started?
Contact St Louis Commercial Video Production today and let’s make your next testimonial video your most powerful marketing tool yet.

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626

Video Marketing Strategies for Small Medical and Bio-Science Businesses

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In today’s competitive digital landscape, video marketing has become one of the most powerful tools for promoting products and services. For small medical and bio-science businesses, video can serve as a bridge to communicate complex concepts, showcase expertise, and build trust with potential clients. Whether you are a healthcare provider, a biotech firm, or a medical device manufacturer, utilizing effective video marketing strategies can help you grow your brand, educate your audience, and increase conversions.

Video testimonials have the added benefit of capturing authentic emotion, making them more relatable and impactful.

Why Video Marketing Works for the Medical and Bio-Science Industry

Video is particularly effective in the medical and bio-science industries due to its ability to simplify complicated information and make it more accessible to a broad audience. Here are a few reasons why video marketing is essential for small businesses in these fields:

  1. Clear Communication of Complex Ideas Medical and bio-science topics can often be technical and difficult for the average person to understand. Videos allow you to break down complex concepts into digestible formats, whether through animations, demonstrations, or expert interviews. This not only educates but also helps build trust and authority within the industry.
  2. Increased Engagement Studies show that people are more likely to engage with video content compared to other forms of media. Videos can keep viewers’ attention longer, leading to more time spent on your website or social media pages, which can drive conversions and lead to higher levels of customer retention.
  3. Showcase Testimonials and Success Stories Video testimonials from satisfied patients or clients can be incredibly effective in showcasing the impact your product or service has had. It provides real-world proof of success and builds credibility, especially in industries like medicine and bio-science where trust is key.
  4. Boost SEO Performance Search engines love video content, and websites that incorporate video are often ranked higher in search results. This is especially important for medical and bio-science businesses trying to stand out in a highly competitive field. By optimizing your video content with the right keywords, titles, and descriptions, you can increase visibility and drive traffic to your website.

Types of Video Content for Medical and Bio-Science Marketing

There are many different types of video content that small medical and bio-science businesses can leverage to enhance their marketing strategy. Here are a few popular video types:

  1. Product Demos A product demo video is an excellent way to showcase your medical device, pharmaceutical product, or biotechnology solution in action. It allows your audience to see the product’s value and how it works, which can influence purchasing decisions.
  2. Educational Videos Educational content, such as “How-to” videos or explainer videos, can provide valuable insights into medical procedures, treatments, or scientific advancements. This is a great way to position your brand as an expert in the field while offering real value to your audience.
  3. Customer Testimonials A well-shot video testimonial featuring patients, clients, or partners talking about their experience with your product or service is one of the most powerful tools to build credibility and trust. Video testimonials have the added benefit of capturing authentic emotion, making them more relatable and impactful.
  4. Behind-the-Scenes Videos Offering a behind-the-scenes look at your company or research facility can help humanize your brand. It’s a great way to show the science behind your products, your team’s dedication, or the level of care that goes into patient treatment.
  5. Interview and Thought Leadership Videos Showcasing interviews with medical professionals, scientists, or industry experts is an excellent way to provide valuable insights and further establish your authority in the field. Thought leadership videos can focus on industry trends, the latest research, or upcoming innovations.

Tips for Effective Video Marketing

To make the most of your video marketing efforts, here are a few best practices for producing and distributing videos for your medical or bio-science business:

  1. Keep It Clear and Concise Attention spans are short, so make sure your videos are concise, clear, and to the point. Focus on delivering value in the first 30 seconds to hook your audience.
  2. Invest in High-Quality Production The quality of your video reflects the quality of your business. Invest in professional video production to ensure your videos look polished and are free of distractions like poor lighting or shaky camera work.
  3. Use Engaging Thumbnails and Titles The thumbnail is the first thing people see when browsing videos. Make sure your thumbnail is visually appealing, and your title is clear, attention-grabbing, and relevant to the content.
  4. Optimize for Mobile Mobile users account for a significant portion of video consumption, so ensure your videos are optimized for mobile devices. This includes keeping the content vertical for platforms like Instagram and TikTok and ensuring the video loads quickly.
  5. Include Clear Calls to Action (CTAs) Every video should include a clear CTA. Whether you want your viewers to schedule a consultation, download a whitepaper, or learn more about your services, a well-placed CTA can turn passive viewers into active leads.

St. Louis Commercial Video: Your Trusted Partner in Video Production

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we understand the unique challenges of marketing in the medical and bio-science industries. With over 40 years of experience in the field, our team of professionals specializes in producing high-quality, engaging video content that is tailored to your specific needs. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots.

Whether you need a custom interview studio setup, product demo, or behind-the-scenes video, we have the equipment and creative crew to make your vision a reality. Our private studio is equipped with specialized lighting and visual setups for small productions and interviews, and we can even fly drones indoors for unique shots that stand out. We are experts at repurposing your photography and video content to give your branding more traction, ensuring that your message reaches the right audience in the most effective way possible.

St. Louis Commercial Video has been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982, offering a comprehensive range of services to ensure the success of every production. From sound and camera operators to editing and post-production, we have everything you need to make your next video production perfect.

Let us help you create compelling, results-driven video marketing content that will elevate your business in the medical and bio-science sectors. Contact us today to get started!

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626

Exploring Short-Form Video Content

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In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, short-form video content has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses and organizations to engage their audiences effectively. As decision-makers in photography and video production, understanding the nuances of short-form content can significantly impact your marketing strategies and overall brand messaging.

Tailor your content to fit the platform’s specific requirements and audience preferences. Each platform has its unique culture and best practices.

The Rise of Short-Form Video

Short-form video, typically ranging from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, has gained immense popularity due to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These platforms cater to consumers’ diminishing attention spans, providing quick, digestible content that resonates with viewers.

Why Short-Form Video Works

  1. Increased Engagement: Short videos are designed to capture attention quickly, making them more likely to be viewed and shared. The brevity encourages creativity, allowing brands to convey their message succinctly.
  2. Cost-Effective Production: Creating short-form videos often requires less time and fewer resources than longer formats. This allows businesses to produce more content and adapt quickly to changing trends.
  3. Versatility: Short videos can serve multiple purposes—from promotional snippets to behind-the-scenes glimpses and customer testimonials. This versatility enables brands to diversify their content strategy effectively.
  4. Enhanced Brand Awareness: With engaging short videos, companies can build brand recognition and loyalty by delivering consistent messaging across various platforms.

Best Practices for Creating Short-Form Video Content

  1. Hook Your Audience Early: The first few seconds are crucial. Use compelling visuals or intriguing questions to capture interest immediately.
  2. Keep It Simple: Focus on a single message or theme. Overloading viewers with information can dilute your message and decrease engagement.
  3. Leverage Captions: Many viewers watch videos without sound. Adding captions ensures your message is understood regardless of audio settings.
  4. Call to Action (CTA): Encourage viewers to take action after watching your video. Whether it’s visiting your website, following your social media, or purchasing a product, a clear CTA can drive engagement.
  5. Optimize for Each Platform: Tailor your content to fit the platform’s specific requirements and audience preferences. Each platform has its unique culture and best practices.

Conclusion

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we understand the impact of short-form video content in today’s marketing strategies. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with over 40 years of experience, we have the right equipment and creative crew to ensure successful image acquisition for your projects.

We offer comprehensive services, including studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our expertise allows us to customize productions to meet diverse media requirements, ensuring that your branding gains the traction it deserves. We specialize in repurposing your photography and video assets to maximize their impact.

Our private studio features advanced lighting and visual setups, perfect for small productions and interview scenes. We can accommodate props to enhance your set, and our experienced team can provide everything from custom interview studio setups to sound and camera operators. Additionally, our specialized drones can be flown indoors, offering unique perspectives for your content.

Since 1982, St. Louis Commercial Video has collaborated with numerous businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, delivering top-notch corporate photography and video solutions. Trust us to help you navigate the world of short-form video content and elevate your brand’s presence in the digital space.

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626