Tag Archives: Documentary-style productions

Organizing Your Video Crew for Aerial and Ground Shooting: A Strategic Guide for Professional Productions

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In today’s multimedia-driven landscape, combining aerial and ground footage is no longer just a luxury—it’s a standard for delivering impactful, cinematic-quality video content. Whether you’re capturing a sweeping aerial view of a corporate facility or tightly framed ground-level interviews, organizing your crew efficiently is critical to maximizing production value and staying on schedule.

At St Louis Commercial Video, we’ve spent decades perfecting the craft of integrating drone and ground videography into cohesive, high-performance productions for businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies. Below, we share insights into how to properly plan and organize your team for a seamless and professional shoot that blends these two vital perspectives.

1. Pre-Production Planning: Define Goals and Logistics Early

A successful aerial and ground production begins well before the cameras roll. Start by identifying the key deliverables—are you showcasing a large-scale construction project, capturing branded lifestyle content, or conducting interview segments with environmental B-roll?

Early in the planning phase:

  • Define which elements will be shot from the air vs. the ground.
  • Conduct a location scout to assess FAA compliance, line-of-sight concerns, and sun paths.
  • Build a shot list that outlines timing, equipment, and camera crew responsibilities.
  • Coordinate timing between drone flight windows and ground scenes to avoid unnecessary downtime or overlap.

2. Crew Roles: Who Does What, When, and Where

It’s essential to have a clearly defined crew structure, especially when coordinating ground and aerial units simultaneously. A typical setup may include:

  • Director of Photography (DP): Oversees the overall look, lighting, and shot continuity across ground and drone work.
  • Camera Operators (Ground): Capture stabilized movement, interview setups, or motion-controlled sequences.
  • Drone Pilot & Visual Observer: Licensed and insured professionals responsible for executing flight paths safely and in compliance with regulations.
  • Grip and Gaffer Team: Set up lighting, flags, reflectors, and secure equipment both indoors and out.
  • Production Assistant (PA): Manages talent, maintains timing, and supports quick transitions between aerial and ground setups.

Communication is key—radios or synced production apps can ensure real-time updates between ground and aerial crews.

3. Synchronizing Aerial and Ground Shots for Story Continuity

Combining aerial and ground perspectives enhances storytelling, but only if the footage feels unified. Ensure:

  • Color profiles and camera settings match across all devices (LOG formats, frame rates, white balance).
  • Visual transitions—such as dolly shots that lead into drone lifts or flyovers that reveal a ground-level subject—are planned in advance.
  • Use establishing aerial shots to open scenes and contextualize the ground footage that follows.

4. Technical Considerations for Mixed-Environments

Shooting indoors and outdoors in the same day requires adaptable gear and planning:

  • Use drones with propeller guards and precise stabilization for indoor flight, such as in factories, warehouses, or convention centers.
  • Prep ground cameras with ND filters and variable light setups for changing conditions.
  • Always have backup media, batteries, and a clean power source—especially when working in remote locations.

If weather becomes a factor, have an indoor shooting contingency plan ready, particularly for critical interviews or product showcases.

5. Post-Production: Editing for Maximum Impact

Once your footage is captured, the post-production process is where your ground and aerial content is integrated into a polished final product. Key tips:

  • Use motion graphics to bridge ground and aerial segments.
  • Leverage AI-assisted editing tools for color grading, stabilization, and object tracking across both types of footage.
  • Add voiceovers or ambient soundbeds to keep transitions smooth and cohesive.

Trust St Louis Commercial Video for Complete Production Solutions

At St Louis Commercial Video, we specialize in seamlessly blending ground and aerial video to deliver cinematic, brand-elevating results. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we’ve been trusted since 1982 by businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis region.

We offer:

  • Studio and on-location production with expert camera crews and operators.
  • Licensed drone pilots for high-end aerial imaging, including the ability to fly specialized drones indoors.
  • Editing and post-production using the latest in AI-enhanced tools.
  • A fully equipped private studio for controlled lighting and set design—perfect for small productions or interview scenes.

Our team understands how to repurpose your photography and video branding for ongoing marketing impact, and we’re fluent in all file types, platforms, and delivery formats to meet your unique media needs.

Let us help you organize your next shoot—from sky to studio—with the confidence and creativity your brand deserves.

Ready to elevate your visuals with a production partner that understands every angle—ground to air?
Contact St Louis Commercial Video today.

Mike Haller 314-913-5626 stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

Private Studio 4501 Mattis Road St. Louis, MO 63128

Editing Video Interviews: Adding B-Roll Is Easier Than You Think

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In the world of professional video production, editing video interviews is a critical component of storytelling. While a well-shot interview provides the foundation, incorporating B-roll footage enhances the visual experience, maintains viewer engagement, and adds depth to the message. Many decision-makers in photography, marketing, and video production believe integrating B-roll is a complicated process, but with the right planning and expertise, it’s easier than you think. Here’s how you can effectively add B-roll to your interview footage to create dynamic and engaging content.

While static B-roll is useful, incorporating subtle motion like slow zooms or pans can add polish.

Why B-Roll Matters in Interview Videos

B-roll serves as a vital storytelling tool, complementing the primary A-roll (interview footage) by:

  • Enhancing Visual Appeal: Breaking up long talking-head shots with supporting visuals prevents monotony and keeps viewers engaged.
  • Providing Context: B-roll helps illustrate the subject’s points, reinforcing key messages with real-world visuals.
  • Improving Flow and Pacing: Smooth transitions between A-roll and B-roll make the video feel seamless, enhancing overall watchability.
  • Covering Jump Cuts: If you need to edit out filler words, pauses, or errors in an interview, B-roll can serve as a seamless transition to maintain fluidity.

How to Select the Right B-Roll

The effectiveness of B-roll depends on its relevance to the interview content. When selecting or capturing B-roll, consider:

  • Story Alignment: Choose footage that directly supports what’s being said in the interview.
  • Emotional Impact: B-roll should enhance the emotional tone of the interview, whether it’s serious, inspirational, or lighthearted.
  • Diversity of Shots: Utilize a mix of close-ups, mid-range shots, and wide angles to add variety.
  • Action-Oriented Clips: Footage that shows the interview subject in action—such as demonstrating a product, interacting with clients, or working in their environment—adds authenticity.

Techniques for Seamless B-Roll Integration

Incorporating B-roll effectively requires careful planning and a strong understanding of editing techniques. Here are some professional strategies:

1. Plan Ahead During Production

If possible, capture B-roll footage while filming the interview. This ensures consistency in lighting, resolution, and framing. Pre-production planning can identify the types of supplementary footage needed based on the interview topic.

2. Use Natural Transition Points

Look for moments in the interview where the subject mentions specific places, people, or actions. These points are ideal for cutting away to B-roll footage while keeping the dialogue intact.

3. Maintain Audio Continuity

When adding B-roll, keep the interview audio running in the background. This maintains narrative coherence and avoids a disjointed feel.

4. Apply Motion and Effects Thoughtfully

While static B-roll is useful, incorporating subtle motion like slow zooms or pans can add polish. However, avoid excessive effects that distract from the core message.

5. Optimize for Different Platforms

Consider how the video will be used—whether for social media, websites, or broadcast. Editing variations may be needed for different formats to ensure the best impact.

How St Louis Commercial Video Can Help

At St Louis Commercial Video, we specialize in producing high-quality commercial photography and video content that aligns with your marketing goals. As a full-service professional video production company, we provide:

  • Studio and On-Location Filming: Whether you need a controlled studio setting or a dynamic on-site shoot, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver.
  • Expert Editing and Post-Production: Our team seamlessly integrates B-roll into your interview footage to enhance storytelling and professionalism.
  • Licensed Drone Pilots: We offer aerial and even indoor drone footage to add unique perspectives to your projects.
  • Custom Interview Studio Setup: Our private studio provides the perfect environment for professional interviews, complete with high-quality lighting and sound.
  • Versatility Across Media Formats: We are well-versed in all file types and media styles, ensuring compatibility across platforms and marketing strategies.

Since 1982, St Louis Commercial Video has worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout St. Louis, helping them create compelling visual content that resonates with their audience. Whether you need a full-scale production or expert editing for your next interview video, we have the skills, equipment, and creative insight to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to learn how we can enhance your video production with expertly crafted B-roll integration!

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626

Easy Steps to Plan Your Training Video Production

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Creating a training video can be a powerful way to communicate valuable information to your employees, clients, or customers. Whether you’re showcasing a new process, demonstrating a product, or explaining your company’s values, a training video offers a clear, engaging way to convey complex ideas. However, creating an effective training video requires careful planning, coordination, and the right team to ensure the message is communicated clearly and effectively.

Whether you’re shooting in a studio or on-location, the environment should complement the content.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to planning a successful training video production. These steps will guide you from pre-production through to post-production, ensuring your video achieves its objectives.

1. Define the Goal and Audience

The first step in any video production is to define the purpose of the video and the audience you want to reach. Is the training video meant to onboard new employees? Educate customers on how to use a product? The more specific you are about the goal, the better the outcome will be.

Understanding your audience is equally important. What’s their level of knowledge about the subject? Are they looking for a deep dive into a topic or just a quick overview? Tailoring your content to the audience ensures the video is relevant and impactful.

2. Create a Script or Outline

Once you know your objective and audience, the next step is to create a script or outline. This is a crucial stage where the structure and flow of the video are established.

For a training video, the script should cover all the key points that need to be communicated. Be sure to break it down into sections, with each part clearly outlining what’s going to be covered. This makes the video easier to digest for the audience. The script should also incorporate any visual or graphic elements you want to include, such as on-screen text, animations, or diagrams.

3. Choose the Right Location and Equipment

Choosing the right location is vital for setting the tone and ensuring high production value. Whether you’re shooting in a studio or on-location, the environment should complement the content. The setting should be clean, uncluttered, and conducive to clear communication.

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we offer a private studio with lighting and visual setups perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Our large studio can even accommodate props to round out your set and help create an immersive learning environment. For on-location shoots, we have extensive experience working in a wide variety of settings, including offices, factories, and more.

In addition to location, having the right equipment is key to producing high-quality training videos. This includes cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and editing software. Our team at St. Louis Commercial Video is equipped with the latest tools to ensure your training video looks professional and polished. We can also fly specialized drones indoors for dynamic aerial shots.

4. Pre-Production Planning

Pre-production is where you plan all the details for your video shoot. This includes securing the necessary permits, scheduling crew members, and organizing the props, costumes, and any additional materials needed for the production. You’ll also want to create a shooting schedule that outlines what shots will be captured and in what order.

A solid pre-production plan will save time on the day of the shoot and ensure everything goes smoothly. Make sure to communicate clearly with your team about their roles, expectations, and timelines.

5. Filming the Training Video

The filming stage is where everything comes together. The director, camera operators, sound engineers, and other crew members will collaborate to capture the footage according to the plan.

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we provide sound and camera operators, as well as the equipment necessary for a successful shoot. Whether it’s a simple interview or a complex multi-location production, we have the experience and resources to handle it all.

6. Editing and Post-Production

Once filming is complete, the editing process begins. This is where the raw footage is turned into a cohesive video. Editing involves cutting unnecessary footage, adding transitions, inserting graphics or text, and adjusting the sound. This is also the stage where you can integrate any special effects, animations, or on-screen prompts to enhance learning.

Our team at St. Louis Commercial Video is well-versed in all file types and styles of media, ensuring that the final product is compatible with your preferred platform or distribution method. We also specialize in repurposing video and photography content, so you can maximize the value of your training materials across various channels.

7. Review and Final Adjustments

Before delivering the final training video, it’s important to review the video to ensure it meets the objectives and resonates with the audience. Get feedback from key stakeholders and make any necessary revisions. If your training video includes instructional material, it’s essential to verify that all information is accurate and easy to follow.

8. Distribution and Tracking Effectiveness

Once your video is finalized, it’s time to distribute it to your audience. Depending on your needs, this might involve uploading it to your internal learning management system (LMS), hosting it on a website, or sharing it via email. Consider tracking the effectiveness of your training video by monitoring engagement and feedback.

Why Choose St. Louis Commercial Video?

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we’ve been providing professional photography and video production services since 1982. Our experienced team is dedicated to creating top-quality videos that meet your corporate needs, from training materials to promotional content.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, along with editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our private studio features customizable setups perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and we can even accommodate props to enhance your set. Whether you need a custom interview studio or a full production team, we’ve got you covered. We’re experts in repurposing photography and video branding to help you gain more traction across various platforms.

Let St. Louis Commercial Video be your trusted partner in creating successful training videos that engage and educate your audience. With the right equipment and creative crew, we ensure every production is executed with precision and professionalism. Contact us today to start planning your next video production!

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626

The Pros and Cons of Different Video Production Interview Styles

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In the world of corporate video production, interviews are often the backbone of content creation. Whether it’s for marketing, internal communications, or customer testimonials, the style of interview you choose will significantly impact the overall effectiveness and engagement of your video. Different styles serve different purposes, and each has its unique advantages and challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of various video production interview styles to help you make an informed decision for your next project.

With two cameras, you can switch between shots for a more dynamic and visually interesting experience.

1. The Traditional Sit-Down Interview

The sit-down interview is the most classic and widely used format in corporate video production. In this style, the interviewee is typically seated facing the camera, with a background that complements the topic of the interview.

Pros:

  • Simplicity and Professionalism: The traditional style is clean and professional, making it perfect for corporate settings. It allows the viewer to focus on the subject matter without distractions.
  • Controlled Environment: You can control the lighting, sound, and other elements, ensuring consistency in every shot.
  • Effective for Authority Figures: It works well for leaders, executives, or anyone whose authority and expertise need to be highlighted.

Cons:

  • Lack of Variety: A static shot can make the video feel monotonous if not executed well. Viewers may lose interest, especially in long interviews.
  • Less Dynamic: It may not be ideal for storytelling or conveying emotion, as the interviewee may appear too rigid.

2. On-Location Interviews

On-location interviews are conducted in a real-world setting, whether at the interviewee’s office, a customer’s home, or an outdoor location. This style provides more context and can make the video feel more authentic.

Pros:

  • Contextual Relevance: The location can add meaning to the interview, visually reinforcing the subject matter. For example, a real estate agent in a home or a business executive at the office creates a sense of authenticity.
  • Dynamic Environment: The changing environment adds visual interest, making the video feel more lively and engaging.

Cons:

  • Less Control: Filming on-location comes with its challenges, such as uncontrolled lighting, noise, and possible distractions. These factors can impact video quality.
  • Logistical Complexity: Securing permits, coordinating schedules, and dealing with unpredictable weather can add time and cost to the production process.

3. Walking Interviews

In a walking interview, the subject walks through a location while being filmed, often with the interviewer off-camera asking questions. This style can create a more dynamic and informal feel.

Pros:

  • Natural Movement: This style allows the interviewee to appear more relaxed and natural, as if they’re having a conversation rather than answering stiff questions.
  • Engaging Visuals: The movement adds visual interest, and the environment can be used to support the narrative of the interview.

Cons:

  • Logistical Challenges: Walking and talking while being filmed requires careful coordination of cameras and lighting, which can be challenging to execute smoothly.
  • Distractions: The movement may detract from the subject matter if the setting is too busy or noisy.

4. Two-Camera Interviews

In a two-camera interview, multiple cameras are used to capture different angles of the subject, such as a wide shot and a close-up.

Pros:

  • Dynamic Perspective: With two cameras, you can switch between shots for a more dynamic and visually interesting experience.
  • Improved Engagement: Changing perspectives keeps the viewer engaged and creates a more immersive viewing experience.
  • Ideal for Editing: This style is perfect for editing, as the two angles give you more flexibility in the post-production phase.

Cons:

  • More Complex Setup: Using multiple cameras requires more equipment, crew, and time for setup, making it more expensive and labor-intensive.
  • Increased Editing Time: The additional footage will also add time to the post-production phase.

5. Green Screen Interviews

A green screen interview involves shooting the interview with a solid green background, which can later be replaced with any desired background in post-production.

Pros:

  • Endless Possibilities: You can create any environment for your interviewee, whether it’s a corporate office, a digital background, or an abstract visual.
  • Controlled Environment: Like the traditional sit-down interview, a green screen setup gives you complete control over lighting, sound, and other elements.

Cons:

  • Post-Production Intensive: This style requires significant work in post-production to insert the background, which can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Unnatural Look: If not done well, green screen effects can look artificial or distract from the message of the interview.

6. Roundtable Interviews

Roundtable interviews feature multiple people participating in a discussion, often with each individual facing the camera. This style is ideal for panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, or group interviews.

Pros:

  • Collaborative Atmosphere: A roundtable interview can showcase a collaborative environment, emphasizing teamwork and the exchange of ideas.
  • Multiple Perspectives: It provides a broader range of viewpoints, making it perfect for exploring diverse opinions on a topic.

Cons:

  • Coordination Challenges: Managing multiple people in a single shot requires careful camera work and coordination to ensure everyone is adequately framed and heard.
  • Potential for Disorganization: If not moderated properly, the conversation may become disorganized, leading to less cohesive messaging.

St. Louis Commercial Video: Your Trusted Partner for Video Production Success

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we have been working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies since 1982 to provide professional video and photography production services. Our extensive experience in the industry means we understand the unique needs of each production, whether it’s a traditional sit-down interview or a dynamic on-location video shoot.

As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we offer everything you need for a successful production, including full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our team of creative professionals is well-versed in a variety of file types and media styles, ensuring that your content is perfectly tailored to your objectives.

Our private studio is equipped with customizable lighting setups for small productions and interview scenes. It’s large enough to incorporate props, allowing us to create the perfect environment for your interview or video shoot. We specialize in flying drones indoors, adding a unique touch to your video production.

No matter what style of interview or video production you choose, St. Louis Commercial Video can help with every part of the process—from private custom interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators, and even offering specialized equipment for perfect video results.

Choose St. Louis Commercial Video for your next project, and experience the difference our equipment, expertise, and creative vision can make in bringing your ideas to life.

stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com

 314-913-5626

Video Interviews | Testimonials | B-roll

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Video interviews and testimonials provide a powerful way for our clients to connect with their audiences. Interviews are a critical component of many of the videos we create and produce. We pride ourselves on producing attention-getting and engaging video interviews that inspire action.

Our crews are knowledgeable of what questions to ask and when. The positioning of the subject, lighting arrangements, and camera angles all come with an experienced crew.

St. Louis video interviews and b-roll

Our attention to those details and our experience help us produce video content for you that inspires and that will resonate with your target audience.

Our highly experienced crews will be on-site to ensure you get all the necessary B-roll footage you need as well. We ensure that the video production process goes as smoothly as possible, from start to finish. We assemble the right talent, crew, and locations to accomplish the necessary steps to achieve your communication goals.

Mike Haller
314-913-5626 stlouiscommercialvideo@gmail.com