Whether you’re capturing client testimonials, executive insights, or employee stories, the quality of your video interviews says a lot about your brand. But what if you don’t have the luxury of a full production crew?

The good news: with a focused approach, the right gear, and an experienced team, you can achieve polished, professional interview videos with just a small crew. At St Louis Commercial Video, we specialize in helping businesses do just that—without compromising quality, storytelling, or branding.

1. Plan Like a Larger Production

Even with a small crew, pre-production is non-negotiable. Clear objectives, story structure, interview questions, and production logistics should all be mapped out in advance. A shot list, lighting plan, and location scouting help ensure that once the camera rolls, every detail supports the story.

Small crew or not, professionalism begins long before the shoot day.

2. Leverage the Power of Dual Roles

An experienced crew member can often serve multiple functions. For example, a seasoned director of photography (DP) may also manage lighting, while a producer might double as the interviewer and script supervisor. At St Louis Commercial Video, our professionals are cross-trained, enabling us to streamline setups and minimize personnel without sacrificing precision.

3. Optimize Lighting for Your Space

Lighting can make or break an interview. With a small crew, we rely on compact, high-output LED lights that are easy to move and adjust. We often use soft key lights paired with practical background lights for a cinematic look that flatters the subject and elevates the scene.

Our studio’s private lighting setup is optimized for fast, consistent lighting that minimizes setup time and maximizes visual impact—ideal for tight shoot schedules.

4. Sound Is Half the Story

Audio is often overlooked in small-crew productions, but it’s critical to get it right. A shotgun mic on a boom pole or a lavalier mic clipped to the subject can deliver professional-grade sound when properly monitored. Our crews use discreet wireless lav systems with backup recorders—because there’s no reshoot for bad audio.

5. Keep the Camera Setup Nimble

We favor a single camera on a tripod with a prime or zoom lens for tight, focused interview shots. A second camera (if needed) can be locked off for B-roll angles, but even a one-camera shoot can look dynamic with thoughtful composition and subject engagement.

Our small-crew interview packages include professional 4K camera bodies and stabilized lenses, ensuring broadcast-quality footage even in lean setups.

6. Focus on the Subject’s Comfort

Small crews are less intimidating—an advantage when working with interviewees who may be camera-shy. With fewer distractions on set, our crew builds rapport quickly, guiding the subject with confidence and helping them deliver natural, authentic responses.

We often customize interview studios or adapt client office spaces to feel warm, safe, and camera-ready—our job is to make your speaker shine.

7. Edit Smart, Repurpose Often

After the shoot, the real value comes from skilled editing. A single interview can generate multiple deliverables: short social clips, long-form thought leadership pieces, or even quote graphics. With a small crew and a strategic mindset, you’re not just capturing content—you’re creating a content engine.

At St Louis Commercial Video, we routinely repurpose client interviews across platforms, using AI-enhanced tools for editing, transcription, and formatting for various aspect ratios.

Experience That Scales With Your Needs

Since 1982, St Louis Commercial Video has worked with marketing teams, businesses, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area to deliver professional photography and video productions tailored to each client’s needs.

We are a full-service commercial photography and video production company offering studio and on-location services, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our creative teams use the latest AI-enhanced tools, and we are deeply experienced in repurposing photography and video branding to maximize return on your media investment.

Whether you need to capture a CEO message, film a customer testimonial, or create branded thought leadership content, our small-crew interview setups deliver big impact. From lighting and custom studio setups to camera operators and post-production expertise—we make your next shoot seamless, professional, and scalable.

Ready to tell your story?
Let St Louis Commercial Video bring your interviews to life—with the right crew, the right gear, and the experience to make it effortless.

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

Private Studio 4501 Mattis Road St. Louis, MO 63128