Should You Script Testimonials? What Experts Say

Posted on March 12, 2025 by saintlouisvideo

In the world of corporate video production, testimonial videos have become a cornerstone of marketing strategy. A well-crafted testimonial can build trust, enhance credibility, and provide social proof to potential customers. However, a common question arises in the production process: Should testimonial videos be scripted?

Spontaneous responses often contain genuine emotion that resonates more strongly with viewers than a carefully crafted script.

The Argument for Scripting Testimonials

Some professionals argue that scripting testimonial videos ensures a polished and coherent message. Here are a few benefits of scripting:

Consistency in Messaging – A script ensures that key selling points and brand messaging are clearly communicated. This prevents testimonials from veering off-topic or becoming too long-winded.
Professionalism – A structured script can make a video appear more polished and well-produced, giving the impression of a high-quality production that aligns with a company’s brand standards.
Legal and Compliance Requirements – In industries that require careful wording due to legal considerations, a script can help avoid liability issues and ensure accuracy.
Time Efficiency – Testimonial recordings can be streamlined when participants know exactly what to say, reducing production time and post-production editing.

The Argument Against Scripting Testimonials

On the other hand, many video production experts advocate for an unscripted, natural approach. Here’s why:

Authenticity – Customers and clients value authenticity. When testimonials feel overly scripted, they may come across as rehearsed and insincere, diminishing their impact.
Emotional Connection – Spontaneous responses often contain genuine emotion that resonates more strongly with viewers than a carefully crafted script.
Engagement and Relatability – Viewers are more likely to trust and connect with a person who speaks naturally and in their own words rather than reading off a script.
Improvisation Leads to Unique Insights – An unscripted testimonial allows clients to express their experiences in a personal and memorable way that might not be captured in a rigid script.

The Best of Both Worlds: A Guided Approach

Rather than choosing between fully scripted or entirely spontaneous testimonials, the most effective approach is often a hybrid method:

Provide Talking Points – Instead of a verbatim script, offer key points that guide the testimonial in the right direction while allowing natural expression.
Pre-Interview Discussions – Before filming, discuss the main message with the participant so they feel prepared but not overly rehearsed.
Multiple Takes – Allow multiple takes to capture the best version of the testimonial while keeping the delivery natural and engaging.
Skilled Editing – In post-production, skilled editors can refine the footage to highlight the most compelling moments while maintaining authenticity.

How St Louis Video Can Help You Capture the Perfect Testimonial

At St Louis Video, we specialize in crafting compelling testimonial videos that align with your brand’s marketing goals. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment and creative expertise to ensure successful image acquisition.

Our services include:

Full-service studio and location video and photography – Whether in our fully equipped studio or at a client’s location, we provide high-quality production environments.
Editing and post-production – We fine-tune testimonials to enhance their authenticity while ensuring a professional final product.
Licensed drone pilots – We can incorporate aerial shots for dynamic testimonials.
Customizable productions – We tailor each project to fit diverse media requirements, repurposing photography and video branding for maximum traction.
Private studio lighting and set design – Our setup is perfect for small productions, allowing for well-lit, professional testimonial recordings.
Specialized drone operation, including indoor flights – We can create unique and engaging shots that elevate testimonial videos.

Since 1982, St Louis Video has worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area to produce high-quality marketing photography and video. Whether you prefer a scripted approach, an organic testimonial, or a mix of both, our experienced team will ensure your testimonial videos effectively engage and convert your audience.

314-913-5626
stlouisvideos@gmail.com

How to Choose the Right Interview Style Production for Your Audience

Posted on November 24, 2024 by saintlouisvideo

Choosing the right interview style for your video production is critical to ensuring that your message resonates with your audience. Whether you’re creating content for marketing, internal communication, or corporate storytelling, the style you select will shape how the viewer connects with the message. In this blog post, we will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting an interview style that aligns with your audience’s expectations and the goals of your production.

Short, impactful interviews work best on social platforms, where viewers have shorter attention spans. For these, a walking interview or on-location shoot with quick edits and a more personal tone is ideal.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Interview

The first step in selecting the right interview style is understanding the purpose of your video. Is the interview meant to inform, inspire, entertain, or showcase an authority figure? The tone of the interview should align with its purpose.

For Educational Content: A traditional sit-down interview works well for delivering clear, focused information from an expert. This style is perfect for professional settings where the goal is to present facts or share insights.
For Emotional Storytelling: If your goal is to create an emotional connection with the audience, consider a walking interview or an on-location shoot. These styles make the interview feel more personal and natural, allowing the audience to relate to the interviewee on a deeper level.
For Authority and Leadership: When the goal is to showcase a leader or expert, a sit-down interview with professional lighting and minimal distractions conveys authority and credibility. This approach helps maintain a focused, polished image that supports the expertise of the interviewee.

2. Match the Interview Style to Your Audience

Understanding your audience’s preferences and expectations is key when deciding on the interview style. A corporate board of directors may expect a formal approach, while potential customers on social media may respond better to a more relaxed and engaging format.

For Corporate Clients and Executives: A traditional sit-down interview in a controlled studio or professional setting ensures a polished look that appeals to a corporate audience. Clean, straightforward interviews help convey professionalism and reliability.
For Younger or More Casual Audiences: If your target audience is more casual or creative, an on-location interview or roundtable discussion may provide a more engaging and relatable atmosphere. For instance, interviewing a team in a creative office space or outdoor environment helps bring authenticity and personality to the forefront.

3. Consider the Tone and Atmosphere You Want to Create

The tone of the interview sets the mood for the entire production. Do you want a serious, formal conversation or a more relaxed, conversational tone? Different interview styles will achieve different atmospheres.

Formal and Authoritative: A traditional sit-down interview or green screen setup is ideal for when you need a formal, controlled environment that focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject’s expertise.
Casual and Engaging: If your goal is to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, walking interviews or on-location settings work well. These styles allow the interviewee to feel more at ease, which often results in a more natural and engaging conversation.
Dynamic and Collaborative: For content that involves multiple perspectives or collaboration, a roundtable interview can help showcase the diversity of ideas and create an atmosphere of teamwork. This style is effective for group discussions, brainstorming sessions, or when presenting multiple viewpoints.

4. Evaluate the Production Resources Available

The style you choose will often depend on the resources you have available, including time, equipment, and crew. Some styles require more preparation and equipment than others.

Sit-Down Interviews: These are typically the easiest to execute with minimal setup. A professional studio setup with controlled lighting and sound is ideal for this type of interview. This style is efficient and cost-effective for straightforward, high-quality results.
On-Location Interviews: Shooting on-location provides authenticity, but it requires more effort in terms of logistics. Factors such as travel, permits, and controlling natural light can add complexity to the shoot. However, the results are worth the extra effort when you need a visually compelling and immersive environment.
Walking or Multi-Camera Interviews: These styles require more crew and technical equipment. Walking interviews, for instance, require coordinating cameras and lighting while capturing the subject in motion. Multi-camera setups are ideal for dynamic shoots but demand additional resources for filming and editing.

5. What Are the Length and Format of the Interview?

The duration and format of your interview should also influence the style you choose. Shorter interviews may lend themselves better to a straightforward sit-down style, while longer interviews benefit from a more dynamic approach to maintain viewer engagement.

Short Interviews: For brief, to-the-point interviews, a single-camera setup with a clean background is effective. You can also utilize two-camera setups to add variety and keep the content visually interesting.
Long Interviews or Documentaries: For longer content, consider incorporating more dynamic shots, like two-camera setups, walking interviews, or on-location shoots. These styles help keep the audience engaged throughout the length of the interview.

6. How Will the Interview Be Used?

Where and how you intend to use the footage will impact the interview style you choose. Are you sharing this video on social media, using it for a corporate presentation, or embedding it on your website? Different platforms and contexts require different approaches.

Social Media: Short, impactful interviews work best on social platforms, where viewers have shorter attention spans. For these, a walking interview or on-location shoot with quick edits and a more personal tone is ideal.
Corporate Videos: For videos that will be used in presentations, on company websites, or in investor relations, a formal sit-down interview in a controlled environment offers clarity and professionalism.

7. What is Your Budget and Timeline?

Finally, your budget and timeline will play a crucial role in determining the style of the interview. More complex setups like multi-camera interviews, green screens, or on-location shoots will require a larger budget and longer production times.

Budget-Conscious Productions: For more affordable and time-efficient productions, a sit-down interview in a studio setting is the best option. It’s quick to set up, requires fewer crew members, and is easier to execute.
Higher Budget and Time Flexibility: If your project has a larger budget and flexible timeline, consider investing in dynamic walking interviews or on-location shoots for a visually rich experience that aligns with your goals.

Why St. Louis Video is Your Go-To Partner for Corporate Video Productions

At St. Louis Video, we bring decades of experience to every production, offering full-service professional commercial photography and video production services. Since 1982, we’ve worked with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, providing high-quality videos that help our clients achieve their goals.

We offer a wide range of services, including full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our team is well-versed in all media types, file formats, and editing software, ensuring that your video content is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Our private studio is equipped with customizable lighting and setups, making it ideal for small productions and interview scenes. We can also incorporate props to enhance your set, and our specialized drones allow us to capture stunning aerial shots indoors for a truly unique production.

Whether you need a custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or help with every part of your video production, St. Louis Video is here to ensure your project is a success. Let us help you elevate your video production and achieve the results you’re looking for.

314-913-5626
stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Short Video Ideas for Every Brand or Business

Posted on October 23, 2024 by saintlouisvideo

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, short videos have emerged as a powerful tool for brands and businesses to communicate their message effectively. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts gaining immense popularity, businesses must adapt their marketing strategies to harness the potential of short-form video content. Here are some creative ideas for short videos that can elevate your brand’s presence and engage your audience.

Educational content not only engages viewers but also encourages them to return for more insights.

1. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

Give your audience an exclusive look at what goes on behind the scenes. Whether it’s a glimpse of your production process, team brainstorming sessions, or event preparations, behind-the-scenes videos create a sense of transparency and connection with your brand. This type of content helps humanize your business and build trust with your audience.

2. Product Demonstrations

Short videos are ideal for showcasing your products in action. Create concise, engaging demonstrations that highlight the features and benefits of your offerings. Consider using a before-and-after format, testimonials, or even user-generated content to illustrate how your product solves a problem or enhances the customer’s life.

3. Customer Testimonials

Capture authentic customer experiences through short testimonial videos. These powerful endorsements can significantly influence potential buyers, as they provide social proof and build credibility. Encourage satisfied customers to share their stories, and consider incorporating compelling visuals or a brief Q&A format to make the content more engaging.

4. Quick Tips and Tricks

Position your brand as an industry expert by sharing valuable tips and tricks related to your niche. These can be quick how-to videos, hacks, or best practices that provide immediate value to your audience. Educational content not only engages viewers but also encourages them to return for more insights.

5. Event Highlights

If your business hosts or participates in events, create highlight reels showcasing the key moments. These videos can include guest speakers, product launches, or even fun activities that took place. Event highlights can generate excitement and serve as a promotional tool for future events.

6. Animated Explainers

For complex products or services, consider using animated explainer videos to simplify your message. Animation can effectively convey information in an engaging manner, making it easier for your audience to understand your offerings. Keep it short and focus on the main benefits to capture attention quickly.

7. Employee Spotlights

Highlighting your team members through short video profiles can foster a strong company culture and showcase the talent behind your brand. These videos can introduce team members, share their roles, and even include fun facts or personal stories. It helps potential clients connect with the people they will work with.

8. Challenges and Contests

Engage your audience by hosting video challenges or contests. Encourage customers to submit short videos using your product or showcasing their creativity related to your brand. Not only does this generate user-generated content, but it also builds a community around your brand.

9. Seasonal Promotions

Create short promotional videos around holidays or special occasions. Use festive themes and messaging to capture your audience’s attention and encourage them to take advantage of seasonal offers. This approach can enhance your brand’s visibility and drive sales during peak times.

10. Company Values and Mission

Share your company’s values, mission, and vision through impactful short videos. This content can resonate deeply with your audience, especially if they align with your brand’s ethos. Use compelling visuals and storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection.

Conclusion

Short videos present an incredible opportunity for brands to engage their audience and convey their message effectively. At St. Louis Video, we understand the importance of high-quality, customized video content that meets your specific needs. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we are equipped with the right tools and a creative crew to ensure successful image acquisition.

With over 40 years of experience, St. Louis Video specializes in full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. We can customize your productions to cater to diverse media requirements and excel at repurposing your photography and video branding for maximum traction.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup are perfect for small productions and interview scenes, allowing us to create tailored environments for your projects. We offer extensive support, from custom interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators, ensuring every aspect of your production is handled with care.

Let us help you achieve the perfect video production, whether indoors or out. With St. Louis Video, you have a partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life, helping you engage your audience and elevate your brand presence.

314-913-5626
stlouisvideos@gmail.com