Tag Archives: product video production

Lens-Level Polish: Why Teleprompters Create Professional-Looking Videos

Posted on by

0

For executives, engineers, clinicians, and sales leaders who don’t live on camera, a teleprompter is the fastest path to polished delivery. It doesn’t make people sound robotic—poor setup and coaching do. With the right script, optics, and operator, a teleprompter frees your talent to focus on presence while your brand stays on message.

Why Teleprompters Work (For Non-Actors, Too)

  • Cognitive relief: No memorization. Working memory goes to tone, pace, and connection.
  • Message fidelity: Brand, legal, and technical language are delivered accurately.
  • Schedule control: Fewer restarts and pickups reduce crew hours and room time.
  • Consistency at scale: Multiple speakers, one voice—ideal for product lines and multi-market rollouts.

Best Use Cases

  • Leadership announcements and culture messages
  • Product explainers and regulated claims
  • Training modules and onboarding
  • Fundraising and investor updates
  • Multi-language/localized content (script-first translation)

Script Engineering: Write for the Mouth, Not the Page

  • Pacing: 120–140 words per minute for non-professional talent; shorten dense sentences.
  • Structure: One idea per sentence. Favor active voice and concrete nouns.
  • Readability: Sentence case, short lines, generous line breaks; avoid all caps in body copy.
  • Pronunciation: Add phonetics for jargon and names (e.g., “biologics (bye-oh-LAH-jiks)”).
  • Performance cues: Light markers—[beat], [smile], [gesture small], [hold]—to shape cadence.
  • Two versions: A Full script for complete info and a Tight script for time-boxed reads.
  • Compliance: Lock “do-not-change” claims early and highlight them for the operator.

Optics & Lighting That Flatter Prompter Reads

  • Lens choice: Full-frame 85–135mm (or 50–85mm on Super35) to compress micro eye movement.
  • Camera distance: Back the camera up; use longer focal length to maintain intimacy without eye drift.
  • Prompter glass size: Larger beamsplitter for slower readers—less visible eye travel.
  • Brightness balance: Match prompter luminance to key light to avoid squinting and reflections.
  • Eyeglasses: Slightly tilt prompter glass and adjust key/fill angles to eliminate double-reflections.
  • Line of sight: Align copy to the optical center of the lens—1–2 inches off looks “shifty.”

Coaching: Natural Over “Newsreader”

  • Warm-ups: Two fast “throwaway” takes to lift energy and settle nerves.
  • Thought chunking: One idea per breath; operator pauses at commas and resumes on the inhale.
  • Eye focus: “Look through the lens, not at the words.” We place the lens behind the copy’s focal area.
  • Hands & posture: Ground stance, unlock knees, invite purposeful hand movement in-frame.
  • Energy ladder: Record passes at 90%, 100%, and 110% intensity; select per brand tone.
  • Safety takes: One conversational paraphrase for authenticity, one precise read for compliance.

The Operator: Your Hidden Superpower

A dedicated prompter operator (separate from camera and director) listens, anticipates, and rides speed/emphasis live. They also:

  • Manage last-minute script updates and create section bookmarks
  • Insert visual signposts (— dashes, • bullets) to cue phrasing
  • Coordinate with sound for breath-friendly pacing and with gaffer for glare control

Remote, Live, and Hybrid Setups

  • Remote executives: Compact camera-mounted prompter with return video for live eyeline coaching.
  • Webinars & keynotes: Confidence monitors near lens; headlines in the prompter keep presenters off slide-reading.
  • Field shoots: Lightweight units for mobile crews; battery-backed tablets as contingency.
  • AI assists (pre-production): Timing forecasts, readability passes, and pronunciation maps to set scroll targets.

When Not to Teleprompt (Or When to Go Hybrid)

  • Emotion-first testimonials: Use guided beats instead of verbatim lines.
  • Rapid dialog or banter: Bullet prompts or IFB ear cues often play more naturally.
  • Hands-on demos: Teleprompt for open/close; let the demo breathe with beat-level notes.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • Route scripts through brand/legal before shoot day; highlight locked lines.
  • Capture a clean “compliance take” with slower pace and clear enunciation.
  • Pre-plan captions and translations at the script stage to avoid post compromises.

What Decision Makers Can Measure

  • Retake reduction: Lower crew hours and studio rental time
  • Fewer approvals cycles: Pre-approved language plus accurate reads
  • Message consistency: Cross-functional alignment across regions and teams
  • Asset reuse: Script-aligned captions, cutdowns, and social snippets delivered faster

Troubleshooting Quick Hits

  • Looks like “reading”: Increase glass size, back the camera up, bump focal length, slow scroll.
  • Glare on glasses: Adjust key angle, dim prompter, add polarizer if needed.
  • Eye drift: Re-center copy; ensure talent stands square to lens.
  • Tripping over jargon: Add phonetics; split long nouns across lines.
  • Tech failure: Keep a synced tablet backup and printed Tight script on set.

Producer Checklist

Pre-Production

  • Lock Full + Tight scripts; add phonetics and performance cues
  • Approve claims/legal language; highlight “do-not-change” lines
  • Book large-glass unit and dedicated operator for long or technical copy
  • Choose lens package (85–135mm FF equivalent); build lighting plan for anti-glare
  • Schedule 20 minutes per speaker for warm-ups

On Set

  • Match prompter brightness to key; confirm eyeline alignment with a 20–30s test read
  • Run two high-energy throwaways; capture keeper takes at natural pace
  • Record paraphrase (authenticity) and compliance (precision) passes
  • Slate sections for easy post assembly and caption sync

Post

  • Generate captions directly from final script (no drift)
  • Deliver vertical/square cutdowns using script-aligned hooks
  • Archive scripts, approvals, and pronunciation notes for future sessions

Sample Script Excerpt (Prompter-Friendly)

[smile] “If your team makes great products but struggles to tell the story on camera, there’s a fix. A pro teleprompter lets real people sound like themselves—while staying perfectly on message.” [beat] “Today, I’ll show you how we standardize delivery across teams without draining calendars.” [gesture small] “Let’s get started.”

About St Louis Video and Photo

Since 1982, St Louis Video and Photo has helped businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area produce confident, on-brand video and photography. We’re a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and a seasoned creative crew for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, along with editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Video and Photo can customize your productions for diverse media requirements, and we specialize in repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction across channels. We’re well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, and we use the latest Artificial Intelligence across our media services for speed and consistency. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. And yes, we can fly our specialized drones indoors.

314-913-5626
stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Making Your Clients Shine: Tips for Testimonial and B-roll Shoots

Posted on by

0

In the world of video production, testimonials and B-roll footage are two of the most impactful ways to showcase your brand and its value. When done correctly, they can help build trust with your audience, promote your services, and even drive conversions. However, to truly make your clients shine on camera, it requires more than just a camera and a willing participant. Professional guidance, planning, and the right equipment are essential to making these pieces of content not only look good but also resonate with viewers. Here’s how you can make the most of your testimonial and B-roll shoots to deliver polished and engaging video content for your business.

The Power of Testimonial Videos

Testimonial videos are among the most effective ways to share your brand’s story from the perspective of those who matter most—your clients. A well-crafted testimonial can bring authenticity and relatability to your business, helping potential customers connect emotionally with your brand. However, a strong testimonial doesn’t just happen—it requires careful planning and execution.

1. Pre-Shoot Preparation

Before you even pick up the camera, the most important step is preparing your clients and the environment. Clients should feel comfortable and confident on camera. Make sure they understand the purpose of the video and the message you want to convey. An effective testimonial isn’t just about what your clients say, but how they say it.

  • Pre-Shoot Questions: Prepare open-ended questions that prompt authentic responses. Avoid yes/no questions, as they may result in flat or scripted answers.
  • Rehearsals: Allow your client time to rehearse, but keep the tone conversational. This isn’t a performance—authenticity is key.
  • Environment: Select a location with minimal distractions and great natural lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, ensure the space is clean and tidy, as this will help the focus stay on the client.

2. Perfecting the Lighting and Sound

Lighting and sound are critical when it comes to testimonial videos. Poor lighting can cast shadows or create harsh highlights, while bad sound quality can make your video hard to follow. Professional lighting helps highlight your client’s face and emotions, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

At St. Louis Video, we specialize in setting up lighting that flatters the subject while maintaining a natural feel. Whether we’re shooting in our private studio or on location, we ensure that your client looks their best. The right lighting setup can also help convey your brand’s tone—whether that’s warm and approachable or sleek and professional.

Sound is just as important. Without clear audio, even the best visuals won’t matter. Use high-quality microphones to capture every word. We use wireless lapel microphones for interviews and shotgun mics to minimize background noise, ensuring that the testimonial’s message is crystal clear.

3. Interview Setup and Framing

The framing of your shot is essential for creating an engaging testimonial video. A close-up shot focuses on the speaker’s facial expressions, which adds authenticity and emotional weight to the message. On the other hand, a medium shot can introduce a more dynamic background or add visual interest.

At St. Louis Video, we specialize in setting up custom interview studios, whether it’s a simple background or a more elaborate setup that includes props, logos, or branding elements. We understand how to frame your clients in the best possible way, ensuring they look and sound amazing on camera.

The Importance of B-roll Footage

While testimonials provide the heart and soul of your video, B-roll footage is what adds richness, context, and engagement. B-roll refers to supplementary footage that supports the story your testimonial is telling, providing viewers with more visual and emotional context. It helps break up the monotony of a talking head video, making the final product more dynamic and engaging.

1. Show, Don’t Tell

B-roll footage is an opportunity to visually show what’s being talked about. For example, if your client talks about how your product made their work more efficient, show them using the product in a real-life scenario. This not only supports their words but helps demonstrate the value of your product or service.

When capturing B-roll, think about the story you want to tell and the emotions you want to evoke. For a testimonial about a fitness program, for instance, shots of the client working out, using equipment, or smiling after a session can create a deeper connection with your audience.

2. Capture Details

Sometimes, the beauty of B-roll lies in the details. Close-up shots of hands working on a product, the face of a client enjoying a service, or your team in action add layers of depth to your video. These small moments make the final video feel more intimate and relatable.

3. Plan B-Roll Around the Story

While shooting testimonials, think about the B-roll you’ll need to illustrate the points being made. Planning your B-roll around the main content ensures that you’ll have the shots you need to complete the narrative. Work closely with your client to determine which aspects of their story should be highlighted visually.

Why St. Louis Video Is the Best Choice for Your Testimonial and B-Roll Productions

At St. Louis Video, we understand how important it is to capture your brand’s message in a way that resonates with your audience. Since 1982, we’ve worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area, delivering high-quality testimonial and B-roll footage that helps our clients shine.

We are a full-service commercial photography and video production company with an experienced crew that can handle every aspect of your production. From pre-production planning to shooting, editing, and post-production, we provide seamless support for all your testimonial and B-roll needs.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup are ideal for creating engaging interview scenes, while our location shoots allow for more dynamic and versatile content. We also use the latest in drone technology, flying specialized drones indoors for unique, creative shots that add excitement to your video.

Additionally, we specialize in repurposing your photography and video branding to maximize its impact across multiple platforms. Whether it’s for your website, social media, or email marketing, we ensure that your videos are optimized for each use, helping you gain more traction and engagement from your content.

Conclusion

Creating powerful testimonials and B-roll footage requires more than just technical skill—it takes thoughtful planning, the right equipment, and the expertise to make your clients shine on camera. With St. Louis Video, you can trust that every aspect of your production will be handled professionally, ensuring that your video tells the best possible story. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create impactful testimonials and B-roll footage that resonates with your audience.

314-913-5626
stlouisvideos@gmail.com

The Impact of Video Interviews on Conference Engagement

Posted on by

0

In the dynamic landscape of business communication, the power of video interviews cannot be overstated. From enhancing engagement to fostering authenticity, video interviews have become indispensable tools for organizations looking to connect with their audiences on a deeper level, especially in the context of conferences and events. In this article, we’ll delve into the profound impact that video interviews can have on conference engagement, exploring their benefits and best practices.

Pay attention to technical aspects such as lighting, sound, and camera angles to ensure high-quality video production.

Enhancing Engagement Through Visual Storytelling

Video interviews offer a compelling platform for conveying information and telling stories. Unlike traditional text-based content, video interviews enable businesses and organizations to humanize their message, providing a face and voice to their brand. This human element resonates with audiences on a more personal level, fostering a deeper connection and engagement.

Authenticity and Credibility

Authenticity is paramount in today’s digital landscape, where consumers are inundated with content vying for their attention. Video interviews provide a platform for authentic communication, allowing speakers to convey their message in a genuine and unscripted manner. This authenticity builds trust and credibility with the audience, as viewers are more likely to resonate with real-life experiences and perspectives.

Leveraging Expertise and Thought Leadership

Conferences are often platforms for showcasing expertise and thought leadership within an industry. Video interviews offer an ideal format for capturing insights from industry leaders, providing valuable content that informs and educates attendees. By featuring expert interviews, conferences can attract a wider audience and position themselves as authorities within their respective fields.

Accessibility and Reach

One of the significant advantages of video interviews is their accessibility and reach. In an era where virtual events are increasingly prevalent, video interviews enable organizations to reach a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries. Moreover, video content is highly shareable across social media platforms, amplifying its reach and impact beyond the confines of the conference itself.

Best Practices for Effective Video Interviews

  • Preparation is Key: Prioritize thorough preparation before conducting video interviews, including researching the interviewee and drafting relevant questions.
  • Focus on Authenticity: Encourage natural and unscripted responses from interviewees to maintain authenticity and credibility.
  • Optimize Technical Quality: Pay attention to technical aspects such as lighting, sound, and camera angles to ensure high-quality video production.
  • Edit Thoughtfully: Edit video interviews thoughtfully, trimming unnecessary segments while preserving the integrity of the conversation.
  • Promote Across Channels: Leverage multiple channels to promote video interviews, including social media, email newsletters, and conference websites, to maximize reach and engagement.

Elevate Your Conference with St Louis Video and Photo

At St Louis Video and Photo, we understand the transformative power of video interviews in enhancing conference engagement. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we specialize in delivering high-quality video content tailored to your specific needs. With our experienced team and state-of-the-art equipment, we can capture compelling video interviews that resonate with your audience and elevate your conference to new heights.

Our Services Include:

  • Full-Service Studio and Location Video and Photography
  • Editing and Post-Production
  • Licensed Drone Pilots for Aerial Footage
  • Customized Productions for Diverse Media Requirements
  • Repurposing of Photography and Video Branding
  • Expertise in All File Types and Styles of Media
  • Private Studio Setup for Small Productions and Interviews
  • Sound and Camera Operators and Equipment Provision

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re planning a conference, event, or marketing campaign, St Louis Video and Photo is here to help you harness the power of video interviews. With our comprehensive services and creative expertise, we can bring your vision to life and ensure your message resonates with your target audience. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can make your next video production perfect.

314-913-5626
stlouisvideos@gmail.com

St Louis Video Production Company

Posted on by

0

Midwest Drone Aerials – Inspire 4k camera
St Louis Video
st louis video production studio
St Louis Corporate Video Production
S1000 Drone with 5D camera missouri aerial photography
St Louis Aerial Photography

Independent producers usually work for themselves and do not own any video equipment. They generally rely on outside video production companies to supply their equipment and video crew needs. This means that if you have an immediate production need, the producer is dependent on someone else to help service you. However, unless the independent producer is very busy, you should get good personal attention.

By hiring a video production company, you get an experienced producer who is part of the production company that has all the required and necessary equipment and video crew resources in-house. They can generally respond immediately to your needs. Depending on the scope of your project, a production company will either use an in-house producer or hire a freelance producer to coordinate your project.

Either way you decide, be sure you have an experienced producer to manage your project.

314-892-1233
Mike Haller
St Louis Video Producer
stlouisvideos@gmail.com
https://stlouisvideo.com/

video production company saint louis | post production | animation graphics

Posted on by

0

St Louis Video for marketing and business promotions. Use web video production, video advertising for your website, your products & services. We provide an effective marketing method that gets increased traffic to your website and more sales.

We develop and execute video content marketing strategies to increase sales, lead generation, and client loyalty.

Here is an opening video animation which we edited in a few different and interesting post production software packages. The client is in the medical product field in Saint Louis, Missouri.

314-892-1233
Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Producer
stlouisvideos@gmail.com