Our award winning production and post-production crews can develop your creative concept and delivery anything from internet advertising to high definition commercials for TV.

With decades of experience, our award-winning St Louis video production crews will take on any project, no matter what the size or scope. We provide turnkey video production services ranging from multiple camera shoots, animation and motion graphics, to live webcast video streaming, post production, and complete video editing. From the Arch to the Zoo, if your dream video project starts and ends in the Gateway City then you’ve found the right video production crews to make it happen.

We’ve done the all the homework and made the connections to create competent video production crews. We’ve handpicked the best professional crews around the Midwest to be a part of our team. This eliminates your time needed to find experienced award winners in the video production field. We take care of all the work and phone calls, to create schedules, negotiate rates, and confirming the necessary authorization is in place. It is our top priority to source the right video production crew for your shoot while working within your budget.

We can video your client testimonials and B-Roll on short notice.

B-Roll is the term used in video production for any footage that is not meant to be the primary subject of the video. It is often used as filler in between interviews or other primary footage. B-Roll footage can help add an extra layer of professionalism to your videos as well as provide an easy way to connect other videos together.

Your audience is busy, and they don’t have time to read an entire blog post or click through a long website full of information. Video testimonials, on the other hand, can be as short as 10 seconds or as long as 10 minutes. The key to a successful testimonial video is to give them what they want as quickly and efficiently as possible. To do this, you need to keep a few things in mind when writing the producers prompts for responses or you write a testimonial script. The first step is to pick a topic. This can be anything from the history of your business to an explanation of your core business practices. And then, you will want to find a location for filming. This is where B-Roll comes in handy. Use any props that are available to you, such as a whiteboard or posters on the wall, to help illustrate your points. Or simply gather shots at their office or their place of business.

Behind the Scenes: What Goes
into a Remote Video Shoot?

Pre-Production: Planning Your Shoot

Before you start a remote video shoot, there is an important pre-production stage. Here, you work out details such as the target audience, objectives and goals for the shoot.

Time is a key factor. Make sure to plan the time needed for each shot. Simple shots need less time than complicated ones. Plus, plan how to manage the logistics of remote shooting. This includes finding and hiring talent, communication during the project and any reimbursements.

Equipment also matters. Decide which cameras, lights and audio capture devices to use. Plus, consider software programs/platforms to make things smoother.

Think of the editing process too. Make sure it’s efficient yet flexible enough for changes. Book any in-studio locations early on.

Pre-production is vital for shooting remotely. Gather info and plan ahead for success!

Equipment: What You’ll Need

When planning a remote video shoot, the right equipment is essential. Lighting and audio components are needed. Below is a list of what to have:

Camera: Without a standard prosumer or professional camera, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, smartphones, or individual cameras set up at each participant’s workstation can be used.

Lights: Three-point lighting equipment or raw lighting fixtures will create cinematic and natural-looking footage without shadows.

Microphone: A lavalier microphone is best for remote interviews. An audio recorder may be used for sound samples.

Dolly & Tracks: Camera sliders, tripods, and stabilizers will give precise and fluid movements.

Editing Software & Storage Devices: Software and hardware solutions like Teradek’s VidiU Go will store footage. Editors can control multiple streams from the ground. Prerecorded audio loops can be added into sound mixers. Color grading solutions like DaVinci Resolve 16 Studio will ensure footage looks close. Finally, Unity EQs add finishing touches before exporting.

Location Scouting: Finding the Perfect Spot

Location scouting is an important part of the remote video shoot process. You need to think about lots of things; like the type of terrain and natural features, accessibility, cost and availability. Plus, you need to check for any obstacles that could stop filming.

When choosing a location, filmmakers should consider:

– Obstacles: Are there any cars or wildlife that could get in the way?

– Accessibility: Can you get there easily?

– Cost & availability: Can you pay for it and is it open when you need it?

– Variety & aesthetics: Does it fit your project’s vision?

– Special effects & equipment: Can the location handle any special effects or equipment you need?

Set-Up: Preparing the Space

Before any video shoot, it is important to create a comfy and professional setting. This includes selecting or prepping the area and deciding where the equipment goes.

Start with lighting. Make sure it is right and there are no distractions in the frame. The space should be tidy and quiet for the participants or viewers to focus on the content.

Think about camera placement. If multiple cameras are used, figure out how close or far away each one should be for the best angle. For example, if you need a wide-angle shot, have one camera farther away to fit all participants in the frame.

Choose good audio equipment for sound clarity. Also think about areas needing noise dampening. Secure all wires off camera so viewers won’t be distracted.

Taking these steps before the video shoot will give polished results and better viewer experience!

Lighting: Creating the Right Mood

When shooting remotely, lighting is key. It goes a long way to create the perfect mood and atmosphere. It makes sure viewers can watch the action clearly and brings the characters to life.

Professional filmmakers often use several approaches to light a remote shoot. Key lighting is usually the main source. It conveys the overall mood. Fill lighting softens shadows and acts as a secondary source. Backlighting separates characters from the background and adds definition in profile shots. Accent lighting adds drama and highlights certain objects or scenery.

Creating proper lighting should be one of your first considerations. You need it for great shots with clear visuals. With practice and planning, you’ll make unique atmospheres that represent your vision.

Sound: Capturing Quality Audio

When it comes to remote video shoots, audio quality is just as important as the imagery. Capturing quality audio can be challenging when shooting remotely, but there are steps to take! The most reliable method is to record directly into a digital recorder like Visual Recorder or Zoom H4n Pro. This helps control level and sound quality, regardless of what device you’re recording on.

To reduce ambient noise, use a foam windscreen between the mic and camera. For harsher sound, use blimp-style windshields or “Dead Cat” fur windshields. Storing audio files in external hard drives or cloud services take up more memory, but it’s worth the effort if you have the right equipment. This also provides more flexibility in post-production, like editing different clips together to bring your production to life!

Recording: Capturing the Perfect Take

Configuring the recording process for a remote video shoot requires careful planning. Choose a camera, sound equipment, and lighting arrangement to capture the desired result. Use post-production editing software for color correction and noise reduction. Make the recording environment comfortable and distraction-free. Remove any background noise sources.

Factor in the size of the shot and green screen. Consider multi-camera setups for post-production editing. Lastly, check that the equipment produces high quality results for a polished video.

Post-Production: Editing for a Professional Finish

Filming’s done and footage’s captured! Now it’s time for post-production. This includes editing and adding effects to make a finished product. It also refines the narrative, bringing sentences together for maximum effect. The editor checks audio and visuals are synced and transitions look natural.

Post-production isn’t always technical. Creative editing can add flair. Text overlays, motion graphics, sound design – these can take more time than pre-production or filming.

To write and edit the script, be consistent. Ask your editor how they plan to streamline this. Invest in a quality audio editor if needed; these programs offer limitless options and crystal clear audio. Careful editing results in a high quality production, shareable with peers and potential customers.

Robert Haller
Producer
stlouisfilmproduction@gmail.com
314-604-6544