Tag Archives: Business to Business Videos

Scared of Being on Camera? How Studio Professionals Help You Shine Naturally

For many professionals, the idea of being on camera sparks anxiety. Whether it’s the fear of saying the wrong thing, looking unprepared, or simply not knowing where to look, even the most experienced speakers can feel uneasy when the lights go on and the camera starts rolling. If you’re responsible for coordinating video content for your company—be it testimonials, interviews, or training materials—it’s crucial to ensure that your team or clients feel confident and comfortable on screen. That’s where working with seasoned studio professionals makes all the difference.

Why People Fear the Camera

Being on camera is not just about delivering a message—it’s about appearing credible, authentic, and composed, all at once. Common concerns include:

  • Self-consciousness about appearance or voice
  • Uncertainty about what to say or how to say it
  • Lack of familiarity with camera setups and production lingo
  • Stage fright or performance pressure

The good news? These concerns are entirely normal—and completely solvable with the right production team.

The Power of a Professional Studio Environment

A full-service production studio offers far more than just lights and cameras. It provides a controlled, calm, and confidence-building environment designed to make even the most camera-shy individuals feel at ease. Here’s how professionals like our team at St Louis Commercial Video Production help:

1. Pre-Production Coaching and Support

We start by working closely with you ahead of the shoot to outline key messages, simplify scripts, and provide interview coaching or teleprompter support. The goal is to keep things conversational, not performative.

2. A Relaxed and Private Atmosphere

Our studio isn’t a high-pressure movie set—it’s a welcoming and focused space tailored for business communications. Whether you’re filming a CEO interview or a customer testimonial, we create a safe, distraction-free zone where people can speak naturally and confidently.

3. Lighting and Camera Placement That Flatters

We use customized studio lighting setups that are soft, directional, and flattering—eliminating unflattering shadows and enhancing natural features. Strategic camera angles and high-end lenses further ensure every subject looks their best.

4. On-Set Coaching

Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement or a helpful tip from behind the camera to put someone at ease. Our producers and camera operators provide gentle guidance throughout the session—adjusting posture, smoothing transitions, and making subtle suggestions that help elevate on-camera presence.

5. Post-Production Magic

Even if there are a few stumbles during the shoot, that’s okay. We edit out filler words, awkward pauses, or off-track moments to craft a final product that’s polished, concise, and confident.


Empowering Your Brand Through Comfortable Storytelling

At St Louis Commercial Video Production, we’ve helped countless professionals overcome camera shyness to tell their stories clearly and effectively. Whether it’s your first on-camera appearance or your fiftieth, we provide the tools, coaching, and creative setup that lead to success.

Our company is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and experienced crew for flawless image acquisition. We offer:

  • Studio and location video and photography
  • Expert editing and post-production
  • Licensed drone pilots—including indoor drone operation
  • Custom interview studio setups with private lighting and prop-friendly staging
  • The latest in Artificial Intelligence tools for enhanced media services
  • Experience in all major file types, media styles, and professional software

We specialize in repurposing your video and photography branding across platforms to give you the most impact from every production. Since 1982, St Louis Commercial Video Production has been the trusted partner for marketing firms, businesses, and agencies throughout the St. Louis area.

Let us help you—and your team—feel confident, calm, and compelling on camera.


Want help prepping for your next on-camera appearance? Let’s talk.

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Don’t Know What Questions to Ask? Use Our Video Testimonial Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital marketing landscape, video testimonials are one of the most powerful tools for building credibility and trust with potential customers. A well-executed video testimonial can showcase real customer experiences, highlight your company’s strengths, and influence purchasing decisions. However, the success of a video testimonial depends largely on the questions asked during the interview process. If you’re unsure what to ask, our expert video testimonial guide can help you craft compelling stories that resonate with your audience.

Before customers turned to your business, they likely had a problem that needed solving.

Why Video Testimonials Matter

Consumers trust other consumers. Studies show that potential buyers are far more likely to trust a video testimonial from a real customer than a scripted commercial. Testimonials provide authentic, relatable content that can help humanize your brand, increase conversions, and improve customer retention. They also make great marketing assets that can be repurposed across multiple platforms, including social media, websites, and email campaigns.

Crafting the Right Questions for Your Testimonial Videos

To get the most impactful responses from your customers, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Here are key areas to focus on:

1. Establish the Customer’s Background

Understanding who your customer is helps to set the stage for a relatable and trustworthy testimonial.

  • Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your business?
  • What industry are you in, and what are your primary challenges?
  • How did you first hear about our company?

2. Identify the Problem or Need

Before customers turned to your business, they likely had a problem that needed solving.

  • What challenges or issues were you facing before working with us?
  • How were these challenges affecting your business operations or personal goals?
  • What other solutions did you consider before choosing us?

3. Highlight the Solution and Experience

Showcase how your company provided the ideal solution.

  • What made you decide to work with our company?
  • How was your experience working with us from start to finish?
  • What specific aspects of our service or product stood out to you?

4. Showcase Results and Benefits

Potential customers want to see measurable benefits and tangible improvements.

  • What results have you seen since using our service or product?
  • Can you provide specific examples of how our service has positively impacted your business?
  • How do you feel about the return on investment?

5. Encourage a Call to Action

A strong testimonial should leave a lasting impression and encourage others to take action.

  • What would you say to someone considering working with us?
  • Would you recommend our service to others? Why?
  • How can others benefit from what we offer?

Tips for Capturing Authentic Testimonial Videos

  • Keep it Conversational: Avoid making the interview feel too formal. A natural, relaxed conversation leads to the best responses.
  • Use Open-Ended Questions: This encourages the interviewee to elaborate rather than giving one-word answers.
  • Make it Personal: Testimonials should feel like a story rather than a pitch.
  • Keep It Concise: Aim for impactful, short responses that hold the viewer’s attention.
  • Ensure High Production Quality: Proper lighting, sound, and framing can make a huge difference in the professionalism of your video.

Why Choose St. Louis Commercial Video for Your Testimonial Videos?

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your video testimonials are engaging, professional, and effective. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we provide:

  • Full-Service Studio & On-Location Production – Whether you need a controlled studio environment or an on-site shoot, we handle it all.
  • Editing & Post-Production – Our team ensures your videos are polished, engaging, and optimized for your marketing needs.
  • Licensed Drone Pilots – Need aerial shots to enhance your video? We can incorporate stunning drone footage into your production.
  • Custom Interview Studio Setups – We provide private, custom setups perfect for capturing high-quality testimonials.
  • Repurposing for Maximum ROI – We specialize in repurposing your video content for multiple marketing channels, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
  • Extensive Industry Experience – Since 1982, we have worked with numerous businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in St. Louis to produce compelling video content.

If you’re ready to capture powerful video testimonials that drive results, St. Louis Commercial Video is here to help. Let’s turn your customer stories into persuasive marketing assets that elevate your brand and boost your business. Contact us today to get started!

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com

B-Roll Ideas to Make Your Marketing Interviews Stand Out

When it comes to producing compelling marketing interviews, the power of B-roll footage cannot be overstated. B-roll serves as the visual storytelling element that enhances an interview’s message, keeps audiences engaged, and adds a professional touch to your video production. If your marketing videos are falling flat, lack dynamism, or don’t hold the viewer’s attention, it’s likely because they rely too heavily on talking head footage. The right B-roll can transform an interview into a visually engaging and persuasive marketing tool. Here are some expert B-roll ideas to elevate your marketing interview productions.

For businesses that rely on customer engagement, showing real interactions can enhance credibility and trust.

1. Show the Work Environment in Action

One of the most effective ways to add depth to an interview is by incorporating footage of the subject’s workplace. Capture:

  • Employees collaborating in meetings
  • Hands-on work showcasing craftsmanship or technology
  • Aerial shots of the office, factory, or workspace for a dynamic introduction
  • Walk-through footage showing the company culture

These shots help put the interviewee’s words into context and create a more immersive experience for the viewer.

2. Capture Product or Service Demonstrations

If your video is meant to highlight a particular product or service, include shots of:

  • The product being used in a real-world scenario
  • Close-ups of product details and functionality
  • Customers interacting with the service
  • Behind-the-scenes footage of product creation or packaging

Product-focused B-roll makes the interview more engaging by visually reinforcing the value being discussed.

3. Incorporate Customer Interactions

For businesses that rely on customer engagement, showing real interactions can enhance credibility and trust. Consider capturing:

  • Customers providing testimonials or feedback
  • Employees assisting clients
  • Happy customers using the product or service
  • Event coverage showcasing customer participation

This type of B-roll humanizes the brand and strengthens its connection with the audience.

4. Use Slow Motion and Time Lapses for Visual Interest

Adding cinematic effects like slow motion and time lapses can make even ordinary B-roll footage look dynamic and engaging. Use these techniques to:

  • Highlight a critical moment in a process
  • Show a transformation over time (e.g., setting up an event or product assembly)
  • Capture movement in a more dramatic and appealing way

5. Feature Team and Leadership Footage

Company culture and leadership visibility can have a big impact on brand perception. Adding B-roll of:

  • Executives interacting with employees
  • Behind-the-scenes brainstorming sessions
  • Casual workplace moments like coffee breaks or team-building activities
  • Award ceremonies and recognition events

This type of footage makes the company feel more personable and relatable to the audience.

6. Show Local or Industry-Related Scenes

For businesses with a strong connection to their local community or industry, contextualizing the setting can be powerful. Capture:

  • Local landmarks and surroundings to establish brand location
  • Industry events or trade shows
  • Footage of supply chains or partnerships
  • Aerial drone shots showcasing the company’s geographic presence

This adds layers to the storytelling and reinforces the brand’s industry expertise and local presence.

7. Leverage Motion Graphics and Animated Overlays

Incorporating well-designed motion graphics into B-roll footage can add another level of professionalism. Consider:

  • Infographics that highlight statistics or key messages
  • Lower-thirds and name tags for interviewees
  • Callouts and text overlays reinforcing product features
  • Animated company logos subtly introduced in transitions

These elements ensure clarity while keeping the viewer engaged.

8. Utilize Indoor and Outdoor Drone Footage

Drones aren’t just for outdoor aerial shots—they can also be used to create smooth, cinematic B-roll indoors. Use drone footage to:

  • Capture grand entrances or sweeping office overviews
  • Provide unique angles that traditional cameras can’t achieve
  • Show off large-scale operations or facilities
  • Create seamless transitions between scenes

Bringing It All Together with Professional Production

B-roll isn’t just filler footage—it’s an essential component of a well-rounded marketing video. The right combination of visuals helps break up monotony, reinforce messaging, and elevate the overall quality of the production. However, effective B-roll requires planning, professional execution, and an eye for storytelling.

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we specialize in producing high-quality marketing interviews and B-roll that bring your brand to life. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the expertise, equipment, and creative crew needed for successful image acquisition. Whether it’s a studio shoot, on-location production, or specialized drone footage, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs.

Our full-service studio and location video and photography capabilities ensure that we capture every aspect of your story with precision. From editing and post-production to licensed drone pilots for aerial footage, we have the tools to customize your production for any media requirement. We are well-versed in all file types, media styles, and industry-standard software, making it easy to repurpose content for multiple platforms. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for interview scenes, and our studio space can accommodate props to enhance set design.

With a legacy dating back to 1982, St. Louis Commercial Video has worked with countless businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies to craft compelling marketing content. Whether you need a private, custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or the latest video production technology, we have everything you need to make your next marketing interview stand out.

Let’s bring your vision to life—contact us today to discuss how we can enhance your next video project with high-quality B-roll and professional production services.

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com