video | Angel Eye Video Productions and Photography

In today’s fast-paced business environment, training videos have become an essential tool for organizations looking to engage and educate their employees. Whether you’re onboarding new hires, explaining company procedures, or rolling out a new product, short training videos can make the learning process more effective and memorable. However, creating a successful short training video involves more than just pressing “record”—it requires careful planning, production, and editing.

As an experienced videographer and photographer at St. Louis Commercial Video, I’ve helped numerous organizations across the St. Louis area create training videos that engage their target audience and deliver key information efficiently. Here are some expert tricks to ensure your short training videos work.

1. Start with a Clear Objective

Before you even think about turning on the camera, it’s crucial to define the goal of your video. What specific knowledge or skills should the viewer take away from the video? Keep in mind that the most effective training videos are focused on one topic at a time. Trying to cover too much in one short video can lead to confusion or disengagement. Stick to one key point or skill per video to keep things clear and manageable.

2. Keep It Short and Engaging

When creating a short training video, aim to keep it under 5 minutes. Attention spans are short, and viewers are more likely to absorb and retain information when it’s presented in small, digestible chunks. Use compelling visuals, graphics, and animations to enhance the content and keep the viewer’s interest. Visual aids can go a long way in helping to clarify complex concepts and make the video more engaging.

3. Use Professional Equipment and Lighting

High-quality video production can make a big difference in how your message is perceived. Poor lighting, sound issues, or shaky camera work can distract from the content and make it harder for viewers to focus. That’s where St. Louis Commercial Video comes in. We provide full-service studio and location video and photography production, equipped with the right tools to ensure your video looks and sounds professional.

Our private studio offers excellent lighting and visual setups, ideal for small productions and interview scenes. Whether you’re filming in our studio or at an off-site location, we ensure the lighting and sound are optimized for the best possible results. This attention to detail makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your audience engaged.

4. Create a Custom Interview Studio Setup

If your training video involves interviews or speaking segments, it’s essential to have a comfortable and professional environment for your speakers. St. Louis Commercial Video specializes in custom interview studio setups. We can tailor your studio for specific needs, whether it’s a formal corporate setting or a more casual atmosphere, and provide professional sound and camera operators to ensure high-quality results.

5. Leverage the Power of Drone Shots (Yes, Inside!)

If your training video could benefit from aerial shots or a unique perspective, consider using a drone. While drones are often associated with outdoor shots, we can fly our specialized drones indoors to capture stunning aerial footage that adds a dynamic element to your video. This is perfect for creating engaging training videos with a fresh look, especially for larger spaces or demonstrations that require a wide-angle view.

6. Incorporate Repurposed Content

Repurposing content can be a great way to extend the reach of your training materials. For example, if you already have training videos or photography assets, we can help you repurpose that content to create fresh training materials. St. Louis Commercial Video specializes in repurposing photography and video branding to gain more traction across different platforms. Our team is well-versed in all file types, media styles, and the accompanying software to ensure your content works across multiple channels.

7. Effective Editing and Post-Production

The post-production phase is where the magic happens. Once the video footage is captured, the editing process brings everything together. It’s essential to ensure that your video is concise, well-paced, and that any unnecessary content is trimmed. With the right editing tools, we can enhance your video with graphics, text overlays, transitions, and sound effects, making it even more engaging. St. Louis Commercial Video offers professional editing and post-production services to ensure your training video looks polished and is ready to be distributed.

8. Make Your Video Accessible

Finally, ensure your video is accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities. Adding subtitles or captions can help people with hearing impairments, non-native speakers, or those in noisy environments better understand the content. Providing multiple formats (e.g., downloadable files or embedded versions) can also improve the accessibility and shareability of your training materials.

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

At St. Louis Commercial Video, we understand the importance of creating high-quality, engaging content for your business. Since 1982, we’ve worked with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, helping them produce effective corporate photography and video content.

Our full-service capabilities include studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and the use of licensed drone pilots for aerial footage. We can customize your productions for diverse media requirements, ensuring that your training videos are tailored to your audience’s needs. Whether you need a private interview studio setup, specialized drone footage indoors, or a comprehensive media strategy to repurpose your existing content, we have the experience and expertise to make it happen.

With our team of creative professionals, we can handle every aspect of your production, from lighting and camera work to post-production editing and final delivery. Trust St. Louis Commercial Video to deliver a training video that enhances learning and leaves a lasting impact on your team.

Let’s make your next training video perfect—contact us today to get started!

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Video interviews are a powerful tool for corporate communication, marketing, and brand storytelling. They offer a direct way to connect with audiences, whether it’s through internal communications, customer testimonials, or executive interviews. However, even experienced teams can fall prey to common mistakes during video interviews that can negatively impact the final product. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most frequent issues that arise during video interviews and how to fix them, ensuring your video achieves the professional quality it deserves.

Before filming, test your lighting by viewing the subject on a monitor to see how it translates on camera. Small adjustments to the light positioning can make a significant difference in the final image.

1. Poor Lighting

One of the most common mistakes in video interviews is improper lighting. Insufficient or poorly placed lighting can cause harsh shadows, overexposed areas, or make the interviewee appear flat and unprofessional.

How to Fix It:

Use Soft, Diffused Lighting: Ideally, use three-point lighting: key light, fill light, and backlight. The key light should be positioned at a 45-degree angle from the subject, with the fill light placed on the opposite side to soften shadows. A backlight, or hair light, should be placed above and behind the subject to separate them from the background.
Control Ambient Light: Natural light can be unpredictable. If you’re shooting near a window, control the sunlight with curtains or reflectors to ensure the lighting remains consistent throughout the interview.
Test the Setup: Before filming, test your lighting by viewing the subject on a monitor to see how it translates on camera. Small adjustments to the light positioning can make a significant difference in the final image.

2. Background Distractions

Another frequent issue is a distracting background. Whether it’s cluttered, poorly lit, or too busy, a background that competes with the interviewee can divert attention from the subject and reduce the impact of the interview.

How to Fix It:

Simplify the Background: Choose a background that complements the subject but doesn’t distract from them. If you’re filming in a studio, opt for a clean, neutral backdrop. For on-location interviews, select a background that adds context but doesn’t overwhelm the shot.
Use a Shallow Depth of Field: By adjusting the camera settings to create a blurred background, you can keep the focus on the subject while still maintaining the context of the location.
Manage the Environment: In studio settings, make sure any background props are relevant to the interview and arranged neatly. In on-location settings, ensure the environment is clean and free of clutter or anything that could distract the viewer.

3. Unflattering Camera Angles

Improper camera angles can create unflattering shots that diminish the professional quality of the interview. Too low or too high an angle can distort the subject’s appearance or create unnecessary tension in the shot.

How to Fix It:

Eye-Level Angles: Always aim to position the camera at the subject’s eye level to maintain a natural and engaging perspective. This ensures the subject appears more approachable and professional.
Consider the Framing: Use the “rule of thirds” to frame your subject. Position them slightly off-center to create a more dynamic and visually pleasing composition. Be mindful of headroom (the space above the subject’s head) and make sure there’s enough space to avoid making the subject feel cramped in the frame.

4. Uncontrolled Audio

Audio issues are another major concern in video interviews. Background noise, poor sound quality, or inconsistent audio levels can make it difficult for viewers to focus on the message.

How to Fix It:

Use Lavalier Microphones: Clip-on lapel microphones are ideal for interviews because they provide clear, consistent sound while minimizing background noise. Ensure the mic is positioned correctly to capture the subject’s voice clearly.
Check the Sound Levels: Always monitor sound levels before and during the interview. Use headphones to listen to the audio feed and adjust the gain to avoid distortion or overly quiet audio.
Control the Environment: Close windows, doors, and any other sources of external noise. If filming in a public space, request that nearby activities be minimized or pause while you record.

5. Lack of Preparation for the Interviewee

Many times, interviews fail to capture the best responses simply because the interviewee is not prepared. Without proper guidance or clear expectations, the interviewee may fumble, appear nervous, or provide unclear answers.

How to Fix It:

Pre-Interview Briefing: Before the interview, brief the subject on the format, questions, and expectations. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident.
Warm-Up Session: Conduct a short warm-up conversation to put the interviewee at ease before the actual interview begins. This helps build rapport and reduces nervousness.
Clear Questions: Ensure that questions are clear and concise. Avoid long-winded or complex questions that could confuse the interviewee and lead to awkward pauses.

6. Overloading the Interview with Jargon or Scripted Responses

Using industry-specific jargon or scripted responses can make an interview feel stiff and less authentic. Audiences want to connect with the real, human side of the interviewee, not just hear rehearsed lines.

How to Fix It:

Keep It Conversational: Encourage the interviewee to speak naturally. While it’s important to stick to key points, let the conversation flow organically to capture a more authentic tone.
Use Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that allow for thoughtful, expansive responses. Open-ended questions (e.g., “Can you tell me about a time when…”) encourage the interviewee to share stories and experiences, making the content more relatable.
Avoid Over-Scripting: Allow the subject to speak from the heart. If needed, provide bullet points or guidelines but let the conversation develop organically.

7. Inconsistent Branding

When creating video content for a brand, it’s crucial that the video aligns with the company’s branding guidelines. Failure to do so can result in videos that feel disconnected from the company’s identity, diminishing their effectiveness.

How to Fix It:

Incorporate Consistent Branding Elements: Ensure that the video’s colors, fonts, and style match your brand’s visual identity. This includes everything from the background design to the on-screen text and lower thirds.
Branding in the Environment: If filming on-location, ensure the environment aligns with your brand. For example, having company signage or relevant products subtly incorporated into the background can reinforce your brand message.
Post-Production Branding: Use editing techniques to add consistent branding elements, such as logo animations, branded transitions, and colors that are aligned with your brand’s identity.

St. Louis Commercial Video Production: The Expert Team for Flawless Video Interviews

At St. Louis Commercial Video Production, we understand that every video interview is unique, and we have the expertise to help you avoid common mistakes and create high-quality content that resonates with your audience. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we bring decades of experience and the right equipment to every project. Our creative crew ensures a smooth production process from start to finish.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, along with editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our private studio is equipped with customizable lighting setups that are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. The space is large enough to incorporate props and create a tailored, professional set for your production.

Whether you need a custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or specialized drone footage, we provide everything you need to ensure your video production is a success. Our team is well-versed in all types of media formats and software, and we specialize in repurposing your video and photography branding to give your content greater impact and traction.

Choose St. Louis Commercial Video Production for your next interview-based video, and let us help you create compelling, high-quality content that perfectly captures your message.

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com