For decision makers in businesses and organizations, these real-world endorsements provide compelling, human-centered stories that can sway prospects and elevate brand credibility. But to make the most of testimonial shoots, it’s essential to understand the process, what’s involved, and how to prepare.
As an experienced videographer, photographer, and producer at St Louis Camera Crew, I’ve led dozens of successful testimonial productions—from Fortune 500 interviews to local brand advocacy campaigns. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect when you’re preparing to capture your next customer testimonial video.
1. Pre-Production Planning: More Than Just Scheduling
Before the camera ever rolls, effective testimonial production begins with strategy. This includes:
- Identifying the right customer or client: Look for articulate advocates who can speak confidently and genuinely about their experience.
- Outlining key talking points: Rather than scripting, we focus on conversational prompts that guide the interview while keeping it natural.
- Location selection: Whether it’s in the customer’s environment, your office, or our private studio, setting matters. We scout each location for lighting, acoustics, and visual storytelling opportunities.
- Technical logistics: We coordinate timelines, permissions, backup audio, lighting setups, and ensure a quiet shooting environment to avoid interruptions.
2. Interview Setup: Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere
The key to authentic testimonials is making the subject feel at ease. Our approach includes:
- Private studio or on-location setups: Our team builds a clean, distraction-free space using cinematic lighting and soft backgrounds.
- Framing and camera angles: We use flattering, industry-standard interview compositions (e.g., rule-of-thirds, eye-line level).
- Professional audio: Clear, warm sound is essential. We use lavalier microphones, boom mics, and room dampening to ensure pristine audio capture.
- B-roll integration: While the interview is the foundation, we capture supporting footage—whether of the client in action, using your product, or interacting with your service—to visually enrich the story.
3. The Interview: Authenticity Over Perfection
One of the biggest misconceptions is that testimonials must be perfect. In reality, authenticity resonates more. Here’s how we help clients shine:
- Conversational style: We avoid scripted lines and instead use guided questions to prompt natural, emotional responses.
- Multiple takes: If necessary, we coach talent gently and offer multiple takes to get the best delivery—always with professionalism and empathy.
- Highlighting key soundbites: Our trained producers identify golden moments in real time, ensuring powerful clips are captured during the shoot.
4. Post-Production: The Real Magic Happens Here
Once filming wraps, the editorial process transforms raw footage into polished, compelling marketing content:
- Story-driven editing: We shape the narrative by organizing soundbites into a concise and persuasive arc, paired with music, visuals, and graphics.
- Brand consistency: Your logo, colors, and messaging are integrated throughout to ensure the testimonial fits seamlessly within your brand ecosystem.
- Captioning and formatting: From social media teasers to full-length case study videos, we optimize final outputs for all channels and devices.
5. Multi-Purpose Content: Get More From Each Testimonial
A key benefit of testimonial videos is content repurposing. Our clients often use the same shoot to produce:
- Website landing page content
- Email marketing assets
- Paid social ad clips
- Internal communications or sales enablement videos
We ensure all assets are delivered in the appropriate aspect ratios, resolutions, and file types—ready for deployment across your marketing stack.
Partner with a Trusted Production Team
At St Louis Camera Crew, we’ve helped countless businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies bring their customer stories to life through compelling, professional testimonial videos. Our full-service approach means you don’t have to worry about a thing—from equipment to crew, studio to drone, lighting to final edit.
Whether you need to capture a single powerful client endorsement or build a full series of testimonials, we have:
- The right equipment and studio setups
- A seasoned creative team for both studio and location productions
- Expertise in editing, post-production, and AI-enhanced services
- Licensed drone pilots, including the ability to fly drones indoors
- An experienced crew capable of managing every detail from concept to delivery
We’re not just your camera crew—we’re your production partner. Since 1982, St Louis Camera Crew has delivered seamless video and photography solutions for businesses across the St. Louis area.
Let us help you turn customer satisfaction into your strongest marketing asset.
314-913-5626
Mike Haller
St Louis Video Producer
Full Service Video Production Studio and Post Production
4501 Mattis Road
Saint Louis, Missouri 63128
st louis camera crew 