The Smartest Questions to Ask Customers on Camera—So Your Video Reviews Actually Sell

Posted on September 2, 2025 by stlouiscameracrew

Customer video reviews work because real people carry more weight than brand claims. But strong testimonials don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of precise, open-ended questions, disciplined on-set coaching, and a plan to repurpose the footage across channels. Use this guide to design interviews that capture credible, on-brand stories you can cut into 6-, 15-, 30-, and 60-second assets for web, social, paid, and sales enablement.

How to use this guide

Pick 6–10 questions from 4–6 sections below. Keep each answer to 20–30 seconds. Record one concise summary line after every response.

1) Warm-up (build comfort, get natural delivery)

What’s your name, title, and company—how do you describe what you do to a new hire?
Where do you serve customers, and what makes your workday unique?
What brought you to us initially—one sentence.

2) Context & fit (qualify the use case)

What problem were you trying to solve when you found us?
Who was involved in the decision, and what did they care about most?
What alternatives did you consider?
What made our approach feel like the right fit for your environment/team/timeline?

3) The pain, stakes, and “before” picture

Before working with us, what wasn’t working—and what did that cost you (time, errors, risk, dollars)?
Can you share a moment when the old way clearly failed?
What was at risk if you didn’t change?

4) Why you chose us (the decisive moment)

Which factors tipped the decision: expertise, speed, compliance, price, support, or something else?
What did you notice in our first meeting, proposal, or demo that competitors didn’t provide?
If you had one sentence to explain why you chose us, what is it?

5) Implementation & experience (credibility + process)

How smooth was onboarding or project setup? Where did we exceed expectations?
What did our team do that built trust quickly (communication, checklists, prototypes, contingency planning)?
Did we adapt to constraints—locations, facilities, regulations, stakeholders?

6) Outcomes & ROI (make results measurable)

What results can you quantify (throughput, conversion, time saved, error reduction, revenue impact)?
What leading indicators moved first (inquiries, meeting acceptance, internal adoption)?
What surprised you about the impact on your team or customers?
If you had to justify the expense to finance, what would you show them?

7) Objections handled (overcome buyer friction)

What hesitation did you or your team have—and how did we address it?
What do you wish you had known sooner that would have sped up your decision?
If a peer has the same concern today, what would you tell them?

8) Differentiators in action (prove the claims)

Which features or services mattered most in real use (turnaround time, crew quality, AI cleanup, file delivery)?
Tell a short story where a specific capability saved the day.
What about our safety/compliance process made operations comfortable?

9) Relationship & support (post-sale trust)

After delivery, what did support look like (revisions, formats, training, re-cuts)?
How does the relationship feel today—transactional or strategic? Why?

10) Advice to peers (snackable sound bites)

For someone in your role considering us, what one piece of advice would you give?
Complete this sentence: “If you need ______, choose this team because ______.”
In five words or less, describe the outcome.

11) Closing line (CTA without sounding scripted)

Would you work with us again? Why?
How should someone evaluate vendors for this kind of project?

Optional industry-specific add-ons

Manufacturing/Industrial

What safety or access constraints did we navigate on the plant floor?
How did we capture processes without disrupting throughput?

Healthcare

How did we protect patient privacy and comply with facility policies?
What approvals or trainings were required before cameras rolled?

Software/SaaS

What metrics moved post-launch (demo requests, win rate, time to value)?
How did customer success or sales use the finished assets?

Professional Services

Which parts of your engagement became easier to explain with the video?
What client objections does the video now preempt?

On-camera coaching tips for non-actors

Speak to one person, not “the audience.” Imagine a colleague across the table.
Use first-person, concrete nouns, and short sentences. Avoid jargon.
Answer, then land a crisp summary line. We’ll capture it as a stand-alone sound bite.
Pause before and after you speak—clean in, clean out helps the edit.
Look at the interviewer (not the lens) unless we cue you otherwise.

Run-of-show template (30–45 minutes per interview)

Mic, frame, and warm-up (5 min): casual questions to normalize voice and cadence.
Core questions (15–20 min): sections 2–7 above.
Sound bites (5–10 min): crisp one-liners and objection handlers.
Cutaway prompts (5–10 min): capture nods, smiles, natural gestures for edit glue.
Room tone & plates (2 min): clean audio and empty frames for transitions.

B-roll shotlist to elevate testimonials

The customer in their real environment: entrances, signage, working shots, team interactions.
Process specifics: hands, tools, screens, product in use, whiteboards.
Relationship moments: our crew collaborating, reviewing takes, setting lights.
Dynamic establishing shots: smooth gimbal passes; where appropriate, indoor drone reveals for spatial context (with safety pilot, spotter, and facility approval).
Cutaways for edits: over-the-shoulders, detail inserts, reaction shots.

Compliance, releases, and claims discipline

Secure appearance/location releases and facility approvals ahead of time.
Keep outcomes truthful and reproducible; avoid absolute claims unless substantiated.
Confirm any confidentiality boundaries (no screens with sensitive data, badge blurring, PHI redaction where applicable).
Log titles and spellings for lower-thirds accuracy.

Editing & repurposing plan (turn one interview into many assets)

Master cut (60–120 seconds): the full story arc.
Paid/social cutdowns: 6s hook, 15s benefits, 30s “problem → outcome.”
Sales enablement: 45–60s objection-buster, feature demo + quote overlays.
Formats: 16:9, 1:1, 9:16 with open captions and burned-in branding.
AI-accelerated post: precise masking/cleanup, noise reduction, background extensions, colorways, and smart reframes to multiply outputs while preserving skin tones and materials.

Quality checklist for decision makers

Goals, audience, and primary CTA are documented.
Interviewee prepped with 6–10 custom questions and a one-line summary prompt.
Location scouted for sound, power, access, and brand fit; backup plan set.
Lighting plan approved (studio look vs. environmental).
Deliverables list locked (durations, ratios, captions, thumbnails, file specs).
Legal and brand approvals mapped with deadlines.

Example interview packs (copy/paste)

Starter 8-pack (general B2B)

What problem were you trying to solve?
What made us the right fit?
How smooth was the rollout?
One result you can quantify.
One result your team felt.
What hesitation did you have—and how was it resolved?
What would you tell a peer considering us?
Would you work with us again—why?

30-second cut template

Hook (the pain): “We were losing X because…”
Decision (the why): “We chose ____ for…”
Outcome (the proof): “In 60 days we saw…”
CTA-ish close: “If you need ____, talk to ____.”

Why this works

These questions map to how buyers make decisions: pain → fit → proof → risk removal → next step. You’ll capture authentic language, quantify outcomes, and arm marketing and sales with modular content that stays credible across channels.

About St Louis Camera Crew

St Louis Camera Crew is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Camera Crew can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software, and we use the latest in Artificial Intelligence across our media services. 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. We can fly our specialized drones indoors. As a full-service video and photography production corporation since 1982, St Louis Camera Crew has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video.

314-913-5626

_{stlouiscameracrew@gmail.com}

Simple Tricks for Better Testimonial Videos: Proven Techniques from the Pros at St Louis Camera Crew

Posted on April 7, 2025 by stlouiscameracrew

When it comes to building trust with potential clients or customers, few things are as effective as a well-produced testimonial video. Testimonial videos allow real people—satisfied clients, customers, or partners—to speak on behalf of your brand in a way that’s authentic and persuasive. But while the concept is simple, the execution is where success is truly determined.

As experienced professionals at St Louis Camera Crew, we’ve produced thousands of testimonial videos over the decades. In this article, we’re sharing expert techniques and simple tricks that elevate testimonial videos from forgettable to unforgettable—delivering strong ROI and valuable marketing content that can be repurposed across platforms.

1. Pick the Right Person to Interview

Your testimonial is only as strong as the person delivering it. The ideal interviewee is:

Genuine: Someone who truly benefited from your service or product.
Articulate: Comfortable speaking and explaining their experience.
Relatable: Represents your target audience so viewers can easily identify with them.

Tip: Pre-interview your candidates with a short phone call or Zoom to assess how naturally they speak about your brand.

2. Create a Comfortable, Controlled Environment

A relaxed interview subject gives a natural performance. This starts with the right location:

Use a private, quiet space free from distractions or interruptions.
Control lighting and acoustics to make your subject look and sound their best.
Add minimal props or on-brand backgrounds to provide subtle visual context.

At St Louis Camera Crew, our private studio is tailored for these setups—with versatile lighting systems, sound-controlled spaces, and adaptable set design that enhances any testimonial shoot.

3. Guide, Don’t Script

One of the biggest mistakes we see is over-scripting testimonials. While it’s important to hit key messages, scripting every word kills authenticity.

Instead:

Provide bullet points or themes for the interviewee to touch on.
Use open-ended questions such as:
- “What problem were you facing before using our product?”
- “How did our service make a difference in your business?”
- “What would you tell someone considering working with us?”

We coach interviewees in real-time, helping them stay on track while sounding natural.

4. Shoot Multiple Angles and Reactions

Shooting from multiple angles adds visual interest and helps in the edit. Capture:

A standard eye-level shot for the primary interview.
A side profile or over-the-shoulder angle for cutaways.
Reaction shots of the interviewee smiling or nodding to add emotional cues in post-production.

This also gives the editor flexibility to cut around stumbles or long pauses while maintaining continuity.

5. Use B-Roll to Tell a Deeper Story

The testimonial voice is powerful—but pairing it with meaningful visuals takes the message further. B-roll might include:

The customer using your product.
Behind-the-scenes footage of your team in action.
Brand imagery, locations, or team interactions.

It breaks up the “talking head” and reinforces credibility.

6. Prioritize Audio and Lighting

Bad sound is the number one reason testimonial videos lose viewer engagement. Use:

Lavalier or shotgun microphones to isolate the subject’s voice.
Soft, flattering lighting (such as key + fill + hair light) for a polished look.

Our professional crew ensures your testimonial looks and sounds like a high-end production—because it is.

7. Include Captions and Logos Strategically

Don’t forget post-production details:

Captions improve accessibility and are crucial for silent autoplay on social media.
Lower thirds can introduce the speaker with name, title, and company.
Subtle logo animation at the start or end reinforces branding without being intrusive.

8. Repurpose Content for Maximum Value

One long-form testimonial can be split into:

Short 15–30 second reels for social.
Case study clips for your website.
Pull quotes and graphics for email marketing.

At St Louis Camera Crew, we specialize in repurposing your video branding so your investment keeps delivering across platforms.

Partner with the Experts: St Louis Camera Crew

Since 1982, St Louis Camera Crew has helped businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the region create compelling testimonial videos that drive results. We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, offering:

Studio and on-location video/photography
Editing and post-production
Licensed indoor and outdoor drone operation
Private studio lighting and set construction
AI-powered media services for enhanced editing, tagging, and delivery
Versatile file handling and media formatting
Equipment and crew for every production need—from custom interview studio setups to experienced camera and sound operators

Whether you need a single testimonial video or an entire campaign, we’ll tailor every aspect of production to your unique media requirements. Our goal is to help you tell your story in a way that builds trust, drives engagement, and delivers results.

Contact us today to bring your next testimonial video to life—with the creativity, professionalism, and technical expertise that only St Louis Camera Crew can deliver.

314-913-5626

_{stlouiscameracrew@gmail.com}

Tips for Working Well with a Camera Crew to Elevate Your Video Production

Posted on March 7, 2025 by stlouiscameracrew

In today’s digital age, video content is a powerful tool for marketing, branding, and storytelling. Whether you are producing a corporate video, a commercial, or an internal training module, working efficiently with a professional camera crew is crucial to achieving high-quality results. Here are some expert tips to ensure a seamless collaboration with your camera crew and make the most out of your production day.

Avoid cramming too many shots into one production day. A well-paced schedule allows the crew to focus on quality rather than rushing through scenes.

1. Define Your Goals and Objectives Clearly

Before the cameras start rolling, it’s essential to have a clear vision of your project. Outline your objectives, target audience, key messages, and intended outcomes. Providing the crew with a well-structured creative brief helps them align their expertise with your vision and make informed decisions about lighting, composition, and shooting styles.

2. Communicate Your Expectations in Advance

A well-organized shoot begins with solid pre-production planning. Share key details with the camera crew ahead of time, including:

The type of shots needed (e.g., close-ups, wide angles, drone footage)
Preferred shooting locations
Required equipment (e.g., stabilizers, specialized lenses, green screens)
The tone and style of the video

Providing this information in advance ensures that the team arrives prepared, reducing delays and optimizing production time.

3. Trust the Crew’s Expertise

A professional camera crew brings a wealth of experience to your production. They understand how to manipulate lighting, angles, and movement to enhance the visual storytelling. While it’s important to communicate your vision, trusting the crew’s expertise allows for creative flexibility and technical precision that can elevate the final product.

4. Plan for Lighting and Sound Considerations

Lighting and sound quality can make or break a video. If you’re shooting indoors, consider the available lighting and whether additional equipment, such as softboxes or reflectors, is necessary. If shooting outdoors, be mindful of natural light conditions and background noise. Your camera crew will have the necessary tools to adjust for these factors, but planning for them in advance helps streamline the process.

5. Keep a Realistic Schedule

Avoid cramming too many shots into one production day. A well-paced schedule allows the crew to focus on quality rather than rushing through scenes. Consider the time needed for:

Setting up and adjusting equipment
Multiple takes for perfect shots
Sound and lighting modifications
Unexpected challenges like weather changes or technical adjustments

A flexible yet structured schedule leads to a more productive and efficient shoot.

6. Be Open to Direction and Collaboration

A great video is the result of teamwork. While you may have a specific vision in mind, be open to suggestions from the camera crew. They can offer insights on framing, pacing, and shot composition that you may not have considered. Collaborating effectively ensures a visually compelling and professional final product.

7. Ensure a Comfortable Environment for On-Camera Talent

If your production involves interviews or speaking roles, helping your talent feel comfortable on camera is key. Encourage a relaxed atmosphere by providing:

A clear briefing on what to expect
Adequate rehearsal time
A distraction-free environment
Encouragement and positive reinforcement

Your camera crew can also provide tips to help subjects appear more natural on screen, leading to more engaging and authentic footage.

8. Understand Post-Production Needs

Once the shoot is complete, the footage will go into editing. Having a clear plan for post-production can save time and improve workflow. Discuss elements like:

Desired video length
Graphics, animations, or overlays
Music and sound design
File formats and distribution needs

Your camera crew and editing team can tailor the post-production process to align with your goals, ensuring a polished and professional end result.

Why Choose St. Louis Camera Crew?

At St. Louis Camera Crew, we are more than just a team with cameras—we are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Our experienced crew, top-tier equipment, and creative approach ensure successful image acquisition in any setting.

We offer studio and location video and photography services, expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots for high-quality aerial footage. Our private studio lighting and visual setups are ideal for small productions and interview scenes, with ample space for custom sets and props. Whether you need a custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or specialized drone operations—including indoor drone flying—our team has the skills and tools to make your next video production seamless.

Since 1982, St. Louis Camera Crew has been the trusted partner of businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area, delivering high-impact visual content tailored to diverse media requirements. We specialize in repurposing photography and video branding to maximize audience engagement and marketing traction.

From pre-production planning to final edits, our full-service approach ensures that your video production meets the highest professional standards. Let us help you craft compelling visuals that leave a lasting impression—contact St. Louis Camera Crew today!

314-913-5626

_{stlouiscameracrew@gmail.com}

How to Prepare for a Sit-Down Interview with a Camera Crew

Posted on May 15, 2024 by stlouiscameracrew

Sit-down interviews are a cornerstone of many video productions, whether you’re creating a corporate promotional video, a documentary, or an instructional piece. They offer a chance to capture authentic insights, emotions, and expertise from the interviewee, making them a powerful tool for engaging your audience. However, a successful sit-down interview requires careful planning and preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day of the shoot. Here’s how you can prepare for a sit-down interview with a camera crew:

Consider factors such as lighting, background noise, and distractions.

1. Define Your Goals and Audience

Before you even begin planning the logistics of the interview, it’s essential to clearly define your objectives. What message do you want to convey? Who is your target audience? Understanding these aspects will inform the questions you ask and the tone of the interview.

2. Select the Right Location

Choose a quiet and visually appealing location for the interview. Consider factors such as lighting, background noise, and distractions. If possible, scout the location in advance to address any potential issues.

3. Coordinate Logistics

Communicate with the camera crew well in advance to discuss logistics such as equipment setup, lighting requirements, and any special considerations. Ensure that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities for a smooth operation on the day of the shoot.

4. Prepare the Interviewee

Provide the interviewee with an overview of the topics you’ll be covering and any specific questions you plan to ask. Encourage them to familiarize themselves with the key points they want to convey, but also reassure them that the interview will be conversational and relaxed.

5. Plan Your Questions

Craft a list of open-ended questions that will prompt detailed responses from the interviewee. Avoid yes/no questions, as they can limit the depth of the conversation. Be prepared to deviate from your script based on the interviewee’s responses to keep the conversation natural and engaging.

6. Set Up the Interview Space

On the day of the shoot, arrive early to set up the interview space. Test the lighting, audio equipment, and camera angles to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Arrange the seating and background to create a visually appealing frame for the interview.

7. Conduct a Test Run

Before the interview begins, do a test run with the interviewee to check audio levels, camera framing, and any other technical aspects. This will help identify and address any issues before the official recording begins.

8. Relax and Be Flexible

Despite your thorough preparation, unexpected challenges may arise during the interview. Stay calm, flexible, and adaptable to ensure a successful outcome. Remember that the goal is to capture authentic and meaningful content, even if it deviates slightly from your original plan.

Conclusion

Preparing for a sit-down interview with a camera crew requires careful planning, coordination, and attention to detail. By defining your goals, selecting the right location, coordinating logistics, preparing the interviewee, planning your questions, setting up the interview space, conducting a test run, and remaining flexible, you can ensure a smooth and successful interview experience.

At St Louis Camera Crew, we understand the importance of professional video production for businesses and organizations. With our experienced team, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to excellence, we provide full-service commercial photography and video production tailored to your specific needs. From studio setups to on-location shoots, editing, post-production, and licensed drone operations, we have the expertise and resources to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss how we can elevate your next video production project.

St Louis Camera Crew: St Louis Camera Crew is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Camera Crew can customize productions for diverse types of media requirements, including repurposing photography and video branding for maximum impact. With expertise in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, our private studio lighting and visual setup are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Whether you need a private custom interview studio set up, sound and camera operators, or specialized indoor drone operations, we have everything to make your next video production perfect. Our portfolio includes collaborations with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video needs.

314-913-5626

_{stlouiscameracrew@gmail.com}

Customer Testimonials That Make an Impact

Posted on March 19, 2024 by stlouiscameracrew

In the realm of business, establishing trust and credibility with potential clients is paramount. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through authentic customer testimonials. These testimonials serve as powerful endorsements, providing genuine insight into the quality of your products or services. However, capturing compelling testimonials that truly resonate with your audience can be a challenging endeavor. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of customer testimonials and the benefits they bring to your business.

Our on-site shoots are meticulously planned and executed to deliver authentic testimonials that showcase your brand in the best possible light.

The Power of Testimonials

Customer testimonials offer a unique perspective on your business, showcasing real-life experiences and successes. Unlike traditional marketing materials, testimonials carry a sense of authenticity that resonates with potential clients. When presented with positive testimonials from satisfied customers, prospects are more likely to trust your brand and consider your offerings. Moreover, testimonials humanize your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy in the eyes of your audience.

Remote Video Testimonials

Remote video testimonials have gained popularity in recent years due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. However, while they may seem like a budget-friendly option, the quality of remote testimonials often falls short. These testimonials can feel scripted and lack the authenticity that resonates with viewers. Additionally, they may not feature the ideal customer demographic, diluting their impact on your target audience.

On-Site Video Testimonials

On the other hand, on-site video testimonials offer a higher level of authenticity and production quality. By capturing testimonials in a controlled environment, you can ensure that the content aligns with your brand image and messaging. However, traditional on-site shoots come with their own set of challenges, including high costs, lengthy planning processes, and scheduling conflicts.

Our Approach

At St Louis Camera Crew, we understand the importance of authentic testimonials in building trust and credibility. That’s why we offer exceptional quality remote and on-site video testimonial services tailored to your unique needs.

Remote Video Testimonials: While remote testimonials may be cost-effective, we ensure that the end results meet the highest standards of quality. Our team works closely with clients to capture genuine testimonials that resonate with viewers and drive brand awareness.
On-Site Video Testimonials: Our on-site shoots are meticulously planned and executed to deliver authentic testimonials that showcase your brand in the best possible light. We minimize disruptions to your customers’ schedules while maximizing the impact of their testimonials.

Why Choose Us

As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, St Louis Camera Crew has the expertise and resources to elevate your brand through impactful testimonials. Whether you require remote or on-site testimonial services, we have the right equipment and creative crew to ensure successful image acquisition.

Our proven process ensures that your testimonials are not only cost-effective and fast to make but also authentic and compelling. By leveraging our services, you can bridge trust gaps between your company and your audiences, ultimately driving more conversions and closing deals faster.

Call to Action: As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Camera Crew has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video. Contact us today to learn how we can help you capture exceptional testimonials that make a lasting impact on your audience.

Remember, capturing compelling testimonials is not just about showcasing satisfied customers—it’s about building trust, credibility, and ultimately, driving business growth. Choose St Louis Camera Crew for testimonials that leave a lasting impression.

314-913-5626

_{stlouiscameracrew@gmail.com}

St Louis Camera Crews for Aerial Live Events.

Posted on August 1, 2021 by stlouiscameracrew

First Person View flying, or FPV, has revolutionized creative shots is drone video production. By definition, it is a method used to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or radio-controlled vehicle from the driver or pilot’s perspective, and point of viewing. Stay Relevant. Stay Creative. Stay Safe.

314-913-5626
Mike Haller
St Louis Video Producer
stlouiscameracrew@gmail.com
Saint Louis, Missouri, USA | St Louis Video Production

St Louis Corporate Video Production Crews

Posted on June 28, 2018 by stlouiscameracrew

With film and video content more popular than ever, we help
connect businesses with the right creative professionals needed to
make content to delight your target audiences. No matter what
goals you want to achieve, we’ll help you find the qualified
professionals and resources you need to make your ideas
become a reality – anywhere in St Louis and around the world.

Film and video production is in our DNA. With our years of experience, production know-how and meticulous equipment, it’s no surprise that we’re known as the industry’s most trusted tool. Our team is made of people that have worked in the industry, from large production companies, like the AB-InBev and NFL Films, to creative agencies and feature film productions. Everyone at St Louis Camera Crew understands what it’s like to be in your position, so we can anticipate and accommodate your needs and provide practical solutions. Unlike many other companies, you will actually speak to a human when you call us.