Easy Tips for Choosing the Right Crew for Small Video Productions

stlouisvideocrew ♦ June 7, 2025 ♦ Leave a comment

In the world of business storytelling, not every production requires a Hollywood-sized team. In fact, many of the most effective corporate videos—interviews, testimonials, product demos, training content, or social media spots—are executed by compact, highly skilled crews. For decision makers tasked with sourcing video services, knowing how to choose the right crew for a small-scale production can make the difference between a smooth shoot and a logistical headache.

At St Louis Video Crew, we’ve specialized in lean, efficient video production since 1982. Drawing on our decades of experience, here are some simple yet essential tips for selecting the right crew for your next small-scale shoot.

1. Understand the Scope of Your Project

Before hiring a crew, define the basic needs of your production:

What’s the objective of the video?
How many locations will be involved?
Will the shoot include interviews, product b-roll, or live-action sequences?
What is the desired runtime and final format (web, internal, social media, broadcast)?

A clear scope helps you identify how many crew members you’ll actually need—many smaller videos can be executed with just a director of photography, an audio technician, and a producer or PA.

2. Look for Multi-Disciplinary Talent

With a small crew, versatility is key. You’ll want professionals who are comfortable juggling multiple roles:

A camera operator who can also light interviews
A producer who can assist with on-site logistics
An audio tech who understands editing workflows

Experienced small crews don’t just fill positions—they solve problems and keep your production moving.

3. Check for Relevant Experience and Portfolio Fit

Not all video crews are created equal. Look for companies or individuals who have a strong track record with the type of video you need:

If it’s a corporate testimonial, ask to see interview samples.
For internal training content, check that they’ve worked with other businesses in similar industries.
For promotional footage, review their b-roll and editing capabilities.

An experienced crew will already know how to light, shoot, and direct talent in the style you’re after—with minimal coaching.

4. Ensure They Have the Right Equipment for the Job

A compact crew doesn’t mean limited tools. The right team will have streamlined, high-performance gear that’s ideal for small shoots:

Lightweight cinema cameras
Portable lighting setups
Wireless lavaliers or boom mics
On-site monitoring systems

At St Louis Video Crew, we also incorporate artificial intelligence tools to enhance real-time framing, noise reduction, and media organization—all while keeping our footprint small.

5. Prioritize Communication and Flexibility

With a smaller crew, clear and proactive communication becomes even more critical. Look for a team that:

Responds quickly to questions
Offers clear breakdowns of process and timelines
Is willing to adapt to changing conditions or last-minute updates

A tight-knit crew should feel like a true partner in your content creation—not just hired hands.

6. Evaluate Post-Production Support

The best small crews don’t just walk off set after the shoot. They also handle post-production efficiently, offering:

Editing and color correction
Audio sweetening
File delivery in multiple formats
Repurposing for different platforms

This end-to-end support is essential for maximizing the ROI of your video.

Why St Louis Video Crew is the Smart Choice for Small Productions

At St Louis Video Crew, we understand that smaller productions require big-picture thinking and detail-oriented execution. Since 1982, we’ve helped businesses, marketing teams, and creative agencies in St. Louis produce high-quality content using the right-size team.

We offer:

Full-service studio and location video and photography
Expert editing and post-production
Licensed drone pilots (including for indoor drone flights)
Private studio spaces with modular lighting setups and props
Skilled crews familiar with all major file types, codecs, and delivery formats
Artificial intelligence tools to enhance every step of the media pipeline

Whether you’re filming an executive interview, client testimonial, short-form promotional piece, or internal communications video, our streamlined crew brings the experience and equipment to get it done right—with minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Let’s talk about your next video project. We’ll make sure the right crew is ready—so you can focus on your message, not the logistics.

314-913-5626

stlouisvideocrew@gmail.com

Our team of industry professionals will take your production to another level. Whether we like to believe it or not, we can’t do everything on our own. It takes a team of creative, passionate, and dedicated crew to get the job done right.