Video production in utah and beyond!

May 14, 2025 by Michael Miner

Utah Video Production, Levitate Media Group, a local Salt lake City Video Production Company.

A traveling utah video production company.

As a Utah Video Production Company. It may be surprising that we have traveled to 14 separate states to film video production for various companies. Levitate Media Group has been creating engaging video content for local businesses here in Utah, and also across the country from the east coast in Florida to the west coast in Washington, Oregon, and California and many states in between for over 12 years!

video production in sedona, arizona.

Traveling to Sedona Arizona to create Video content, capture images and get original SEO content for Gateway Cottage Wellness Center. — default

Recently we visited Sedona Arizona to create video content for Gateway Cottage Wellness Center. I have never been to Sedona before and I must say, it is a beautiful place with geography that reminds me of Southern Utah.Take a tour on Highway 89A from Flagstaff to SedonaArizona through Oak Creek Canyon, it was absolutely beautiful! https://youtu.be/0Q7N0R4DcA4

video production in Moab, Utah

We also just recently visited Moab Utah to film promotional material for Moab Bronco Rentals. Moab’s geography is very similar to Sedona’s majestic Red Rock Vistas! Taking 2 full days to travel throughout the state parks and also the Federal Park, Arches National Park, along with countless 4×4 roads and trails. From Gemini Bridges, to Onion Creek trail, following the Polar Mesa trail and turning off onto the Kokapelli trail and getting the chance to see Butch Cassidy’s hideout! https://youtu.be/MdMSH6k1sC8

video production in Rochester, Minnesota

Utah Video Production traveling to Rochester Minnesota — Beating Cancer and ringing the bell.

2 years ago, we were hired by Western States Lodging and Management to film a personal touch story. We had the chance to visit Minnesota for the first time. We were recreating a story of a cancer patient visiting the Mayo Clinic, having an incredible experience while staying for over a year at the Staybridge Suites during her treatment. The entire staff of Staybridge created a home away from home for Miss Kathy, they made sure that she was part of their family. In the video below, you can see the tears of gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96sUU0VOTUg

video production in Kauai, hawaii

Utah Video Production Levitate Media Group Filming a Beautiful Wedding in Hanalei, Hawaii.

A few years back, we had the opportunity to film a wedding all the way across the pacific to Kauai, Hawaii. I’ve got to tell you, Kauai is a perfect backdrop for having your wedding, it does require a considerable amount of time to travel, not to mention the expense.

Rachel and Alistair’s ceremony was not only set in a beautiful place, but also just a beautiful celebration of Love for all who were able to attend. “Shameless Plug” The video we created was a way for all of the loved ones who were not able to attend, to get a taste of the wedding ceremony and the celebration afterwards. I must say, if Kauai, Hawaii is on your bucket list, I encourage you to visit. I promise you will not regret it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVzbLDzsrpc&t=58s

are you looking for a local video production company?

To capture your next epic content through video, go ahead and contact Levitate Media Group to discuss how easy and seamless your video production can be with us!

How to get cinematic smooth video

April 21, 2025 by Michael Miner

1. Why Stabilization Matters More Than You Think

Here at Levitate Media Group, we have seen on a lot of videoss where the story is strong, the lighting is solid, but something just feels… off. Nine times out of ten, it’s simply camera movement. Shaky footage pulls viewers out of the moment. That’s where gimbals and stabilizers come in. They turn everyday footage into buttery-smooth cinematic visuals—and yes, they’re worth learning to use well.

2. Gimbal vs. Stabilizer: Know Your Tools

Let’s clear this up real quick. A gimbal uses motors and sensors to stabilize your camera on multiple axes—it’s what you want for tracking shots, sweeping movements, or following a subject. I have been using DJI stabilizers for years, before gimbals came out I had to use a manual stabiliser, let me tell you, that was an art form I never figured out.

A stabilizer (think Glidecam or Steadicam) is more manual and uses counterweights and skill. Both have their place, but I usually recommend gimbals for quick setups and more dynamic movements—especially when time is tight on set.

3. Balance It Before You Roll

If there’s one thing that’ll ruin your day, it’s skipping the balancing step. Seriously. Balancing your gimbal or stabilizer before powering it on is crucial for smooth motion and to avoid damaging your gear. I like to treat this like stretching before a workout—it’s a non-negotiable part of the process. Give yourself 10–15 minutes at the start of every shoot to get it dialed in.

4. Let the Equipment Do the Work

When I first started using a gimbal, I was overcorrecting every step—trying to manually “smooth” my walk. Big mistake. The beauty of a gimbal is that it’s designed to handle movement, so let it. Walk naturally, use both hands, and keep your elbows tucked in. Practice a gentle ninja walk and let the gimbal absorb the rest. Less effort, more flow.

5. Plan Your Moves Ahead of Time

A stabilizer won’t save a poorly planned shot. I always encourage clients and crew to storyboard or at least walk through the scene beforehand. Know your start and end points. Are you tracking a subject? Circling them? Leading them into a reveal? The smoother the plan, the smoother the result. The gimbal is just the tool—you’re still the storyteller.

Whether you’re filming a brand story, a behind-the-scenes reel, or a product launch, stabilization makes a world of difference. Want help choosing the right gear or crew for your next shoot? At Levitate, we’ve got the tools and the team to bring your vision to life—smoothly.

If you want an epic video for your business contact us today for a free consultation!

Budgeting for video projects

April 21, 2025 by Michael Miner

Filming a trade show video for Albany Furniture. Photo demonstrating there 345,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility, located West of the Salt lake City International Airport

Aerial View of Albany Industries new West Coast distribution center.

1. Start With the End in Mind

In the famous words of Stephan R. Covey, whether it is a video project or any project for that matter, it is best to start with the end in mind!

When you’re planning a video, it’s tempting to jump straight into creative ideas—but trust me, you’ll save yourself a ton of stress (and money) if you start with clear goals and a ballpark budget. Are we creating a short social media spot or a full-blown brand video? Knowing the purpose and where it’ll live (YouTube, TV, Social Media or even internal use) helps set realistic expectations for scope and costs. I always tell clients: your budget should reflect your goals, not just your dreams.

2. Break It Down Like a Grocery List

One of the first things I do when mapping out a budget is break everything down into line items. Think pre-production, production, and post-production—each with its own costs. That means things like scripting, location scouting, gear rentals, crew, editing, color correction, music licensing, and so on. Or if you want it done at a firm price, it is always good to contact a few reputable local production companies. Here at Levitate Media Group, we take the time to understand your vision, by asking detailed questions so we know what you are expecting. Then we offer a fixed price for the entire production.

If you want to do it yourself, then please read on.

3. Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs

Here’s the kicker—there are always costs people forget. Things like transportation, meals for the crew, parking, insurance, and last-minute changes can eat into your budget fast. At Levitate, we’ve built in buffers for these exact scenarios because we’ve seen it all (yes, including surprise rainstorms and runaway props). A good rule of thumb? Add 10–15% for contingencies.

4. Invest Where It Matters Most

Not all parts of your video need a Hollywood-level budget. I always recommend investing in the areas that make the biggest impact—like quality sound (bad audio ruins even the prettiest shots) and an editor who understands your brand’s vibe. You can scale back on things like elaborate props or background extras if they don’t move the needle.

5. Communicate and Collaborate

The best budgets are built with transparency. At Levitate, we love it when clients come to us early in the process so we can work together to prioritize and stretch every dollar. If something’s out of budget, we brainstorm creative alternatives—like using stock footage, shooting locally, or scaling down production days. The key is collaboration, not compromise.

Need help building a budget for your next video? Let’s chat. Here at Levitate Media Group, we’ve done this hundreds of times and can help you make something amazing without breaking the bank.

Growing up in Utah

March 14, 2025 by Michael Miner

A trip down memory lane!

Video production in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Video Production has come a long way since the early 80’s! Back in the day, I was an early BMX’er (Bicycle Motocross.) We would ride our bikes everywhere. Racing was fun, but getting Rad was what it was all about!

The filming of my first music video

One day we were riding a super dope halfpipe that Vince Adams’ dad had built.

A BYU film student stopped and asked us if he could film us and make a video. Of course we said yes!

Back in those days, there was no digital video, it was all analog. So the camera he was using recorded to a magnetic tape, editing was an extensive time consuming process. Unlike today with digital editing, with linear analog editing, it had to be done in sequential order, and if you made a mistake, it meant starting over.

He made an awesome video and layered over Queen’s hit song “Bicycle” in the video for the soundtrack! He invited us over to BYU to watch it. I remember how stoked I was to see myself on the monitor getting RAD!

The 80’s was an epic time for filmmaking in Utah

Two of my all time favorites were:

“Footloose”

Footloose was filmed in Utah County, I remember watching them film the dance scene at the old High Spot Diner on 500 west in Provo Utah. The thing that was amazing is that they shot the scene at night, so when the movie came out and it was shown as a daylight scene after church on Sunday, I was scratching my head trying to figure out how they did that?

“Better off Dead”

Better off Dead featured a young “John Cusak” as a heartbroken suicidal teen. This Salt Lake City Video Production was mainly filmed in and around the Salt Lake City area.

Although it just had average sales at the box office, it has become one of the most popular movies from the 80’s and is a cult classic! It had an epic score of 80’s music with some really great songs. One memorable scene is the ClayMation dream sequence with Van Halen’s “Everybody Wants Some” the other favorite is the recurring Paperboy with the Iconic Quote “ I want my 2 dollars”

Most of the ski footage was filmed at Snowbird Ski Resort. I fondly remember growing up, and skiing at Snowbird, so it was great to see it in the movie! Most of the scenes other than the skiing were filmed in an unincorporated area of Salt Lake County, now the area is the city of Cottonwood Heights.

We have done a lot of filming in this area over the years. Here is a video we created for them featuring City Mayor Mike Weichers, JetBlue founder: David Neeleman and also Post Malone!

I also have very fond memories of riding the totally awesome skatepark Rocky Mountain Surf. It is long since gone, but it was located right off of Fort Union Blvd. At about 2300 east. Right about where Einstein’s Bagels is located now.

Not Filmed in utah but worth mentioning

I know the movie Rad was not filmed in Utah, but it could have been. I just can’t help bringing it up because it was so great to see it on the big screen! There was nothing more I loved doing than getting “RAD” although the movie was filmed in Canada, the scenery could have easily been filmed in Salt Lake City or many other mountain filled cities in Utah. I could go on and on, but I think I will rap it up here.

This nostalgic trip down memory lane has been fun! I am sitting here smiling as I reflect on the past and write this post!

If you are searching for video production companies near me,

Levitate Media Group Is a top local Salt Lake City Video Production Company, we provide all Utah video production services, we also travel to film content and love doing what we do! If you are looking to create any digital content, commercials, social media, how to’s client testimonials or anything else we want to help! If you have questions, we have answers! Let’s Talk!

How to Master 2 camera angles with one Camera

August 29, 2024 by Michael Miner

In video interviews, it is always preferred to have 2 cameras positioned to make editing easier. Many times it is not always possible to set up two good angles. In my years directing interviews, I have had many difficulties in lining up both angles to have optimum framing.

Todays Interviews

Zoomed in Framing of 4K footage rendered at 1080p

As a video director at Levitate, having over a dozen tears experience interviewing thousands of just regular day to day people, you know, business owners, employees, customer testimonials. (Not Professional Actors) \

The biggest challenge is getting the average person to be comfortable in the interview. There are many techniques, such as warming them up, but for me, the biggest thing is to just have a frank conversation with them. People tend to get quite unnatural during the interview process, the lights, multiple cameras, multiple camera operators, it can be quite overwhelming for a person being interviewed that does not have professional acting or commercial experience.

The 90 Degree angle shot

In my experience as a video producer and director, I have always found the 90 degree angle interview frame a bit unsettling, it just looks off to me and feels so unnatural to go from a clip looking just off camera, to almost a profile view in the interviews.

Todays Technology

Professor Joseph Ward wide angle view, shot in 4K and rendered in 1080p

With the advance in technology and today’s 4K cameras, I have found the solution to be quite simple! With one single camera, framed correctly, you can set up your cuts effortlessly with this simple framing technique! The first step is to set up a good looking medium wide frame for the interview, I then position myself right behind the camera. Traditionally, interviews set up to look past the camera right or left frame, you then set up your rule of thirds accordingly. The biggest challenge with this, is often times, I find it very hard to set up two angles that both look great.

Looking Directly at the camera

Does it work? Yes, in my experience looking directly at the camera produces the most natural cinematic interviews. By positioning myself, the director as close to behind the camera as possible. I have found that the persons being interviewed are much more comfortable interacting with me and truly being their authentic selves!

why it works

When the person being interviewed is looking directly at the camera lens, It immediately builds trust and confidence for the viewer, it also conveys authenticity! When I position myself directly behind the camera lens, and engage the person authentically, we can have a normal conversation that ultimately converts into good quality video that not only engages the viewer, but ultimately communicates our desired communication efficiently.

Levitate Media G roup

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