Since moving to the Midsouth, I’ve certainly received flack for choosing a pad near Memphis. The perception of Bluff City isn’t very cloudy. People either love it or they (have learned to) hate it. But I’ve found that a lot of the negative chatter comes from the outside. Many locals don’t even know that a long stretch of modernized River Parks are being constructed along the Mississippi (parallel to and south of the Wolf River Harbor). From uptown and the Memphis river walks to the eastern suburbs, there is plenty worth peeking in on.

When you actually immerse yourself in the culture and interact with people, the stereotypes disappear. I would know. As I’ve been finding myself over the past few months, I sort of forced myself into the heart of Memphis. I won’t go into detail how (yet), but I will say the shaded southwest corner of Tennessee is home to some of my top encounters. Although I haven’t even scratched the surface of what the city brings to the table, I can say I’ve been very encouraged by the people. It was a pleasant surprise I’ve really learned to appreciate.

The Best Sights From My Memphis River Walks.

On a few of my downtown treks, I brought my drone. It was hard to resist. Since there is a lot of ground to (un)cover, an eye from the sky always helps. It also gives me a great opportunity to capture the architecture of the city and full layout of the land. To be honest, I wasn’t aware of the construction project myself. There is a lot of history off the Mississippi and I was simply hoping to film some of it. But after seeing what Memphis has planned for its community, I was definitely intrigued.

Although the project isn’t near finished, you can easily see it starting to come together. People are already enjoying most of the hardscape. Nothing about the area seemed dangerous or risky. It was a peaceful environment that will soon be host to an abundance of activity. You can almost sense it brewing in the air. After 2020, the public needs it. With a cold breeze always blowing off the Mississippi, it’s going to be a solid place to gather this summer.

Anyways, I’ll stop rambling now. Here is the drone footage I liked most during my two trips to Riverside Drive and Beale Street Landing.

1. The Mud Island Amphitheater.

Instead of waiting until the end to reveal my favorite, I decided to kick things off with my top shot from the Memphis river walk. Mud island has plenty to do, but the aged amphitheater is a sight worth seeing. There just aren’t many venues like this anymore. Seated next to the boat ramp, between the Memphis sign and island’s marina, the venue has quite the surrounding view. One of my favorite parts about the first picture is the simple fact you can see the unique riverwalk in the background. I wish there were some upcoming events scheduled.

2. The Floating Pavilion at Tom Lee Park.

Jam packed with playgrounds and open grass, this Mississippi River Park should be a future hit for Memphians. As you can see, it’s currently under construction – but it’s expected to open by Labor Day weekend. I really like this shot because I was able to capture crews at work on a sunny day while decorating the background with the city’s skyline. The architecture at Tom Lee Park is very unique and it adds a lot of flavor to the urban bank near Uptown.

3. Univ. of Memphis Law School Skyline.

It was hard to pick a favorite shot of this building along Riverside drive. Since it’s raised quite a bit higher than the shoreline, I was able to capture low and high angles of the iconic building. The pedestrian bridge (which frequently supports a horse and buggy) leads away from the Tennessee welcome center and runs straight into the Memphis Suffrage Monument.

The stunning property offers a lot to the community as they prepare students to pursue change in America. I wish I would have gotten a closer look at the design.

4. An Overlook of Beale Street Landing.

I heard a lot of good things about this hotspot in Memphis – and I wasn’t disappointed. Like the other River Parks, the design, layout and purpose is modern and unique. You could spend a few hours just admiring the details and structural reasoning. There is a civic space, a cultural arts center and even a designated space for “blues musicians to gather”. Once this stretch becomes a little more popular, Beale Street Landing is going to be a lot of fun to explore.

5. The Mississippi River Museum.

Next to the Amphitheater on Mud Island is a information-filled center for all ages. Connected to a pedestrian bridge, it’s easily accessible and surrounded by additional fun. As you can see, there is a great view of the Hernando Desoto Bridge that runs into Arkansas. The boat ramp and marina that connects to the Wolf River Harbor is beautiful.

If you think Memphis is a dirty place, how do you explain these angles? If you haven’t dropped in the Mississippi River Museum and all of the stops on Mud Island – you should!

6. The Condos on Riverbluff Place.

This is one of my favorite shots on the Memphis River Walk because of the golden, natural light and evolving landscape. You have to drive down here to truly appreciate the space the city is developing for its residents. I don’t think I have to say much for you to appreciate this shot.

What’s crazy is, Vance Park isn’t even completed yet. I’m sure plenty of young families will be attracted to this little Midsouth pocket of charm. Nearly everything you need is within minutes of this residential area.

7. South Bluff Homes Near Butler Park.

You don’t have to travel too far south of Tom Lee Park to find some upscale housing on the Mississippi. I love these two drone shots because I would have never guessed something like this existed in Memphis. With all of the parks popping up in this area, it doesn’t seem like a bad place to raise family.

Located just west of Uptown, this riverside walkway really caught my eye – especially from the sky. The stairs leading down to the recreational area is pretty cool. The video I made turned out great.

8. Welcome Center, Pedestrian Bridge.

One of my favorite features to film at the Memphis River Walk (by far) was the pedestrian bridge leading the the museum. The design is sound and really cool to look at. I was able to get quite a few close ups that show just how much thought went into the construction of the new addition to Bluff City.

I like how you can see the Amphitheater and Bass Pro Pyramid in the background. The Riverside drive Welcome Center and Wolf River Lagoon provide a modern feel to a unique environment that compliments the land well. You don’t even notice the busy interstate buzzing above your head.

9. Memphis Riverboats on Riverside Drive.

Although this shot is similar to the Law School photos, I couldn’t help myself. The Memphis Queen Line is pretty popular in the region – and rightfully so. This shot not only shows a lot more of the Mississippi River, but it also captures the extent of the Harahan and Memphis-Arkansas Bridges. If you look closely, you can see a few cruise ships and the “Memphis” sign on Mud Island.

Although Memphis isn’t quite the tourist destination it once was, the Riverboats have been a staple for nearly 70 years. So there’s a lot of history in these drone images.

10. The Memphis Yacht Club.

The little marina just south of i-40 in the Wolf River Lagoon was an amazing capture from the sky. Not only does it have a small town feel in a large city, but it’s surrounded by major urban developments. The cleanliness of the facilities, calmness of the water, and opportunity to incorporate some of the bridges grabbed my attention.

When it comes to video services, quality isn’t measured by a videographer’s ability to use a camera. High end producers know how to plan, think outside the box, manage people and place them in proper settings in order to communicate something. With that said, I thought it would be a good idea to identify a handful of Memphis locations to eventually shoot video at.

Some my clients know where they want to shoot and how they want to go about things. Others need a little direction. This is why I like to be prepared with a list of local spots and landmarks that present people with options. Scoping out some of these places gave me some really good production ideas that I hope to be able to use some day.

1. Memphis Central Station.

One of the Memphis locations I’m most eager to shoot video at is definitely the City’s Central Station. After driving by a few months back, I immediately thought of Union Station in Indianapolis, where I grew up. It was right next to City Market and we loved going there as kids. The old bricks, signage and rich history of so many travelers definitely appeals to me.

The variety of spaces, indoor and out, present endless perspectives and auras. A packed lobby would be great for a busy scene, traveling focus or even general B-roll footage. An empty building would bode well for presenters, artists or intimate settings. Nearly every square foot of the Memphis Central Station can be purposed for some sort of theme.

2. The Crystal Shrine Grotto.

I’m not sure if I’d have to garner approval to shoot video at the cemetery, but I’m definitely looking forward to capturing this Memphis landmark! In my opinion, video content here would suit nearly any type of personality or business. It’s sprinkled with tranquil settings and offers unique, but highly recognizable backgrounds (that tend to perform better than standard studio productions).

Getting out, walking around, and showing you’re in the community is a great way to engage people online. The days of talking heads and basic content are gone. You have to find ways to think outside of the box. Needless to say, the changes of scenery and backdrops at the Crystal Shrine Grotto would provide me with a ton of options.  

The hollowed trees, hedges, pathways, bridges and colorful vegetation tell more of a story than the remaining Memphis locations. The landscape I appreciate most is definitely the stone structures by the water. I can think of a number of ways to involve the hand craftsmanship, shadows and reflections. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get my drone in there. I don’t see many aerial photos online. 

3. Wolf River Greenway.

Not many residents in the surrounding areas appreciate the little green pockets of Memphis. When we first moved to Olive Branch, I was under the impression that food and entertainment was all Bluff City had to offer. The negative elements seemed to overshadow anything leisure. But the 36 miles of forrest-wrapped trails near this wetland section of the Mississippi River is definitely worth a look.

In this urban escape, the landscape and natural bodies of water are peaceful and refreshing. I could see myself setting up nearly anywhere with minimal distractions. Even recording organic sounds for future production projects would be rewarding. A tranquil setting like this really works to my advantage as a videographer. Clients are often more comfortable and confident. This helps them be themselves. 

Like other Memphis locations, the bridge architecture here is pretty cool too. The wood slats, cable suspension and fabricated designs are definitely something I look forward to filming. Even the details of pathways, barriers and seating options are unique. You can tell everything was mapped out with flooding in mind. It kind of gives the Wolf River Greenway an aura you can feel. 

4. The Peabody Hotel & Rooftop.

I’m sure I would have to get some permission to shoot inside this immaculate display of architecture, but it would be worth it. There is so much history throughout The Peabody. From the grand entrance to the enormous fountain, balconies, fixtures and ceilings – this place is the real deal. The rooftop signage is something I wouldn’t be able to ignore. Honestly, I’d like to help them redo all of the media on their site. I don’t think it does the place justice!

In order to develop a purposeful video here, it’d take some serious focus and creative direction. But I’d be up for the challenge – even if I had to book a room or two to make it work! It would be a blast to set up a shoot for a wedding, event or simple promo at The Peabody Hotel. Neighboring buildings would also provide me with some amazing perspectives that highlight Memphis in general.

5. Fire Museum of Memphis.

Although it’s barely in my top 5, this Museum is one of my favorite Memphis locations. Built in 1910, the preservation of the building and everything in it is impressive. If you get a chance to drive by, the sign is one of the best in the city. I’m not sure if the property itself can be filmed on or in (for profit), but there is certainly enough worth capturing outside. 

The building is exactly what a classic firehouse should look like. The entrance can be captured from multiple vantage points and the gated courtyard is decorated with bricks and a wall monument you can’t ignore. I love everything about the space and hope to shoot video there soon.

6. Big River Crossing.

Out of this entire list, this is the only spot with open space along the bank of the Mississippi. Aside from the view and room to stretch our legs at, the surrounding parks each offer something unique. The architecture hardscape is a little more modern at Tom Lee while the pathways of Ashburn-Coppock and Martyrs Park offer a more scenic view. E.H. Crump Park is a little more densely wooded and Chickasaw Heritage has more stuff for the kids to do.

The crossing itself is what I’m really excited about filming. Whether I’m driving across, walking in front of a subject, or flying the drone, it’s an amazing view. I could see myself setting up anything from an informative video to a Mississippi spotlight reel that highlights the coastal parks. At some point, I’ll make my way over there and spend a half day at Big River Crossing.

7. Rhodes College Campus.

Since moving to the Midsouth, I’ve been meaning to stop by a few college campuses to interview students about the different ways certain events make them feel. I haven’t finished writing the questions yet, but I did get a chance to notice how beautiful the campus at Rhodes College was. The elegant display of buildings and upkeep of the property is unlike any university I’ve ever been to.

From the layout to the courtyards, monuments and fountains – everything seems cohesive and in order. The atmosphere the institution provides has been recognized on several occasions throughout the years – which makes it one of the top Memphis locations, in general.

8. The Famous Beale Street.

I think one of the main reasons I’m excited to film here is the ability to capture crowds. There are always a lot of good reactions and candid moments that can really turn out a solid reel. From business interactions and laughter to iconic storefronts and live shows – there’s a lot of content to be had at Beale Street. 

Since there tends to be a lot of foot traffic, it’s probably not the best place for an informative video. But if you’re a business on the row, you might benefit from some testimonials and live footage on a busy day. Showcasing the culture or atmosphere of any joint is a good way to stand out on a competitive strip. It’s the little features that 

I’d really like to get some rainy day footage of the signage, monuments, and roads and sidewalks. I can already envision a soaked neon glow and water flowing over the bricks and into drainage. Once the sun comes out, I’d like to see how long it takes for the streets to be full. Whether it be a time lapse or compiled B-rolls, I think the transition would be cool to watch.

9. South Main Arts District.

I think this one is pretty straightforward. Although South Main is a little bit more edgy than Summer Avenue, it’s honestly what I like most about it. It really makes the slew of artistic designs pop. The classic buildings, cultural value and level of creative expression really embodies the city of Memphis. But unlike most of these Memphis locations, this setting typically only suits a specific type of clientele.

Not everyone is going to make sense (or feel comfortable) in front of worn down mortar, colorful statements, or a graffiti’d wall. But don’t write it off before you PreFocus on the possibilities. With a little trust and creativity, we can always make something worth. Once I familiarize myself with the district and stay on top of artistic updates, it’ll be a great spot to reference.

10. Mud Island River Park.  

Just down the river from Big River Crossing is this gem of a good time. The Mud Island River Park is well-maintained, full of smiles, not too packed – and the tributaries would look great from the air. As a videographer, you never know when a spot like this is going to come in handy. So I’m glad I have it in my back pocket for that special client that needs to communicate something specific. A setting that elicits playfulness and personality is never a bad idea. It’s definitely not one of those basic point-and-shoot locations and would give me a chance to get really creative with the production.

11. The Lorraine Motel.

Anyone looking to promote Memphis roots ought to consider this historic location. Also known as the National Civil Rights Museum, The Lorraine Motel offers an array of placements that can communicate a number of things. Videography here reiterates the impact of standing for something bigger than ourselves, collectively. I already have tons of ideas flowing through my head to pay homage.

Looking up at a subject as they walk passed the legendary sign would be simple, yet meaningful. A slow motion camera rolling by a person in awe (and consideration) of the moment-in-time could be powerful. If someone hired me to shoot video in front of this significant landmark, I wouldn’t take the creative direction lightly. Taking advantage of a classic setting is selfish.

If we’re not creating a video that pays homage to those that stood for something bigger than themselves, then what are we really doing? In other words, I’d only be interested in capturing footage at this Memphis location with the right client. It would only be an honor to help someone depict the scene in a classy, responsible manner. 

12. Confederate Park and its Bridge.

It might seem a bit odd to follow up the Civil Rights Museum with a confederate landmark, but history is history. Every man and woman had a rhyme or reason for their fight. It’s our duty to understand their stories in order to protect the future of ours. Simply put, there are just too many props and creative visuals to be ignored at Confederate Park in northeast Memphis, Tennessee. 

A lot has changed on the plot of land over the years, but most of the original architecture has remained. Like other buildings on this list, the landscape would add a little edge to a production. The hills, stone walls, flowers and canons offer a little bit more. As you can tell by my list, I kind of have an affinity for bridges. But I’m really excited about some of the angles I can film on the pedestrian bridge at this location.

13. Dixon Gallery & Gardens.

If I’m not filming at the Grotto, the next best spot has got to be the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. It’s one of the few Memphis locations that offer a ton of natural backdrops in one place. Every event and exhibit offers something different, drawing in all kinds of crowds. I could see myself shooting video for anything from a birthday party to a personal branding promotion. The elegant display isn’t too distracting and the layout, ideation and creative display is unmatched in Bluff City.

14. I Am A Man Plaza.

When I first stumbled across this location, I didn’t think it had a lot worth capturing. I’m sure the huge, “I Am a Man” monument is often used for the wrong reasons. But once I saw the building and its stained glass, I realized this place had some gnarly vantage points. Although it’s a small area, the building architecture is stunning. The design of the black wall of names, and how it slopes down, gave me tons of ideas.

The plaza is a space that could work for a number of production projects – with respect to the workers of course. But I’m really looking forward to flying my drone here. Scaling the stones and steeple with hand controls before descending into the grassy area would create some really good aerial videography. A slight turn would enhance the curves of the hardscape.

15. Beale Street Landing.

This is another one of those Memphis locations that offers something a little different by the water. In contrast to Big River, this area has a wide variety of backdrops and seating options in close proximity. The vast amount of steps, sleek architecture and lighting offers something a little bit different. I could see Beale Street Landing working out well for about videos, personal branding or even product demonstrations.

I’ll have to swing by during dusk to check it out. I hear some of the events here are pretty cool. Whether I’m getting paid or not, community gatherings are always fun to film. I also heard that the Hu. Hotel is solid location to set up a video shoot. Apparently, the views from the rooftop are pretty stellar. Since it’s just up the street, I’ll include it here. 

16. Overton Park Amphitheater. 

After listing all of these parks, I was hesitant to add another. But it’s always good to have a variety of options in mind for different types of clients. Although the natural landscape at Overton Park isn’t overly appealing, the custom created amphitheater (or shell) offers a unique background you won’t find elsewhere.

Filming the sloped rows, bleacher angles, on-stage perspectives and dashes of culture can really make a simple production stand out! The city actually does a great job with maintenance and the Veterans Plaza is pleasantly surprising.

17. Memphis Riverboats.

The last of my Memphis locations to film would have to be one of the most prominent docks in the city. For more than 150 years, this place has been running riverboats, amongst other things. The history itself is worth capturing. I also wouldn’t mind shooting some video for a private charter. If you’re paying around $7K to book the boat for an event, you might as well capture all the fun!

I should ask Mr. Lozier if they company is working with a media company to offer this type of service. While it’s not at the top of my list, it’s certainly one of those local spots that communicate more than visuals. For the right client, this cool be a great location for filming video.

If you’ve read a strategy of mine before, you know how passionate I am about the front end of things. Hence the name, PreFocus. Whether I’m working on an identity or writing a detailed video strategy; the competency, value and direction of the brand has got to be clear. A solid foundation is key to any quality campaign. Constancy gives you certainty on nearly every endeavor. Anything less becomes a wishy washy front stage or sales pitch. I can go on and on as to why.. But anyways..

Creating video content that’s actually watched is a tall task when you’re wandering aimlessly or chasing trends. In most cases, any direction will help! So I thought I’d write another blog that shows how easy it can be to ask a few questions and dive into your core capabilities (as an individual or group). While this may appear dull and boring, loyal customers want to know more about you and the passion behind your offer. Entertainment and enticement isn’t usually sustainable.

Unique Gym With Individual & Group Training.

When I first met Sarah, she was looking for a videographer that could highlight her gym and equipment. But once we sat down and talked, she realized her potential clients needed to hear from her directly. She wasn’t opening a fitness facility and offering memberships. She was providing a more personal experience that requires trust in her alone. So I told her I wasn’t interested in writing a detailed video strategy that marketed her as a gym.

After listening to her story and vision, I knew it was all we needed to put on film. There wasn’t a greedy bone in her body and it was inspirational to watch her run a class. Although she wasn’t thrilled about being the center the attention, she was enthused by the idea. So I wrote up a proposal that involved photography and got to work.

Process of Writing a Detailed Video Strategy.

Even though I gathered quite a bit of information during my meeting with Sarah, there was still plenty more to find out. The personality of every client is different. Some people do really well with open ended questions; others need me to write out every line. Since this was Sarah’s first time in front of the camera, I knew it would probably take a few shots before her nerves would calm down.

After reviewing my questions and analyzing her answers, we decided that recording one line at a time would be best. I didn’t write out a script because she knew what she needed to say – but she did have a tendency to mesh together her answers. So I wanted to make sure I kept her on track with a few answer summaries and a bunch of hard stops. We even bucketed the questions into 5 categories. I knew I could switch up the angles to ensure the production remained fluent.

The final objective was to create a long form “about video” and 5 separate productions that maximized her online reach. Solidifying all of this on the front end made sure the client knew what to expect. As a result, she was better prepared for the video shoot. Even though Sarah wasn’t anticipating a detailed video strategy of this sort, she bought into the process and saw the fruit of vulnerability. Let’s take a look at the outline and shot list.

Structuring the Media Shoot With Intention.

 As you can see, everything about this project was geared towards the client’s comfort levels. The last thing I wanted to do was show up with a mic and camera lens in her face. Kicking off with the headshot photographer allowed us to work towards more confident poses as we slowly chipped away at nerves.

By the time we started taking action shots, the client found a nice groove and was acting a lot more natural. This was perfect for B roll video footage. Once we were satisfied with her profile images, we started to focus more on the equipment. This gave the client a few minutes to freshen up and review the detailed video strategy before we started filming. I was really happy with the way everything played out.

Questions From the Personal Trainer’s Video Strategy:

The first two sections were focused on the client’s story, experience and journey as a professional.

How has your life surrounded health and fitness?

• • Drawn to sports since child (versatility).
  • College athlete runner (training variations).
  • Body building (strength and discipline).
  • Trained for CrossFit but didn’t like it (searching).
  • Focused on free weights and transition to TRIBE (happy place).

I felt the need to script this section because each bullet point is a key component of her story. I wouldn’t have been able to break this down if I didn’t take the time to explore Sarah’s origin and passion for fitness. Instead of just telling people about her journey, we wanted to explain how it equipped her to better serve her members.

What have you learned most along your fitness journey?

• What tips would you have for people looking to step it up?
• What have you struggled with or needed help with along the way?
• What are a few things you think people struggle with?
• Working out
• Eating healthy
• Discipline for new regimen/consistency?

Here is another section that I felt the need to guide her on a little bit. She had so many lessons that it was hard for her to summarize them well. So I wanted to ask her the broad question and then record her speaking on each of the sub points. This allowed me to use different pieces of each recording to tell the story best. If she rambled about something, I was able to pull a more precise clip from my library.

The next category is geared towards fitness misconceptions and differentiating her experience.

What are the perks of group classes and training?

• Why do you think some people are intimidated by group fitness?
• What are some of the common misconceptions?
• What would intimidate most people about joining your gym?
• What would surprise those with assumptions or that are skeptical?
• What do you bring to a fitness program?
• How are you helping people overcome their struggles (above)?

The last two categories were focused on the culture she’s a part of and trying to create. In other words, the vision of the brand.

Why did you choose to align with the TRIBE brand?

• What relationship do you have with owner?
• Why do you believe in TRIBE’s “unique programming?”
• What is it exactly? (Xfit-esc, body building, HIIT, body weight, etc)
• What was it about the culture? (welcoming, novices/not intimidating, supportive)
• Members fall in love with themselves, Avoid boredom, discrimination, intimidation and sustain health.
• Define then Describe “a soft place to land.”
• What type of culture are you trying to create?

If you’re not taking the time to expand on the foundational elements of your business, you can’t expect to be seen as anything but an option.

What makes you qualified to lead people?

• What makes you qualified to lead fitness classes?
• What type of person would love TRIBE and why?
• What can people expect after signing up for TRIBE?
• What is your favorite quote or name one that encompasses the gym?

Analyzing the Fitness Video Strategy.

Some of these questions are really tough to answer. It’s why you don’t see a lot of personal training professionals answering them. Not only did this detailed video strategy improve Sarah’s confidence – but it also gave her tons of ways to explain the value of her gym. You see, marketing isn’t just about selling – it’s about telling. Nobody has the same story, let alone vantage point. Unless you’re willing to really dig deep into the roots of your brand, you can leave a lot of opportunity and growth on the table.

After wrapping up this project, Sarah had more than enough video content to schedule out months in advance. Nearly every production could be broken down into even smaller videos that spoke on specific things her audience is actively searching for. Since she received exclusive rights to all recordings, all she has to do is access her library and make a request. Although it was a lot of work on the front end, she can now focus solely on serving her customers!

Be purposeful with everything you do guys, and always remember to PreFocus.