A Day in Wicker Park with Reside Home Loans

Chicago commercial video production, culture films, and brand storytelling

Producing a strong commercial is never about showing up with a camera and hitting record. For this Wicker Park project with Reside Home Loans, the work began long before I walked into the space. We spent time reviewing photos of the office, talking through the layout, and holding multiple conversations about the goals of the shoot. I wanted to understand not only what the team wanted to say, but how they wanted people to feel when they watched the final film. Pre production sets the tone, and for this one, it gave me a clear path.

Pre Planning and Creative Direction

Before shooting anything, I studied the interior images they sent over and walked through different lighting strategies based on the ten foot windows that run across the room. These windows can either overpower a frame or elevate it, so I mapped out how to balance natural light with controlled lighting. We also covered interview topics, the overall message, and the style of storytelling they wanted. These conversations helped me design a clean, modern look that matched their brand.

Lighting and Camera Setup

Once on site, everything came together quickly. I used the Godox VL300 paired with the Aputure Dome 2 to soften the light and create a smooth wrap on faces. The Aputure Nova II handled fill and consistency across the room.

The natural window light mixed with these fixtures created a bright, professional look without washing out the subjects.For cameras, I switched between the Sony FX6, Sony FX3, and the FS5 Mark II. Each one offered a slightly different feel, and together they gave me a range of perspectives and focal lengths that kept the final edit dynamic and authentic.

Audio That Protects the Story

Audio is something I never play around with. I ran a layered setup using the Wireless GO 2 and the Shure Long Boy on boom. This gave me clean dialogue along with a backup source. Interviews are the heart of this style of commercial, so I build the sound chain with the same care as the lighting.

Capturing Honest Conversations

The team at Reside Home Loans brought great energy. No scripted lines, no forced answers, just real conversations about who they are and what they are building. Some talked about company culture, others about the direction of the business, and a few shared personal stories about why they chose to join the team. When people speak from a genuine place, the editing becomes easier because the emotion is already there.

Why Wicker Park Worked

Wicker Park has its own creative rhythm. The textures, the neighborhood feel, the way the light moves through the windows, all of it added depth to the shoot. It gave the project personality and made the visuals feel elevated without being overproduced. That is what I aim for in my Chicago commercial video work. Clean visuals, honest storytelling, and a sense of place.

The Result

By the time we wrapped, it felt less like we shot a commercial and more like we documented the identity of a team. The combination of thoughtful pre planning, the right lighting choices, layered audio, and authentic conversation created something that has meaning. This is why I love doing what I do. I am not just filming a product or a service. I am building a story that helps a brand stand out in a crowded Chicago market.

If Your Company Needs a Chicago Video Team

If you need a commercial, a culture film, an interview driven brand story, or any kind of video production in Chicago, I would love to talk. DHPixels creates visuals that feel real, intentional, and built around your brand.Check out the final video below.