Behind the Scenes: How I Film Professional Podcasts in Chicago

At Lakeshore Video, we specialize in turning everyday office spaces into professional podcast studios. Recently, we filmed an episode of the Accounting Firm Insider Series for Levenfeld Pearlstein in Chicago, where Russell Shapiro interviewed Richard Kopelman, Managing Partner of Aprio LLP.

🎥 Watch the full behind-the-scenes breakdown here →

🎬 Or check out the quick 1-minute version →

The Setup to Film Professional Podcasts

For this shoot, I kept things compact but cinematic:

• Cameras: Lumix S1 (35mm) for the wide + Lumix S5 (85mm) on sliders for parallax closeups.

• Lighting: Two Godox VL300s (used as each guest’s key and backlight), plus a Godox SL60 with a lantern for soft fill.

• Audio: Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun mics into a Zoom F3 recorder with 32-bit float — so levels are never an issue.

• Monitoring: Mars X wireless system feeding into an iPad for client previews.

Everything packs into rolling SKB cases, and setup takes about two hours from arrival to recording. This efficiency is key when working with busy professionals who need high-quality results filmed in their own office space.

Why 30fps?

I shoot all podcasts at 30fps. Why? Because platforms like Instagram automatically convert uploads to 30fps. Shooting directly at 30 ensures the video looks smooth and avoids the jitter that can happen with 24fps.

The Final Look

The final podcast has a polished, cinematic style with clean lighting, dynamic camera movement, and broadcast-quality audio — all created with a lean, mobile setup.

🎥 Want to see the final result?👉

Work With Me

If you’re in Chicago (or beyond) and need podcast production, corporate video, or behind-the-scenes content, reach out. I’d love to help bring your project to life.

📩 Contact: george@lakeshorevideo.com