Starion Bank Video Production Project in Madison
Written By: Jacob Shilman
Published: 7/23/2026
When I think back on my recent Madison video production trip, it’s hard not to smile. What started as a commercial shoot for Starion Bank turned into one of my favorite production experiences to date. Between filming inspiring stories, capturing cinematic drone footage, exploring the city, and enjoying some incredible local food, Madison gave us everything we could have hoped for.
Joe and I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to produce a new 30-second commercial for Starion Bank, and every location offered a new opportunity to tell their story in a creative and authentic way.
Bringing the Starion Bank Story to Life
Our schedule was packed from the moment we arrived, but that’s exactly what makes these trips exciting.
We started by filming leadership introductions featuring Starion Bank CEO Craig Larson and President Dave Rogstad. These interviews helped establish the heart of the organization and gave viewers a chance to connect with the people leading the company.
From there, we headed to Pet Supplies Plus to capture a client testimonial. Hearing directly from a local business about their experience with Starion Bank added authenticity that simply can’t be recreated with scripted dialogue. Those genuine moments are often what make a commercial memorable.
We also spent time at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, documenting Starion Bank’s commitment to supporting the community. Highlighting the bank’s involvement outside of everyday banking services helped tell a much more complete story about who they are.
Projects like this remind me why I enjoy Madison video production so much. Every business has its own story, and it’s rewarding to help bring that story to life through video.
Working with an Incredible Team
One of the biggest reasons this project was so enjoyable was the people we worked with.
The Starion Bank team was professional, organized, welcoming, and genuinely excited about the project from start to finish. That kind of collaboration makes the production process run smoothly and creates an environment where everyone can focus on producing the best possible work.
As filmmakers, we know the best videos happen when clients trust the creative process, and that’s exactly what happened throughout this production.
Exploring Madison Between Shoots
One of the best parts of traveling for video production is getting to experience each city beyond the scheduled filming locations.
Whenever we had downtime, Joe and I explored downtown Madison looking for unique places to capture additional B-roll and drone footage. Madison has an incredible mix of modern architecture, lakeside scenery, parks, and busy downtown streets that all work beautifully on camera.
We even stopped by the ESPN facilities while exploring the area, which was a fun experience for both of us. As sports fans, it was a cool opportunity to see such a recognizable location in person.
Everywhere we went seemed to offer another backdrop that elevated the overall look of the commercial.
Capturing Madison from Above
Some of my favorite shots from the entire trip came from the drone.
Aerial footage adds scale and energy to a commercial while helping establish the setting for viewers. Madison’s combination of city skylines, waterfront views, and surrounding green spaces created plenty of opportunities for cinematic drone shots.
Those wide establishing shots helped connect each filming location together and gave the finished commercial an even more polished feel.
Whether we were filming downtown or capturing the natural beauty surrounding the city, Madison proved to be an outstanding place for commercial video production.
More Than Just a Production Trip
No production trip is complete without experiencing the local food.
After long days behind the camera, Joe and I made it a priority to try some local restaurants—and of course, plenty of Wisconsin cheese.
I can confidently say it lives up to its reputation.
Those meals gave us an opportunity to relax after filming, talk through the day’s footage, and prepare for the next shoot. Some of the best conversations happen once the cameras are packed away, and those moments are just as memorable as the production itself.
Why Madison Is a Great Place for Video Production
Every city has something different to offer, but Madison stood out because it combined beautiful scenery with incredible people.
From executive interviews and customer testimonials to community storytelling and scenic drone footage, every location added something valuable to the final commercial. The variety of backdrops gave us the flexibility to create visuals that felt polished, professional, and authentic.
It’s easy to see why so many businesses choose Madison as a place to grow, and it was equally enjoyable to experience it from behind the camera.
Looking Ahead to the Next Project
Trips like this are a reminder of why I love what I do.
Creating commercial videos isn’t just about cameras or editing software—it’s about helping organizations share meaningful stories and connecting with great people along the way.
Working alongside the Starion Bank team made this one of my favorite productions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help tell their story.
At Chezy Video Co., we love partnering with businesses throughout the Midwest to create videos that build trust, strengthen brands, and connect with audiences. Whether we’re filming in Madison or another community, our goal is always the same: create videos that leave a lasting impression.
Want more stories like this? Check out our latest travel and video blogs on our blog page!
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