Behind the Scenes: A Full-Scale Production at Hilton Casa Marina, Key West
Video + Photography Direction | Production | Post Oversight
Producing high-end hospitality content takes more than just showing up with a camera — it’s about understanding the brand, building the right team, and solving problems in real time. That’s exactly what we brought to Hilton’s Casa Marina in Key West.
Their goal was clear: expand brand presence in the Key West market by capturing the full guest experience across video and stills. We delivered — but not without a few serious challenges along the way.
We recently completed an incredible multi-day shoot at the historic Casa Marina in Key West—a full production that combined video, social media content, and still photography, all captured under one coordinated schedule.
To bring it all to life, we assembled a versatile, top-tier crew:
– Camera Operator and 1st AC kept our visuals crisp and dynamic
– Production Assistant and DIT ensured everything flowed smoothly and securely
– Lighting team helped shape scenes to feel natural and cinematic
– The client-side crew brought their A-game too, managing styling, talent, and hotel coordination across multiple locations and scenes
Despite a few curveballs—like overcast skies on key shoot days—we kept our vision intact with a little creative thinking. In one standout scene, the talent enters the guest room and opens the curtains to reveal the ocean view… except we shot the interior one day, and the view the next when the weather cleared.
We used this approach on several scenes. It takes careful planning, flexibility, and a collaborative team willing to pivot on the fly to make it work.
It’s easy to make beautiful content when everything goes perfectly. But when the weather turns gray and time is tight? That’s when experience and problem-solving really shine.
This is what we do. Build a crew that’s ready, plan for the unpredictable, and still deliver content that feels effortless.
Let’s connect and talk about how we can bring this level of production to your next project.
— Mike Butler
What We Delivered
- Two cinematic long-format videos (2-minute and 60-second)
- Two social media cuts tailored for vertical/mobile use
- Dozens of still images covering both architectural and lifestyle content
A full brand story told through vibrant, clean visuals with a linear narrative flow
🎥 Cameras, Constraints, and Creative Choices
A technical breakdown from the Casa Marina shoot
🎬 Primary Camera Setup
Sony FX9: Main A-cam for cinematic shots
Tilta Armor-Man 2: Stabilized support rig for long takes and smooth movement
Canon R5: Used for quick gimbal pick-ups when schedule shifts demanded agility
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Cine: Aerial workhorse for establishing shots, beauty passes, and transitions
GoPro HERO (Waterproof): Deployed for fast water-based lifestyle moments
🔧 Constraints & Adaptation
Weather delays forced mid-shoot gear pivots—from cinema camera to mirrorless + gimbal
No dual-cinema setup—so we maximized coverage with strategic cross-use of systems
Tight windows of natural light meant constant relighting and shot rescheduling
💡 Lighting & Grip
Full grip truck with:
– LED panels (bi-color and daylight)
– Diffusion kits, flags, stands, and modifiers
– Off-camera follow focus for precise rack-pulls
– Wireless DMX control on set
📡 Monitoring & Transmission
Teradek wireless transmission: Seamless real-time monitoring across set
Multiple viewing stations: Director, client, and ACs all had access
Production carts: Modular gear stations with everything mobile and accessible
👥 Crew Synergy
Flexibility wasn’t just gear—it was attitude. From DP to PA, everyone adapted as needed
Client team helped coordinate styling, talent, and hotel access, ensuring efficiency
🎯 Bottom Line: You don’t need ideal conditions—you need a creative crew, smart gear strategy, and the mindset to pivot when the moment calls for it.
Post-Production & Final Polish
We partnered with a trusted post-production team in LA to bring it all together. I stayed directly involved throughout the edit, offering creative direction and feedback on grading and pacing. For Casa Marina, we kept it cinematic and natural.
Not a Budget Production — A Business Driver
Let’s be clear: this type of production isn’t cheap. It’s a full team, multiple cameras, lighting support, aerial coverage, and hands-on post. But the result is an elevated visual experience that aligns with your brand and drives bookings.
I direct, produce, and photograph every project, bringing consistency across both stills and video. Whether you need full-length brand films or fast-hitting social content, the deliverables are built to perform.
