Inspiring Journeys of Resilience
Capturing Stories of Hope and Triumph: The Heart Ball Tyler 2025 Gala Videos
Join us as we delve into the heartwarming stories of survival and strength, showcasing the incredible journeys of those who have overcome adversity with the support of the American Heart Association.
A New Year of Impactful Projects
Celebrating Courage and Community
The dawn of 2025 marked an exhilarating chapter for Hamil Bros Studios, as we plunged into a series of diverse projects, each presenting its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. Amidst these endeavors, our collaboration with the American Heart Association for the Heart Ball Tyler 2025 Gala videos emerged as a truly standout experience. This project afforded us the profound privilege of capturing the compelling narratives of heart disease survivors—stories that not only inspire but also resonate deeply within the hearts of audiences globally.
Our recent video production was a powerful testament to the extraordinary resilience and indomitable spirit of the human heart. From the soft, early morning light that gracefully illuminated the setting for the deeply moving interview with the Pryor family, to the dynamic and expertly crafted storytelling that unfolded through the Dike family’s courageous journey, every single moment was approached with an unwavering commitment to care and precision.
As we continue the vital work of sharing these profound stories, we are consistently reminded of the immense and far-reaching impact that thoughtfully produced fundraising videos can have. They serve as crucial bridges, connecting disparate communities, fostering a deeper sense of understanding, and, most critically, propelling forward the essential research that saves lives. This project underscored our belief in the power of visual storytelling to not only educate and inspire but also to galvanize support for noble causes, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for all.
Heartfelt Stories: A Visual Journey
Streamlined Setup
Cameras
Our recent project, the AHA Tyler 2025 event, proved to be an exceptionally smooth and successful endeavor, largely due to our team’s intimate familiarity with the location. Having utilized the same venue the previous year, we were able to leverage our prior experience, which significantly streamlined the entire setup and production process. This foreknowledge allowed us to anticipate potential challenges and optimize our workflow from the very beginning.
One of the primary logistical considerations for this project was the severely limited parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Recognizing this constraint from our previous experience, we made the strategic decision not to bring our large equipment trailer. This proactive planning was crucial and necessitated a precise pre-production phase where we carefully curated a comprehensive list of absolutely essential equipment. Every item selected had to serve a critical purpose, ensuring we maximized efficiency while minimizing our footprint.
At the core of our cinematic arsenal for this project were our two primary cameras: the Blackmagic Pyxis and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. These powerful cameras were naturally paired with our Tokina Cinema Vista prime lenses, a combination that consistently delivers breathtaking cinematic quality. Indeed, these cameras and lenses are considered indispensable tools in our kit; we truly “never leave home without them.” Beyond our primary cameras, no Hamil Bros Studios video production is truly complete without our DJI RS3 Pro gimbal, which we seamlessly integrated with our Blackmagic Pocket 4k camera. This setup is our go-to solution for capturing dynamic and fluid B-Roll footage, adding a crucial layer of visual depth to our final product.
To maintain precise control and ensure every shot was perfectly framed and exposed, we brought our OSEE 21-inch and 7-inch production monitors. These monitors provided real-time, high-fidelity monitoring of all camera feeds, allowing our team to make immediate adjustments and maintain consistent visual quality throughout the shoot. The ability to monitor every detail in such clarity was paramount to achieving the polished, professional results our clients expect.
Lights
When planning for the American Heart Association (AHA) Tyler 2025 project, a critical consideration was the lighting setup. We anticipated needing a robust and versatile array of lights, primarily because we were tasked with shooting two distinct sets of interviews. To maximize efficiency and account for the very limited time available between the arrival of various families, it was imperative that we had enough lighting equipment to set up both interview scenes simultaneously. This strategy would eliminate the need for time-consuming scene swaps and allow for a seamless flow of production.
With this in mind, our lighting inventory for the project was acutely curated. For the first interview setup, our powerful Aputure 600C was designated to serve as the key light, providing a strong and focused illumination. Concurrently, for the second interview, we deployed the even more potent Aputure 1200d as its primary key light, ensuring ample brightness and clarity for that scene. Beyond these primary key lights, we brought a comprehensive selection of supplementary fixtures to sculpt and refine the lighting in both setups. This included our Amaran 300c, two Amaran 200x units, and three Amaran 150Cs, each offering unique capabilities for fill, backlighting, or practical effects.
To further enhance the creative possibilities and provide nuanced lighting touches, we also packed our versatile Aputure B7Cs, the dynamic Aputure Tubes, and our ever-reliable Aputure MCs. This diverse collection allowed us to achieve professional-grade lighting, tailored to the specific needs of each interview subject and scene.
To support this extensive lighting package, we made sure to bring an abundance of stands. We maximized the number of stands we could transport, recognizing that proper positioning and secure mounting of each light would be crucial for both safety and the quality of our visuals. This comprehensive approach to lighting and support ensured we were well-prepared to capture compelling interviews under demanding time constraints.
Audio
As a cornerstone of our philosophy for many years, we’ve consistently emphasized that “bad video with good audio is passable; good video with bad audio is just bad video.” This belief underscores the critical importance we place on pristine audio in all our productions. To uphold this standard, we assembled a robust audio recording kit for the project. Our setup prominently featured the Zoom F8n 32-bit float recorder, chosen for its exceptional dynamic range and ability to capture audio without clipping, even in unpredictable environments.
Complementing this, we utilized a pair of Slate ML-2 microphones, known for their versatility and ability to emulate a wide array of classic microphones, ensuring we could achieve the perfect sonic character for any given scene.
These microphones were precisely positioned using a professional boom pole, allowing for optimal placement and isolation of sound sources, thereby minimizing unwanted room reflections and background noise. This comprehensive audio package was crucial in delivering the high-fidelity sound that is a hallmark of our work.
Seamless Transition
Once we arrived in Tyler, Texas, on Friday night, we started unloading the car into the garage.
Our first order of business was to figure out where our shooting locations were for this particular video production. We knew what we had used the year before and did not want to replicate any of the setup from the previous year’s fundraising videos.
We decided on two interview locations: the couch in the living room and the kitchen.
The Living Room
The setup for the Dikes in the living room was going to be the easiest. We just needed to move a few chairs and reposition the couch. We also had a large bay window to inform our lighting.
For our key light, we opted for our Aputure 1200D as it is the perfect pairing to set up against a window while competing with the Texas sun.
Our fill light was our 300C with a mini dome on it to help our subjects not feel so dark.
For our back light, we opted for an Amaran 150C with barn doors.
The Kitchen
The interview set up in the kitchen presented more of a challenge. There was less room with kitchen lights and we also had an island to compete with. We also had to make due with what little room was left to place cameras.
For our key light in the kitchen, we chose our 600C. We knew that we wanted this interview to have a warmer, golden-hour feel to it, again, leaning into the available windows to inform where the light needed to come from.
Using a 150C as our fill light and simply letting the kitchen walls help fill made this set up a little quicker.
For an evening’s worth of work we got a lot done and would have to finalize everything when our talent arrived the following day.
Maximized Productivity
With everything in place, we were ready to hit the ground running the next day… Then we received an email that changed everything: another job we were working on needed to be delivered Monday when we got back.
The catch? All of the footage was back home in Lubbock while we were stuck in Tyler.
This required Ross to hook up our OSEE 21” monitor to his laptop and remotely connect to his computer back in Lubbock to send over proxy files for the required edit.
Fortunately, having done a whole pre-light for the video production for the following day, we were able to get the other project completed and sent to the client to view over the weekend so we could be focused on the Heart Ball Tyler 2025 Gala Videos.
Capturing the Pryor Family
Creating the Perfect Ambiance
The day began with the Pryor family. As much preparation as we had done for the interview that morning, the video production faced a pretty standard challenge: weather wasn’t cooperating. We had built the kitchen lighting to (hopefully) match the morning color of the Tyler Sun as it would come blazing through the windows.
The weather had other plans. It was cloudy, overcast, and flat out dark for our morning interview. To combat this, we took one of our Amaran 200x Lights and placed it on the porch blasting into the kitchen window, lighting up the back kitchen wall and the window pane. This kiss of light gave us the exact amount of lighting to simulate the early morning sun that this video production so desperately needed.
The story is a story of going from hurting to hope and we didn’t want a dreary look to bring down the inspiration.
Once the interview was completed, it was time to move onto the accompanying B-roll.
Dynamic Action Footage
Following Brayden and Bridget’s interview, we transitioned to capturing action footage. A big part of Brayden’s story was that he was very athletic and his heart condition was discovered during a routine physical for school. We learned that he loved riding his bike and playing soccer to the point that, after his heart surgery, he signed up for multiple teams as soon as his doctors gave him the all-clear. He also enjoyed walking and running with his mother. They were the picturesque athletic family.
Knowing that, we couldn’t, very well, go without showing his lifestyle.
As we wrapped up their interviews, providence shown and the clouds parted, providing us with beautiful natural light to film Brayden and Bridget engaging in their favorite activities. A quick Google search showed us a nearby park where we were able to get some footage of Brayden riding his bike, playing a little soccer, and going for a walk with Bridget. Being in January, the position of the sun was perfect for a fully naturally lit video production b-roll in Tyler, Texas. This setting not only enhanced the visual appeal of the footage but also added a layer of authenticity to the narrative, showcasing the genuine connection between mother and son.
Transitioning to the Next Setup
Efficient Planning for Seamless Production
After completing the Pryor’s segment, we had strategically allocated time to transition to our next setup with the Dike family. This careful planning ensured a smooth workflow, allowing us to maintain our creative momentum throughout the day. Our team expertly adjusted the lighting and camera angles to capture the essence of the Dike family’s story in a fresh and engaging way.
Upon the Dike’s arrival, everything was prepped and ready for them.
The scene was set and they jumped right in. Brixtyn’s story was nothing short of heartbreaking and harrowing. Her heart problems were far from ordinary and the amount of surgeries, both standard and experimental, left us exhausted. This little girl, only a few years old, had already endured a lifetime of trauma. Our job was to make sure that the Heart Ball Tyler 2025 Gala videos expressed just how much the family had been through while showing how important the research provided by the American Heart Association continues to be.
Following Megan and Allan telling their story, we moved into our b-roll with them.
This took on an interesting spin. Brixtyn had died during one of her procedures and that left her with some lasting challenges once she was resuscitated. Not knowing what we would be able to get with her, we simply cleared the room and let her play with mom and dad.
When starting Hamil Bros Studios, we had no idea that our jobs would go beyond simple video production and that we would encounter so many life-changing stories.
Brixtyn did what Brixtyn does and she just lit up the room. We didn’t need much, but she gave us a lot.
By preparing in advance, we maximized our shooting schedule, ensuring that every moment was utilized effectively. This approach not only saved time but also allowed us to focus on capturing the unique dynamics of each interview, providing a seamless experience for our clients.
Our commitment to efficient video production practices is evident in how we manage our shoots, from initial setup to final wrap. This dedication ensures that we deliver high-quality content that resonates with audiences and meets the expectations of our clients.
Complexity in Storytelling
Navigating Intricate Narratives
Once back home from Tyler, Texas, it was time to begin the editing process.
Brayden’s story was fairly simple and straightforward. The events were linear enough that the story assembled itself relatively quickly.
One thing that stuck out was how, in the middle of his heart struggles, Brayden didn’t want to say anything to his friends; not because he was afraid to tell them, but because he didn’t want to be a burden or be treated differently. He just wanted to be a kid and live his life as normally as he could.
With such a tremendous story, finding music and matching the color grade was pretty easy. We wanted it to be warm and sunny feeling. Brayden got a fresh start and we wanted the video production color to feel like a brand new morning.
Conversely, editing the Dike family’s story presented unique challenges due to its intricate narrative and unexpected twists. Unlike Brayden’s relatively simple tale, the Dike’s interview required tedious attention to detail to weave together a cohesive and compelling story.
Megan was a nurse and had a much more vast knowledge of their situation than we ever would have needed. While we did not use much of the technical information she gave us, she provided us with so much context that we were able to discern what needed to be in the story and what didn’t.
There were so many different stories within Brixtyn’s story that fitting it all in could have taken hours.
We worked diligently to balance the wealth of information with the emotional depth of the family’s experiences, ensuring that each element contributed meaningfully to the overall narrative.
Finally, after a few simple revisions, it was time to deliver the Heart Ball Tyler 2025 Gala videos to the American Heart Association for presentation along with some short social media promotional videos.
Be a Part of the Heart
Every frame we capture tells a story of strength, perseverance, and hope. But these stories don’t exist in isolation—they thrive because of communities that care, advocate, and act. The Heart Ball Tyler 2025 Gala isn’t just an event—it’s a lifeline for families like the Pryors and the Dikes, and countless others you may never meet, but whose lives depend on continued research and awareness.
At Hamil Bros Studios, we are honored to help share these voices. Now it’s your turn.
👉 Support the mission. Share the message. Show up.
Whether you donate, attend, or simply spread the word, you can help hearts keep beating and stories keep being told.
Let’s turn powerful moments into lasting impact—together.