Zoning Board Video Production Lubbock: A Monumental Twist on Video Production

Exploring the New Era of Video Production in Lubbock

In December of 2024, we were asked to take part in a zoning board video production project for the Liggett Law Group right here in Lubbock, TX.

We were at their office when Ted asked me to go outside to discuss something they needed. I wasn’t exactly sure why we needed to go outside to discuss it, yet I followed.

Ted pointed out that the temporary sign they had in front of the building was illegal and that they were in the process of putting in a request to the City of Lubbock Zoning Board to put in a permanent monument sign.

However, there was a catch: the zoning board was already planning to deny the request. The denial wasn’t unreasonable, as the request would be in violation of certain zoning regulations in Lubbock. However, given the layout of the property, there weren’t many options. Additionally, many such exceptions had been made in the area.

Enter the Hamil Bros. Ted wanted us to shoot a zoning board video production demonstration video to present to the Lubbock zoning board at a public hearing. The request was simple enough; we just needed to show the building and how there was no way to identify the business in east-bound traffic.

This would be easy. However, we decided to take it a step further and pitched the idea of generating a 3D model of the proposed sign and using visual effects compositing to give a better visualization of how the sign would look in real life and how it would impact traffic for good or for bad.

A "Sign" of the Times in Lubbock, TX

Proposed monument sing for the zoning board

Image courtesy of Mark Umstot

The first thing we needed to do was build a 3D model of the sign based on a mockup that Mark Umstot had designed.

I spent some time in Element 3D and After Effects building the model. It was crude for how quickly it was assembled, but it served its purpose well for our zoning board video production process.

Shooting Our Shot in Lubbock Zoning Board Video Production

The shoot happened over a couple of days. One day of parking lot and one day of driving footage for our zoning board video production service.

For the parking lot footage, we enlisted the help of our trusty Dana Dolly and Emotimo motion control system. We built the dolly with our Blackmagic Pyxis and used a few different Tokina Vista lenses.

We opted for this set up to make motion tracking the scene easier. With calculated, repeatable camera moves, solving the camera track would be a breeze.

To also assist in creating a realistic environment for the sign to live in, we brought our Insta360 camera to capture an HDRI for the 3D model used in the zoning board video production.

An HDRI is a 360-degree photo that allows a 3D model to be lit and to reflect the environment that it sits in. Not common everyday knowledge, but it’s something that really helps 3D assets fit into a scene.

We shot various angles from the parking lot and showcased not only the sign proposal but another monument sign across the street that was shown the same allowance as Ted’s proposal.

For the driving footage, we employed our MovMax Razor Arm. This is a shock-absorbing arm that attaches to a DJI RS3 and allows us to shoot stable moving footage from our vehicle around Lubbock for our zoning board video production.

This was a lot of fun. For this part of the job, we employed our Blackmagic Pocket 4K camera with our Veydra Prime lenses.

It was a match made in Heaven.

Once all of the footage was shot, it came time to build the 3D composites. This wasn’t terribly difficult as the footage tracked very easily. After a few passes, the sign was put into place and the video was ready to present to Ted.

We scheduled a meeting in his office with his accomplice, Gary, and they began the editing process. A lot of footage was cut from the final product, but that was fine because we knew we wanted to be respectful of everyone at the Lubbock zoning board hearing.

Dana Dolly and eMotimo System used for the Zoning Board Video Production
MovMax Razor Arm Setup for the Liggett Law group zoning board shoot

Zoning Board Presentation Day in Lubbock, TX

Liggett Law Group building with No sign
Liggett Law Group building with #d Sign Example

Finally, the day arrived where Team Liggett would be presenting the video and the proposal.

First off, the project planner, Terry, went up to bat. He showed the blueprints and laid out the technical aspects of what was being asked. He showed photos of the property before a building was even built and how the building enhanced the neighborhood. Additionally, an allowance had already been made for the construction of the building and this sign wouldn’t exceed that.

He was eloquent and precise.

Next up was Ted. He’s not called The Heavy Hitter for no reason. He presented the zoning board video production project and made a strong case for the sign being given an allowance.

It wouldn’t impede any traffic visibility, it would look nice in its proposed location, it provided safety in being a wayfinding device, and lastly, no trees would be moved or damaged in the process of construction.

Now, if you’re not from Lubbock, let me tell you, trees are placed in high value.

After saying his piece, the zoning board discussed it and put it to a vote.

One of the members of the Lubbock zoning board said that she wished that every request would come through with a video like this one. The video took the imagination out of the proposal and put everyone on the same page. They all had the same information and no one was guessing.

The vote was unanimous: the allowance for the sign was approved.

As we left, we all walked a little taller, having won a small victory at Lubbock City Hall. It was a good day and at the end, we are able to say, 

“Hamil Bros: Zoning Board Approved.”

The Importance of Video Production

Why Zoning Board Video Production Matters for Contractors, Designers, and Engineers

Whether you are a building contractor, signage designer, or structural engineer in Lubbock, TX or beyond, zoning board video production can make all the difference in your project’s approval process. Video eliminates uncertainty by clearly showing the impact and intent of your proposal.

Municipalities like Lubbock value clarity and transparency. Our zoning board video production services help bridge the gap between vision and approval.

The view of a parking lot automated shot through the Osee 21" monitor

Bringing Expertise to You

While we are proudly based in Lubbock, TX, we are not limited by geography. If your project requires zoning board video production services anywhere in Texas or the surrounding region, Hamil Bros is ready to travel. We bring our equipment, expertise, and experience to you.

Elevate Your Project with Our Expertise

While we cannot guarantee this outcome for everyone, we can safely say that your zoning board presentation stands a better chance if they can see exactly what you want them to see.

Looking for professional zoning board video production in Lubbock, TX or beyond? Contact Hamil Bros today and let us help bring clarity to your proposal. Let’s put your project in the best possible light—literally.

Explore more about our visual effects compositing services and how they can elevate your zoning board video production projects.