Behind the Scenes: Filming with Darius Garland & Tristan Thompson for Cleveland Magazine
At Black Valve Media, we’re always looking for projects that combine creative storytelling with the energy of our city. So when Cleveland Magazine tapped us to film an interview with Cleveland Cavaliers stars Darius Garland and Tristan Thompson, we were all in.
This collaboration wasn’t just about shooting a standard sit-down interview. It was about capturing personality, chemistry, and insight from two of the Cavs’ most recognizable figures—and turning that content into multiple engaging video pieces for both social media and digital rollout.
A Collaborative Process
Working alongside Cleveland Magazine’s editorial team, we developed a production plan that would keep the atmosphere relaxed while still delivering premium visuals and audio. Our crew set up a multi-camera interview at a location that gave the footage both style and substance—balancing clean lighting with a conversational, player-to-player vibe.
Darius and Tristan brought exactly what you’d hope for in this kind of shoot: authenticity, humor, and the kind of behind-the-scenes perspective fans don’t usually get to see. From their insights on leadership to moments of laughter, we captured a range of moments that made the edit room work especially rewarding.
Photo: Shelly Duncan
Creating Multiple Edits for Multiple Audiences
After the shoot wrapped, our post-production team got to work creating several video cuts from the interview. The goal was to deliver not just one long-form piece, but a series of edits that could live across Cleveland Magazine’s platforms—from web features to social media teasers and Instagram Reels.
Each cut was tailored to highlight different themes: leadership on and off the court, the evolving culture of the Cavaliers, and the personal connection these players have to the city of Cleveland.
Why This Project Mattered
At Black Valve Media, we don’t take it for granted when we get to work with hometown talent—especially when it involves creating content that connects Cleveland sports, culture, and media. Projects like this give us a chance to collaborate with respected local partners like Cleveland Magazine while showcasing our skills in interview production, multi-cam shooting, and versatile content delivery.
We’re proud of how the videos turned out—and even prouder to play a small part in telling Cleveland’s sports stories in new and creative ways.
Need Video Content?
Whether you’re building out branded content, documentary-style interviews, or social media features, Black Valve Media can help. Get in touch with us to talk about your next project.