Video Services

Script

The requesting department is responsible for writing the script or narrative for the video. Departments may not want to use an accual script, but rather pull their content from interviews. These videos should still have a thought-out narrative for the interviewer to follow to help keep the interviewee on-topic during the interview. The narrative also provides a guide for the editing team when creating the storyline using segments from the video.

Things to consider when writing your script:

• Audience — who are you targeting with your video? Start by identifying your target audience and what they might want to know.
• Purpose — what is the purpose of the video? Are you educating viewers, pursuading viewers, or just building awareness?
• Story — what story are you trying to tell, and who is telling it? Students, faculty, alumni, etc?
• Call-to-action — what are the next steps after a viewer watches your video? Do you want them to visit a website to learn more, fill out an application, follow you on social media, give a donation, etc? How is that call-to-action going to be communicated simply and directly at the end of the video?

Components

You'll want to plan out what components you'll need for your video:

• Interviews
• B-roll
• Voiceovers or narration
• Photos
• Graphics or animations
• Wordmark or logo

Location

It can be challenging to find good filming locations on campus, especially when classes are in session. Though we can offer ideas and recommendations for locations, it will be the department’s responsibility to reserve the location and get any necessary building approvals before we record. If we are filming in a public location, we recommend sending out communciations to area departments so they are aware, as well as put up signs at enterances to those areas.

Here are some things to consider when deciding on your location:

• Foot Traffic — is this a private or public space? If it is a public space, will there be heavy traffic during that time of day?
• Construction — will there be construction within a couple blocks? The beeping of trucks backing up are fairly easy to remove, but heavy vibrations, crashing, etc, is not.
• Sound — how loud is the HVAC? Are there refrigerators in the room? Is there a busy elevator outside the room?
• Lighting — are there windows? What direction do they face? Will sunlight be low enough during that time of day that it will shine directly into the room? Are there blinds? Though natural light is often preferred, it can also add a lot of challenges, such as the lighting changing every few minutes or seconds as clouds block the sun.
• Reservations — can the space be reserved? Does there need to be prior authorization to record in the space? If in a public space, will you be sending out an email to the affected departments letting them know about the recording?
• Size — will there be enough room in the space for a camera tripod, two light stands and a stand for a boom mic? Is there enough space to remain 6 feet apart (for Covid safety)?
• Reflections — what will be behind the person interviewed? Will there be white boards that might reflect the lights? Will there be windows that might reflect the studio lights?

Communications

The requesting department is responsible for all scheduling and coordinating any interviews with students, staff, faculty, alumni and guests. If multiple people are being recorded at the same location on the same day, we recommend creating a spreadsheet for interviewees to sign up for a time that works for them. We also recommend working with people once they sign up to help fill gaps of time to keep it as cost-effective as possible.