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CAS OPERATIONS
Services Model
Communications
Departments and units considering filming or producing videos for use on the web or for marketing should consult with the CAS Communications team before production. All videos that will be posted on the web or UD’s YouTube channel will need to be approved by CAS Comms and/or OCM.
Videos with music that are hosted on UD’s YouTube channel must use a music track from the approved music library. Web and YouTube videos also need the following UD branding elements: UD Bug, End Slate, and Lower Thirds. Please email Zoe Pawliczek (zap@udel.edu) for assistance.
Videos that are created for social media accounts only do not need to go through a formal approval process but should still follow these same best practices for video and for social media.
UD has a document with tips for taking photos and filming videos. Here are some key points from this guide as well as some additional tips for video and audio.
Appearance Releases
Each individual whose face appears on camera must have an appearance release on file. At UD events where photographers are present, it is not necessary to collect appearance releases if you have disclaimer signage.
Photo
Lighting
- Use natural lighting when you can
- Avoid lights directly in front of the camera or above the subject
- Adjust exposure as needed
Composition
- Horizontal images are preferred for UDaily and the UD and CAS websites
- Use the camera grid on your phone to align subjects and level the horizon
- Keep in mind the “rule of thirds” (see UD’s guide)
Backgrounds
- Blur your background to add interest and create depth
- Keep distance between the subject and background
- Avoid distracting objects or other elements in the background
Editing Images
- Use cropping tools to adjust crooked horizons or to check the rule of thirds
- Adjust the exposure or other settings if you have the skills to do so
- Stay away from dramatic or distracting filters
Reminders
- Take extra photos so you can choose the best one(s)
- Keep the phone or camera steady to avoid shaky photos or motion blur
- Have fun!
Videos
Setup
- Keep in mind all the above best practices for photo - only film vertical if the video is for social media
- Try to set things up so you or the subject are eye level with the camera
- Leave some room above and to the sides of the subject
During Filming
- Use a tripod and don’t move around a lot if the camera is staying still
- Smile and use mannerisms you would use in person
- Be consistent with your gaze, whether you choose to look at the camera or another focal point
Audio
- Use a microphone instead of the camera/webcam audio when possible
- Minimize background noise
- If using a microphone, either connect it to your camera or record separately and synchronize it with the video during editing
- Check how your audio sounds before the final recording
After Filming
- Synchronize audio with video if needed (most editing software can do this automatically)
- Cut out any unusable takes or long pauses
- Avoid adding a lot of text at the beginning or during the video, as this may lose viewers’ interest and can be duplicative of what is said in the video
- Stay away from stylized transitions, loud or copyrighted music (see UD’s music request form) and unnecessary effects
- Do not add additional footage that does not belong to you or the University
Posting Your Video
- Post to the appropriate UD Capture channel, if video is horizontal, or to the relevant social media account, if video is vertical
- Add closed captions, a video description, and a title where applicable
- With guidance from the CAS Communications Digital Team, share your video with your intended audience (social media, email marketing, website)