Requests for multimedia projects should be submitted using the online form on this website. However, it is important to note that not all requests will be able to be accommodated. Priority will be given to multimedia requests that directly promote the University and its mission as a whole or are directly aligned with recruitment and retention goals.
Many colleges and departments are now creating video or multimedia projects through their own in-house resources or with the help of third-party vendors. Maintaining a consistent visual identity is important to present the institution as a unified community. Below are guidelines to assist with the creation of videos or multimedia projects. Those that meet University expectations may be uploaded to the University’s official YouTube account.
Each video should:
- Have clean understandable audio.
- Be produced at a length that is appropriate for content and audience attention.
- Be free of copyrighted material, including audio tracks, unless legal permission is granted.
- Follow University brand guidelines.
- Be produced in an appropriate format for viewing and sharing.
- Be book-ended with the appropriate University logo and copyright slides. (Available on request for approved project use.)
- Be approved by University Communications before distribution.
What you will need to produce:
- Camera: You can easily spend thousands of dollars for a video camera, but less expensive digital cameras—and even smart phones—are now capable of recording high-definition (HD) video.
- Tripod: Essential for steady shots. A tripod with a "fluid head" will be necessary for panning the camera across a scene.
- Microphone: Your sound quality is likely to improve markedly with the use of an external microphone. Lavalier mics are ideal for capturing individual audio.
- Lights: While existing or natural light sources may be sufficient in some settings, additional lighting may be necessary for some indoor or darker locations.
These guidelines are intended to set minimum production quality standards. Videos that do not meet these standards will not be posted to University of Southern Indiana YouTube Channel or be approved to use official University logos and branding.
- Videos should be properly composed, steady and well-lit.
- Outdoor videos should avoid harsh lighting, backlit subjects or unwanted noise.
- Indoor videos should use locations that are well-lit, appropriate for the subject matter and free of unwanted audio.
- Some University b-roll footage may be available for use on approved projects.
- Videos should be edited to create a profession look.
- Videos should be appropriate length for use, audience and attention span.
- Videos should be produced high definition and approved videos loaded to YouTube or another video hosting platform for distribution.
Production Quality
- A tripod and external microphone go a long way in producing quality video. Handheld cameras can create shaky video and on-camera microphones often make for bad audio.
- Lighting is a key component of any quality video. Good lighting will keep your images crisp and in focus. If you don’t have access to a lighting kit, try to shoot outdoors or in a well-lit interior space.
- Always keep the composition of the frame in mind. Too much activity or a cluttered background makes for a less-effective shot.
- Videos should be shot in high-definition whenever possible. You can always scale down your videos when editing.
- Branded intros, copyright slates and lower thirds (nameplates) are available on request for approved videos.
Accessibility
If you plan to post your video online, be sure to provide captions and a transcript to make your video more accessible to all viewers. There are both free and paid services available for creating caption and transcript files for your videos. Contact Photography and Multimedia for additional guidance on ADA accessibility.
Release Forms
All subjects depicted in your video should complete a Photo, Video, Audio, and Comment Release Form.
Audio
Make sure all audio tracts are not copyrighted or that proper permissions have been obtained for use. Photography and Multimedia has some resources available for free music tracks and can assist with copyright and purchase of others if needed.
Publishing and Sharing
If you plan to post or share video or multimedia for external audiences, please contact University Communications in advance to have your project approved.
Contact Us
If you have questions about branding, identity or these multimedia guidelines, please contact University of Communications Director John Farless at jfarless@usi.edu or Photography and Multimedia Manager Elizabeth Randolph at erandolp@usi.edu
