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Best practices for user-generated video content for virtual commencement

Purpose:This document has been prepared by the Enterprise Marketing Hub as a guideline for individuals who will be participating in the videos prepared for the 2020 virtual university commencement.

Internal ASUHub staff can view more information about this project in the 2020 Virtual commencement Workbook.

Place a photo over this space

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Background

Due to the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus and the public health recommendations that come with it, we have reached the only responsible decision and course of action available: Arizona State University’s 2020 commencement and convocations will move to virtual, online ceremonies. The format may be different, but our enthusiasm for celebration has never been more inspired.

Your video remarks will be an important part of this celebration. Thank you for taking time to be part of the ceremony and wish ASU’s Class of 2020 well as they begin a new adventure. We have put forth these guidelines to assist you. We realize everyone will have varied equipment and circumstances; these are merely suggestions on how to best capture video for a high-quality virtual experience.

For questions and further guidance:

Emily Goldsborough

Video Production Manager

Enterprise Marketing Hub

emily.goldsborough@asu.edu

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Before you begin

Have access to a device that captures video and audio

Find a quiet space with access to natural or non-overhead lighting

Ensure strong internet connectivity

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Optimizing recording

Choose your recording method

Set the stage

Set up your camera

Perform a test run

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Choose your recording method

Mobile device Recording with your mobile device can offer high-quality visuals and flexible setup.			Computer app Apps like QuickTime can help streamline the video export process.			Digital camera Digital cameras allow for professional-like setups and give flexibility to editors.

The Hub’s recommended method of recording is via QuickTime. If for any reason that application is not a viable recording option, below are some other suggested methods. Please avoid recording via Zoom or applications like Photo Booth.

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Set the stage

Personal attire

Dress for the occasion and wear something you feel great in!

Looks that work well on camera are solid colors, and of course anything maroon or gold.

Some things to consider avoiding wearing might be tank tops, T-shirts, competing university colors, and busy patterns that can vibrate on film.

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Set the stage

Lighting

Film with the subject facing a source of natural light or soft indirect lighting. Avoid using your camera’s built-in flash.

A well-lit final look.

The set-up with the subject facing the window light source.

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Set the stage

Lighting

Avoid backlighting your subject. Filming with a window or other light source appearing behind your subject will create a silhouette. All light sources should be in front of the subject as much as possible.

Filming in front of a window makes for a silhouetted subject and blown-out background.

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Set the stage

Visual environment

Consider your background and what your audience will see. It is a reflection of you!

Create a dynamic, but not distracting space to film in. Avoid the extremes of filming directly up against a wall or with a vast room behind you.

Avoid too many objects or sources of light in the background when possible.

Backing up against a wall will look and feel cramped.

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Set the stage

Visual environment

Place any script or prompt you may be referencing as close to the camera lens as possible to avoid looking up or down and allow for easy eye contact with the camera.

Placing your script directly underneath your camera lens can make reading look more natural.

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Set the stage

Audio environment

Minimize background noises by turning off fans or air-conditioning if possible. Plan ahead to avoid any (unintentional) appearances by pets, family members or friends.

Avoid recording near hard or reflective surfaces or in large empty spaces that can cause echoing and add a tinny quality to your audio. Instead opt for recording over carpet or in small to medium-sized rooms.

Opt for a small microphone (like those on headphones) if your environment is not optimal for native camera audio.

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Setting up your camera

Visual elements

Film horizontally if using a mobile device. Use the front-facing camera to easily monitor your framing and background. Use the rear-facing camera for a higher quality image.

Avoid filming with the camera in your hand. Use a tripod or find a safe, level surface to set your camera while filming.

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Setting up your camera

Visual elements

Place the camera at or slightly above eye level of the subject in focus. Avoid looking up or down at the person in the frame.

Ideal camera placement at eye level and with a stable mount.

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Setting up your camera

Visual elements

Opt to frame you or your subject using “the rule of thirds.”

Include your shoulders and face in the frame with a little bit of room above your head.

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Setting up your camera

Visual elements

Include your shoulders and face in the frame with a little bit of room above your head.

Ideal framing of shoulders and face, with a bit of head room, and even utilizing the rule of thirds!

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Perform a test run

Record a test and play it back for yourself or even another person. Check for:

Clear audio that is at an appropriate level and without distracting noises.

Audio that is too soft will require you to turn your speakers close to or all the way up to hear. Avoid standing too far away from your recording device. Adhering to visual framing recommendations can also aid in creating good audio.

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Perform a test run

Subject makes eye contact with the camera and not with their script or the visual of their own recording.

Clear, level and stable video that is not too dark or not too bright in any given area.

Underexposed video (too dark) will appear grainy and muddy causing a subject’s outline to be difficult to determine.

Overexposed video (too bright) will appear white and often will cause the areas around the overexposure to feel darkened and silhouetted.

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Perform a test run

Good examples of self-recorded video and audio

AmandaRachLee

Peter McKinnon

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Perform a test run

Correct your video as needed until you have a viable test. Then take a deep breath because you’re ready to rock and roll!

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Delivery method

Please deliver clean video files without any added graphics. Please do not edit yourself if possible to avoid any unintentionally file compression when you export.

Here are some suggested platforms for delivery:

Please send your delivery to the attention of Emily Goldsborough at the Hub: emily.goldsborough@asu.edu.