Videography Guidelines

Before starting a video project, determine whether video is the most efficient and effective way to send a message or solve a problem.

Considerations for Videography

• What is my goal?
• Do you have the time, the staff, the equipment, and the software you need to film, edit, and produce a quality video?
• Can written information get the message across faster?
• Will photography work just as well?
• Will this message be out of date in three months, six months, or one year?

Videos should coordinate with UNO’s overall strategic message, contribute positively to the university’s brand image, and prevent duplication of previously existing materials.

Professional freelance videographers are available for hire. See the Freelance Coverage section for more information. Amateur and unprofessional video will not be approved for distribution through UNO channels.

Any unit planning on creating video content should contact the Office of Strategic marketing and Communications at unophotos@unomaha.edu prior to shooting to ensure projects meet university branding standards and to discuss overall goals of the project.

B-Roll Tips

• Prioritize gathering footage that relates to the story.
• Avoid staying in the same camera position or sightline for too long. Move around the space and present the subject from a variety of vantage points.
• Vary shot types, camera angles, focal lengths, and compositions.
• Bracket for static shots/camera movement, speed of camera moves, and exposures.
• Match camera movement and shooting style appropriately to the story’s tone.
• Use the 180-degree rule as a guideline when changing camera vantage points to maintain the subject’s same left/right relationship.

Composition Tips

• Avoid having the interviewee look into the lens—especially for the entire duration of the filming—unless the subject is addressing the viewer.
• Avoid cutting off the top of someone’s head when framing a wider shot.
• Avoid angling the interviewee too far into profile.
• Interview subjects in front of visually interesting locations. Avoid interviewing in front of a blank wall or flat background.
• Avoid low and high-angle shots.
• Avoid using too much headroom.

Interviewing Tips

• Position camera and subject with the sun facing the subject.
• Avoid using the sun as a harsh backlight.
• When possible, use a reflector to enhance outdoor lighting.

• Avoid plain white walls. Relocate interview to a more compelling location if possible.
• Avoid mixed light situations where possible. (i.e. tungsten interview light w/sunlight in background)
• Always seek a good composition in relation to your background. Avoid having items appearing from behind the subject’s head.

Video is great for communicating basic ideas in a shorthand way. However, if you try to include too many detailed points, or if you use complex language, people will tune out. Attention spans are limited for web videos, so keep your video under two minutes if possible.

1. Write a question for each point in a way that makes it easy for the subject to respond. Keep your questions short and to the point.
2. Share your list of questions with your subject(s) before you shoot your video. This will allow them to prepare their thoughts and practice their responses and will save time during the shoot.
3. Avoid “yes/no” questions. It is better to ask “Why do you like breakfast?” than “Do you like breakfast?”
4. Indicate in your questions what you are looking for in the answer.
5. Ask your subject to restate the question in the answer. For example “I like breakfast because...” or “My favorite breakfast foods are...”
6. Be aware of your subject’s voice quality. Many people will talk faster when they are nervous or trying to remember everything they need to say. Speaking too quickly can make it difficult for viewers to follow.

• Ask your subject to stop, take a deep breath, and start again. It’s better to spend time doing multiple “takes” to get good quality material rather than having to reshoot or use poor footage.
• If you notice “Ums” or “Ahs” ask your subjects to watch their use of “Ums” and “Ahs” during the interview. These common fluency disrupters can communicate doubt and can be distracting to your listeners. In general, they weaken your message and use up precious time.