Videography
CLA Videography Table of Contents
UAF Photo by Sarah Manriquez
Videography is a powerful tool for marketing within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, offering a dynamic and engaging way to showcase our diverse events, courses, and student experiences. Through compelling visuals and storytelling, videos capture the essence of our vibrant academic community, making it easier to convey the impact and excitement of what we do. Whether highlighting the energy of a live event, the depth and breadth of our course offerings, or the personal journeys of our students, videography brings our stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with our audiences.
Highlighting Academics
Leveraging videography allows us to effectively highlight our academic accomplishments and offerings, providing prospective students, parents, and stakeholders with a vivid, immersive view of the CLA experience. High-quality videos can feature faculty expertise, groundbreaking research, and innovative projects, illustrating the unique opportunities available at UAF. They also serve as powerful testimonials, with students sharing their personal success stories and experiences, which can inspire and attract new students. By showcasing these elements through well-crafted videos, we can enhance our recruitment efforts and demonstrate the value of a CLA education.
Promote Your Department
Course Trailers
Creating short videos for your courses offers prospective students a more personal and engaging look at what your classes entail, going beyond what’s in the catalog. It also allows them to see your face and hear your voice, helping to build a connection before they even set foot in your classroom.
Some departments opt for one- to two-minute introductions for each course, which are featured on their Degrees & Programs webpages. Others create longer videos showcasing multiple faculty members to highlight a new program. Whatever your vision, reach out to us, and we’ll help you bring it all together and share it widely!
HIST F434 - North American Energy History
A video about a single course can be a straightforward, one- to two-minute description that sets the stage and highlights compelling reasons for students to enroll.
Linguistics Accelerated BA to MA Program
For an entire degree program, a video can feature multiple speakers to provide depth and diverse perspectives. This example was adapted from a livestream to create a lasting resource.
Research and Creativity Highlight Reel
Featuring recent research or creative activity happening in your department? Here's why video could be a good choice for you:
Engagement: Videos are inherently more engaging than text or static images. They capture attention quickly and keep viewers interested.
Emotional Connection: Videos can evoke emotions more effectively than other forms of communication by creating a sense of connection and empathy with the audience.
Authenticity: Featuring real students, faculty, and events provide an authentic glimpse into the department’s environment and culture, building trust and credibility with prospective students.
Shareability: Videos are highly shareable on social media platforms, increasing the reach and visibility of the department’s message. A compelling video can go viral, significantly boosting awareness and interest.
Comprehensive Storytelling: Combining multiple elements such as interviews, action shots, voiceovers, and music allows for comprehensive storytelling.
UAF Photo by Todd Paris
The videos below are examples of two ways we can help put together videos to highlight special programs, research or creative activity in your department.
"UAF Visual Art Academy," demonstrates the power of videography to highlight the program by presenting a vivid and engaging look at the creative processes and artistic achievements of its participants. Predominantly footage of students at work, the video conveys the inspiring and innovative spirit of the academy, making it an excellent promotional tool for attracting aspiring artists.
"UAF Summer Music Academy," effectively uses videography to highlight the program by showcasing the immersive and collaborative environment where students develop their musical skills. Through dynamic shots of practice sessions, performances, and student interactions, the video captures the vibrant and supportive atmosphere of the academy, appealing to prospective students and their families.
Student Testimonial Videos
Student testimonial videos are invaluable for the UAF website as they authentically depict the student experience, fostering trust and connection with prospective students. These testimonials highlight UAF's unique aspects, thereby enhancing our marketing and recruitment efforts.
At the end of each academic year, your department will submit the names of your chosen Outstanding Students of the Year (this can include as many students as you wish or just one). Our PIO will then coordinate with those students to film interviews, which can be used in promotional content for the department.
You can watch the filmed 2023 outstanding student interviews on CLA's dedicated YouTube playlist.
Virtual Tours
Videos tours provide a convenient and accessible way for students to explore CLA remotely, especially for those who cannot visit in person. By visually showcasing our facilities, learning spaces, and vibrant campus environment, video tours offer a realistic and engaging overview of what to expect at CLA. Featuring current students and faculty fosters a sense of connection and community, making prospective students feel welcomed into the CLA family. Video tours can also highlight the unique aspects and strengths of our programs, setting CLA apart as a leader in liberal arts education.
UAF Photo by Todd Paris
UAF photo by Leif Van Cise
Promote Your Events
Having an accompanying Zoom webinar at all our public events at the University is essential for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity and since 2020 it has become a best practice. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to record and archive events, making them available for future reference and educational purposes. A special Zoom account has been created under the cla-pio@alaska.edu email and will serve as the host of the event.
When you complete the CLA Event Marketing & Promotion Submission Form, you'll be asked if you want a Zoom webinar for your event and if you need technical assistance to manage it. You'll also have the option to request a LiveStream to Facebook and post-processing services to add the required branding so the video can be featured on your department's website.
Live Streaming Events:
"A Collection of Masses"
with Max Bartsch at the MFA Exhibition opening reception
Facebook LIVE
“Reporting the Global Arctic: From Kirkenes to Kotzebue"
Public lecture by Ken Rosen
Zoom webinar
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series
Public Reading with Caleb Tankersley & Julie Iromuanya
Zoom webinar
Promote Your Special Projects
If department staff or faculty are interested in promoting a special project, we can also create a 3D or VR video to showcase their work. They should contact the CLA PIO with details to get started.
Social Media: Video Components
Strategic placement of videos on social media platforms is an incredibly effective marketing tool, significantly boosting engagement and reach. Current data indicates that social media videos generate up to 1200% more shares than text and images combined, and videos on social media achieve 48% more views than other types of content (HubSpot, Wistia, Social Media Examiner Reports). Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are particularly conducive to video content, with users increasingly favoring short, engaging videos. By strategically sharing our videos on these platforms, we can tap into their vast user bases, driving higher engagement, increasing visibility, and connecting with a broader audience. This approach not only amplifies our message but also strengthens the CLA's presence in the digital landscape, attracting more attention and interest to our programs and initiatives.
Photo from the UAF Department of Music Instagram
Stories vs. Reels
Universities can use stories for quick campus updates and reels for polished showcases of achievements and culture, enhancing engagement with current and prospective students.
Stories are short-lived, typically lasting 24 hours, and consist of 15-second vertical, full-screen images or videos for quick, casual updates. They offer interactive tools like stickers, polls, and swipe-up links for direct engagement.
Reels are up to 60-second vertical videos focused on polished, engaging content designed for broader reach and virality. They feature advanced editing tools and appear in a dedicated section for wider audience interaction through likes, comments, and shares.
UAF Photo by Eric Engman
Live Streaming vs. Pre-Recorded Content: Choosing the Right Strategy for Social Media
When deciding whether to live stream content to your department's social media or record and post it later, consider the following points. Pre-recording videos allows us to polish them for a professional appearance and align them with our branding, ensuring we put our best foot forward. These recordings can be archived, providing re-visitable documentation of an event. Live streaming, on the other hand, is ideal for engaging those who can't physically attend an event. We strive to include a Zoom component for live streaming on relevant social media channels at every event. Live streaming is also effective for generating immediate attendance and momentum for ongoing activities.
Strategically Spontaneous
We always strive to present the most polished product possible. While live events immerse viewers in the action and generate excitement, they come with a degree of unpredictability. For events you intend to live stream, thorough preparation is key. For instance, at a UAF Gallery opening, if you plan to interview attendees, scout out a few people in advance, obtain their permission, and brief them on your questions. This preparation reduces stress for everyone involved and enhances the quality of the live stream.
UAF Photo
UAF Photos by Eric Engman
Social Media Takeovers
A social media takeover, where faculty, students, or staff manage a department account for a few days to a week, brings several advantages. It delivers fresh, authentic, and diverse perspectives, highlighting the vibrant experiences and unique voices within our community. This approach deepens our connection with the audience, showcases the dynamic nature of university life, and extends our reach. Featuring varied storytellers enriches our content and bolsters our sense of community while providing the department with a steady stream of engaging and relevant content with minimal extra effort from faculty.
CLA's Social Media Takeover
Want to try a social media takeover yourself? We are on the lookout for enthusiastic faculty, staff, students, and alumni to take over the CLA Instagram and TikTok accounts for one week at a time! Show off the "Life of a Nanook" from your unique perspective and help us highlight the vibrant diversity of our community.
Whether you're teaching, studying, working on campus, or reminiscing about your time at CLA, we want to hear from you. This is a fantastic chance to share your experiences, engage with our audience, and showcase what makes our university special.
Interested? Contact us today to grab your spot and become a part of this exciting initiative!
UAF photo by Leif Van Cise
YouTube
CLA's YouTube account features a dedicated playlist for each department, ensuring that all content is neatly organized. We recommend that departments interested in uploading videos collaborate with us to use our established account for consistency. However, departments specializing in video content, such as the Department of Music and the Department of Theatre and Film, are exceptions and may manage their own channels.
Photo of the CLA YouTube channel
TikTok
UAF does not approve the installation or use of TikTok on university equipment. CLA manages its TikTok account from a personal computer. If a department wants to create and share a TikTok video, please collaborate with the PIO to have it posted to the CLA account.
How-To
Video Production Guidelines
Professional video production should be used whenever possible. If you choose to shoot your own video, Rasmuson Library has equipment for checkout. Be sure to include the required UAF-branded opening and closing segments at the beginning and end of each video. Intro and outro files are available for download on the University Relations site.
Video outro screen from University Relations
Video Tips & Tricks from University Relations:
Using your smartphone or digital camera It has never been easier for anyone with a smartphone or a digital camera to record their own video footage and share it. But it takes more than that for your footage to look professional. Here are some quick tips for creating videos with a smartphone or digital camera.
General Tips
If possible, deliver the content extemporaneously, rather than reading from a script. Rather than focusing on getting every word perfect, think about the main points you want to say.
Position your camera at eye level. Laptops can be raised using a stack of large books.
Look directly at the camera lens, not the screen, when you speak. (Pro tip: place a sticky note or a smiley face right by your camera to remind you to look there and smile.)
You may come across as more energetic if you stand up to deliver your presentation. Be careful not to rock or move out of the frame.
Leave a few seconds of padding at the beginning and at the end.
Do not zoom your camera. It will reduce the quality of your video.
Do a 10-second practice run with your equipment.
Smile and have fun!
Camera
There are many different types of cameras you can use to shoot video (internal/external webcam, smartphone, digital camera/camcorder, etc.).
Shoot horizontally, not vertically.
Record video at a high resolution (1080p HD) on camera phone, webcam or laptop. 4K are not needed unless they are for broadcast. These videos have larger files to upload and are often too large to download while working from home. Don’t record lower than 720p HD.
Brace the camera to limit movement. Brace a phone by holding it with both hands and tucking in elbows, using a camera tripod or creating a makeshift tripod with other materials.
Always clean the lens using a microfiber cloth before shooting.
The rear-facing camera on a cellphone usually takes better images than the front-facing one (screen side).
Background
Consider arranging something attractive but not distracting behind you (a lamp that’s not on, a vase of flowers, books, etc.). You don’t want to appear to have things growing from your head.
Be mindful of objects growing out of other people’s heads.
Step away from the wall or background.
Lighting
Ideal light should be soft, even and diffused. Use natural light when possible.
The main light source should be in front of you, not behind you.
Avoid backlighting, which occurs when a light source behind a person is brighter than the person's face. Backlit videos will result in a subject’s face being dark and silhouetted.
Avoid harsh shadows and high-contrast light, such as at noon on a sunny day.
Possible sources of indoor light include windows or lamps.
Ideal outdoor lighting is found in the shade and on mostly cloudy days.
Sound
Shoot video in a relatively quiet location, and eliminate as much ambient sound as your space allows.
Avoid windy conditions, if possible.
Use a wired or wireless microphone. Test ahead of your presentation.
Leave a little padding (about three seconds) at the video’s beginning and end.
Composition/Framing
Framing should be set as a medium close up with the camera at eye level. See an example of medium close-up images
Try sitting back slightly from the camera and leaning in a little to appear more engaged.
If you use a Zoom background, be sure to wear clothing that doesn’t appear to drop out when you move.
F.R.A.M.E. Film Production Services
The Department of Theatre and Film at the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers technical training in Arts, AV Technology, and Communications, supported by mentors in the film industry. Through the UAF Frame Film Production Services, we provide video production support to university programs while giving students valuable hands-on experience. If your UAF program needs video production help, please contact Maya Salganek at maya@alaska.edu or complete their Preliminary Interest Form.
UAF Photo by JR Ancheta
CLA Videographer
Sarah Manriquez, our PIO, also works as a videographer for CLA events. If you need videography for an event, please fill out the Marketing & Promotion Submission Form or email her at cla-pio@alaska.edu to check her availability.
If she’s unavailable, she will coordinate with the University Relations photographer to arrange alternative video services.
Left: UAF Photo by JR Ancheta, Right: UAF Photo by Todd Paris
Request a Field Kit
If your department is conducting field work, videos and photos are excellent for capturing the experiential learning and adventure involved. Rasmuson Library offers field kits for checkout, providing you with the tools needed to create professional-quality videos that can be used for department recruitment or other events.
UAF Photo by Todd Paris
