Toolkit

Audio & Video

Video captures the spirit of our brand

When used as a storytelling medium, video shortens the distance between the university and our target audience because it connects on an emotional level. UBC videos should tell human-centred stories that demonstrate curiosity, initiative and courage. By capturing passionate, grounded people who are shaping our future, we will inspire others to join us in realizing our greatest potentials. Through our people, UBC will be seen as a place where anything is possible.

Audio helps bring our stories to life. It is a unique story element that inspires our imagination. An instructor's voice, a perfect string quartet, a video soundtrack or an inspiring speech: Our sound is textural and sensuous and deserves equal time as other media. At UBC, our sound is thoughtful and strategic; it doesn't overwhelm the video or obstruct information-sharing by being poorly recorded. Our sound supports the story and is respectful of the message and person behind it.

Key Considerations

Key Considerations for Brand Audio & Video

1
Does it show a unique perspective?

Look for an unexpected angle or viewpoint.


2
Does it capture UBC environments?

Capture activities or settings that feel specific to UBC’s campuses.


3
Does it tell a story?

Does it inspire, ignite curiosity or encourage sharing?


4
Does it feel ‘real’?

Does it capture natural and authentic moments that reveal the true nature of the setting and your subjects?


5
Does your audio support the story you’re telling?

Audio is a powerful storytelling tool; use it as you would photography or writing to get your message across to the listener.

Full Guidelines

Full Guidelines

Guidelines & Tutorials

There are excellent guidelines and tutorials available on UBC Studios’ Media Makers website.

Visit Site

Project Planning Tips

Project Planning Tips

Make the most out of your project. Here are some strategies that we think will help you.

Before
  1. Consider the purpose of your video and create a brief outlining the story you want to tell, identify who the audience is and where you will be distributing your content.
  2. Several professional resources are available for your video project. Reach out to Brand and Marketing to discuss your video plan. If you’re looking for a production team for a video project, UBC Studios is the in-house team of experts ready to help.
  3. Ensure you have permissions to film. Check Campus and Community Planning Film and Photography Guidelines for information and contacts.
  4. Use a good quality microphone or sound recording gear. Whenever possible, consult with a professional before you begin a project that requires high-quality sound.
During
  1. Capture unique perspectives and angles whenever possible.
  2. High-quality audio can help to pull the audience into your video; use the right audio equipment for your specific needs.
  3. Documenting the process of creating a video can add an interesting side-story to a project. Audiences are usually interested in the ‘making of’ certain videos as many production techniques are designed to be invisible in the final product.
  4. Try to ensure the lighted scenes appear as natural as possible. Video helps to elevate real experiences at UBC and should be lit so they authentically reflect the environment.
After
  1. Shorter videos (45–90 seconds) perform better on social media channels. Consider a short target length for your video or have an excerpt prepared to act as a trailer for a longer piece.
  2. Reach out to Brand and Marketing or submit to Content Submission Form to create awareness of your video content on UBC’s main content-publishing channels.
  3. Archive your content and don’t hesitate to re-share content when it may be relevant again.
  4. Choose music that is appropriate for your message and supports your story. If you’re using original music, be sure you have a signed agreement with the composer and that copyright and usage of the material is defined before publication.

Downloads

Downloads

Brand Video Tail

This short tail will help to associate your video with UBC.

Download



Consent to use of image form

Creating videos with people in them? This consent to use of image form needs to be completed by all involved before the movie can be published. More information about the process can be found in the FAQs.

Consent to use of image form Download FAQs


Training

Training

Video production is a resource-heavy endeavour that demands writing, directing, cinematography, sound design, editing and producing skill sets. We recognize not everyone has these skills or even access to these resources. However, if you are considering creating a video or hiring a freelancer to create one for you, there are excellent guidelines and tutorials available to you on UBC Studios Media Makers website.

Upcoming Workshops

The Art of Video Interviews

Posted on Feb 08, 2018

Online
Free
LinkedIn Learning courses are free for UBC faculty & staff. Sign up for free access here.
Find out how to prepare for, organize, and conduct great video interviews. Learn about performing background research before you "set foot on set," positioning the subject in front of the camera, building trust, avoiding common mistakes in questioning, capturing secondary audio for use in a podcast, and much more.
Take the Class