Video Production Guidelines
Video production is often complex and time-consuming, but a great video can elevate and articulate the distinctive qualities of the UO brand. After completing a content strategy worksheet, a project moves into production. Consider these guidelines when creating video:
Filming Interviews
- Film your interview in a relevant location, considering in advance possible distractions such as background noise, harsh or mixed lighting, and people in the filming area.
- Prepare your questions but be spontaneous.
- Keep the interviewee comfortable.
- Don’t interrupt them. Just smile and nod.
- Ask the interviewee to add anything important that wasn’t discussed.
Situational Filming
- Have all subjects sign a media release. Explain how the video will be used.
- Find an uncommon angle viewers don’t normally see. Position the camera up high or down low. Get close to your subject.
- Be purposeful in your camera movements—or lack thereof. Should the camera be handheld or on a tripod?
- Avoid excessive panning and tilting.
- Hold on shots even after the action ends. Longer clips are helpful during editing.
- When filming outdoors, schedule shoots for early morning or late evening for favorable light.
Video Technical Specifications
Codec and FPS
- When uploading to YouTube or Vimeo, MP4 H.264 with AAC 128k (mono) / 384k (stereo) is the best format. Videos should at least be 1920 x 1080 – 4k is preferred.
- When exporting 4k, the target bitrate should be between 48 Mbps and 60 Mbps.
- When exporting a 1080p video, the target bitrate should be between 16 Mbps and 20 Mbps.
- 23.976/24fps is preferred over 30fps.
- Shooting 60 fps is acceptable but do so only with the intent of slowing down the footage to 24 fps. Never upload a 60-fps video to a UO channel.
- The exported video should match the dimensions of the video clips. Do not export a 16:9 video if the clips are square (1:1). Do not export a 16:9 video if the clips are wide aspect ratio (2.35:1). Videos should not have black bars on the top, bottom, or sides of the frame.
Filming Policies
Commercial Filming and Photography
Film, video, and photography activities should not negatively impact students or the learning environment. Permission is required for commercial filming or photography on any UO campus. UO Marketing and Brand Strategy is responsible for contracting all commercial filming and photography activities that occur on campus.
Consideration will be given to requests for weekend filming as long as there are no major events taking place on campus. No major set construction or alteration of existing buildings or structures are permitted. Any decoration must be clearly specified in writing and all affected areas must be returned to their previous state following filming.
As a requirement for permission to film commercial activities on the University of Oregon’s campus, the content of the film script and any revisions must be submitted for approval to UO Marketing and Brand Management and may be reviewed by our UO General Counsel. If for any reason the UO determines any aspect of the production is not in the best interest of the University of Oregon, or that it is defamatory in any way, an agreement may be terminated. For more information contact uobrand@uoregon.edu.
Filming by News Outlets
If you are a media outlet producing and delivering news to the general public and would like to film on campus, contact the Media Relations team for information or assistance on logistics and guidance for filming on the UO campus. The news cycle is faster than ever, and our media relations team can help journalists meet deadlines. Media outlets are required to carry standard insurance and follow all campus rules.
Campus Drone Policy
The operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, is increasingly popular for a growing number of educational, commercial, and safety purposes.
Operation of a UAS or model aircraft on UO property or at a UO-sponsored event must be approved by Safety and Risk Services at least 14 days prior to the flight date.