While our office doesn't produce video content at this time, we've developed a set of guidelines that will help you create a compelling video that adheres to IU brand standards and industry best practices.
Video Production Guidelines
Know your audience, and make them the focus
Develop some profiles of "ideal candidates" and speak directly to them. Make the viewer the "hero" of your story—not yourself or the school. You want viewers to be able to imagine themselves at the School of Education, so use more "you" than "we" statements.
Seek out diverse voices
It is critical that we relentlessly foster a culture of innovation, diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do. When planning your video, place a special focus on ensuring that you're including a variety of perspectives.
Write a script—and practice it
The content of your video is more important than anything else—including the lighting and sound. Authenticity is key, and it can be tempting to "wing it," but without a carefully written and edited script your video will come across as sloppy and unfocused. Take the time to think through what you want to say, and practice it before recording.
Keep it short and sweet
With video, less truly is more. Among the six videos nominated for Kira Talent's Best Higher Ed Video awards in 2018, the longest was one minute and 55 seconds, and the shortest was 30 seconds. Attention spans aren't what they used to be. People have gotten used to getting what they need quickly without any extra fuss. Get right to the point, make a clear call to action, and end it.
Make your video accessible—add captions!
This not only makes things easier for our deaf and hard of hearing friends (and is required for ADA compliance) but it also helps people to focus on and remember information more easily, and lets people watch your video in sound-sensitive environments—such as in a waiting room or on a bus.
Don't forget to brand!
This one seems obvious, but it's one of the easiest to overlook. It is critically important that you let viewers know that you represent the IU School of Education—not just IU, and not just your program. We always have to be thinking of the view from 30,000 feet and ensuring that each piece of content we publish is not its own silo but rather a piece of the broader School of Education family of scholarship and research.