UBalt Video Guidelines
Choosing your format
A video can be a great tool for telling a story, but it's not the only one. Consider the story you're trying to tell. Is it visual? What's the message? Who do you want to hear your message? Is there someone willing to talk about it on camera? It's important to recognize if a video is the best option. Other options to consider include: a media release, a web story/blog, a social media post/campaign, an email campaign, and a flyer.
Limitations
Video resources at The University of Baltimore are very limited and priority is given to videos that impact the University's recruitment and advancement goals. If our team cannot work with you to meet your desired deadline, we can suggest freelancers that can help for a fee. If you're interested in discussing a video idea, please contact the Office of Marketing and Creative Services at marketing@ubalt.edu.
Timelines
Video projects at UBalt can require 6-8 weeks, and sometimes longer, to schedule, film and edit. This time frame is not guaranteed and depends on other institutional priorities and the type of video requested. Please consider these steps when picking a deadline for your project. Deadlines are subject to staff availability.
- Pre-Production: Before we can record, interview subjects must be identified and scheduled, a location needs to be booked and any interview questions or scripts need to be finalized.
- Production: On the day of the shoot, our team requires time to set up and test equipment before recording can begin. We will prep the interview subject and run sound tests. Each interview can take up to an hour and time will be set aside afterward to shoot b-roll with the subject(s). Sometimes these additional shots can't occur on the same day, particularly if an event is involved or weather doesn't cooperate.
- Post-Production: Once shooting is complete, our team will review of all footage and consider story editing, color correction, sound editing and mixing and graphic design. Much of these phases are still required even if a portion of the final video is provided.
We will work with the client provider to discuss deadlines at the start of the project and to provide versions of the video for feedback and revisions during the editing stage.
Captions
As a public university that strives for accessibility in all projects, all videos disseminated by UBalt must include captions. This part of the process can be time consuming and must also be considered when setting deadlines.
Directional changes
Sometimes during a project it's clear a change in direction is needed. A subject considered ideal might not be available or a desired shoot location might be closed. If direction of a video or series of videos changes, the original completion date will need to be reconsidered.
Ready to get started?
Please fill out a Project Request .