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Video

Video

Videos are a powerful way to tell our brand story and connect with our audiences. But creating a well-executed branded video is more complicated than it may seem. These guidelines can help guide you through the process.

Getting Started

Our society is used to watching high-quality video content and good video production is expensive. This means if you are planning on producing a video, you need to make sure your project is worth the investment. Consider the story you want to tell and why, your target audience, how your video will be hosted and distributed and more. Completing a creative brief before you begin will ensure you're aligned with Cal Poly's brand messaging and set the stage for production.

Download a Creative Brief

Cards with the words "Who, What, Where, When, Why" are laid out on a table with two hands pointing to the Where card.

PLAN PRODUCTION

After you've honed your concept for a video, then it's time to connect the details that will tell your story effectively. Take time to identify your most compelling speakers, write a script or determine interview questions, outline a visual narrative, forecast the approval process and gather resources for efficient editing. With the right plan, you're more likely to have a smooth production process.

Download a Production Checklist

A Cal Poly student bonds with her horse and new foal at the Equine Center

tying it all together

The elements you use while editing your videos are also important. Learn more about how to use fonts, title cards, animations, transitions, colors and more to ensure that your videos are not only on-brand but also accessible. 

other Things to Remember

Accessiblity

No matter what platform you use to upload and distribute your videos, you need to provide accurate closed-captioning to ensure accessibility. In some cases, this may mean providing your own captioning or editing the captioning that is provided. 

Metrics

View count isn’t always a good metric for video quality but consistently low view counts on videos tell you that you’re not reaching your audiences in the way you may like. This may mean you need to adjust your strategy. 

Music

Music helps enhance the dramatic narrative and the emotional impact of your video. It’s easy to want to emulate our favorite movies and videos that incorporate our favorite songs but it’s not always that simple. Learn how to choose the right music for your project without violating copyright or other intellectual property laws.

Choosing Music for videos

The Mustang band plays at a pep rally held in the UU plaza.

Branded video examples

These videos are great examples of how to showcase our brand personality and highlight Learn by Doing in action.

Ready Day One

The Band Always Wins

Jake Javier

Virtual Tour

Botany 433

Design for Paradise

NEED ADDITIONAL HELP?

If your video project is intended for a large audience, our team may be available to help you. Contact University Communications and Marketing for more information.