Video & Audio

Release Forms Self-Filming Guidlines

Audio Guidelines

M-I-Z! Audio is a great way to enhance presentations, slideshows and social media posts. However, any audio used must respect privacy rights, intellectual privacy rights and copyright law. Before capturing audio on campus, review our guidelines and policies regarding legal and liability issues and protecting the sanctity of the classroom and obtain a release form from participants.

Music

    • Choose music you have the legal right to use.
    • Don’t steal copyrighted music. There is no educational exemption for copyrighted music in videos.

Permissions

    • All participants in your recording should complete a release form
    • If your project includes copyrighted music, you must comply with copyright laws

All audio and video recording in a university classroom must conform to the University of Missouri System’s policy regarding protecting the sanctity of the classroom. Carefully read the UM System executive order from the president’s office.

Video Guidelines

Video is an impactful auditory and visual experience and a great way to showcase Mizzou, our people and our beautiful campus. Videos should follow brand guidelines and comply with copyright laws.

Mizzou Video Examples

Video Length

    • The desired length of a video depends on its purpose. For web-based video, the accepted industry standard length is 2-3 minutes.

Video Sharing Best Practices

    • If you plan to post the video on a website, first upload the video to YouTube and then use the embed code to embed it in your site.

Video Closings/End Bumpers

University of Missouri videos should close with the appropriate university or unit signature. Animated end bumpers for the university and the 13 schools and colleges are available here. When appropriate, include credits and copyright information in Gotham on a card prior to the end bumper.

Permissions

    • Use release forms to obtain permission from all individuals appearing in your video.
    • If your video includes photographs, film clips or music, you must comply with copyright laws.
    • All audio and video recorded in a university classroom must conform to the University of Missouri System’s policy regarding protecting the sanctity of the classroom. Read the UM System executive order from the president’s office.
    • You must obtain permission from Licensing and Brand Management to use the university’s copyrighted or protected marks or names in a video for profit. Royalty fees might be incurred.

Indoor Interview Best Practices

    • Avoid plain white walls.
    • Avoid mixed light situations where possible. (EX: tungsten interview light with sunlight in the background)
    • Always seek a good composition in relation to your background.

Self-Filming Best Practices

Self-Filming Production Guide (PDF)

Position and Lighting:

    • Consider your background. Your surroundings communicate a lot about you. Simple and clean works well, but a blank wall can be boring. Try adding art or a plant in the background for interest. Home offices, bookshelves, fireplaces, and/or furniture behind you are all acceptable options. Do not use Zoom backgrounds.
    • Wear what you think would be appropriate for your audience. The audience will probably only be seeing the top half of you but some people feel more professional if they dress as they normally would. Avoid all white, strong patterns or thin lines. Solid colors are always a safe choice. Remember, this is a presentation – sit up, shoulders back, speak from the diaphragm, talk with your hands if you normally do.
    • Put the device on a stack of books so the camera is slightly higher than your head and then point it down into your eyes. This results in a more flattering angle.
    • Sit by a window (for best results cover with white or sheer curtains), or take a tall lamp and set it next to the device on the side of your face you feel is best. The lamp should be in line with and slightly behind the device so the light falls nicely on your face.
    • Put a piece of white paper or a white tablecloth on the table you are sitting at but make sure it can’t be seen in the frame. It will fill in eye shadows and make your face more evenly lit.

Camera Settings:

    • Use the device’s native camera app (not Zoom, Skype, or other conferencing apps). Check the settings to make sure the quality is the highest possible.
    • If you have a microphone for your device, attach it. For lapel mics, hide the cord by running it under your shirt and attaching the clip to the top of your shirt, tie, or lapel. Be sure no clothing or hair is touching the mic.
    • Record a test clip and make sure it plays back with audio.

Working with the Video File:

      • Be sure to review your video to check for audio or other issues. Watching your own videos will also give you ideas for improvement.
      • To do a simple trim edit on your video, most devices allow you to do so in their native camera app. Search Google for more info about video editing on your specific device (ex: “ How to edit videos on your iPhone ”).
      • How you share/upload the full quality video file also depends on your device. It is easiest (and ensures quality) to upload the video to Google Drive, then share from there. Search Google for more info about sharing a video on your specific device (ex: “ Share video on Google Pixel 3 ”). If given the choice on upload resolution, always choose the highest resolution.