Videography

When creating video assets that represent the University of Cincinnati, it’s important to reflect on other sections of this documentation that address our visual style and tone of voice. We recognize that videos may serve a wide variety of purposes—from informational to documentary to hype—and often require a project-specific approach and strategy. However, there are a few general guidelines you should keep in mind.

When illustrating the student experience, retain authenticity. We want to paint an accurate picture of what it means to live and learn on our campus.

When incorporating graphics, please refer to other sections of this guide that specify correct use of logos and lockups. Visibility is especially important with video work, as moving elements behind a graphic may affect readability. If using the UC logo, be sure it is appropriately sized and placed to convey brand affinity.  We recommend using the UC logo on plain white or black as an end slate. Note that you must use an RBG file to accurately display color in video.

It is appropriate to use the UC logo with your college, department or division written in text below as an endslate. It is also appropriate to use your official UC lockup, but in order to do so, you must use an RGB file at an appropriate size that ensures legibility. To ensure readability and comprehension, we require that a lockup appear on-screen for no less than three seconds. If your video timeline doesn’t allow for this duration, you must use the UC logo in its place. In either case, when displayed in 1920x1080p, the word “CINCINNATI” cannot be smaller than 420px wide. Request a lockup. 

Soon, we will provide template files for lower thirds. When creating lower thirds and referencing a college or department in someone’s title, keep your audience in mind; we advise against using college abbreviations in lower thirds.

Accessibility is vital. Be sure your video is captioned and that the captions are accurate. Auto-captioning services are often riddled with mistakes—“you see” rather than “UC,” for instance. Please take the time to ensure your captions are accurately reflecting your audio and providing an equitable experience for all users.