B-Roll Guidelines

(B-Roll is any footage that is not your main interview footage.)

• Marketing & Communications has a Vimeo channel with updated B-roll available for download by the campus community.
• Make a shot list of the visuals related to the story.
• Vary your shot types (close-ups, wide shots, different angles, etc.).
• Shoot 15-25 seconds for each shot.
• Avoid excessive movement like pans and zooms.
• Shoot content that is relevant to your story’s tone.

Using a Freelance Editor

• Check that the freelance vendor has been approved by Marketing & Communications.
• Use your approved school/department brand logo.
• Use approved fonts.
• Videos produced by freelancers must be uploaded and approved through the Marketing Approval Form.

What to Wear on Camera

The most important rule is to wear something comfortable, but consider the following:

• A simple solid-color shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option.
• Darker clothes draw attention to the face and eyes.
• Clothes should be neatly pressed and look like new.

What to avoid:

• logos or branding, particularly of a competing school;
• busy patterns and large lines/stripes;
• turtlenecks, which crowd the face;
• jewelry that makes distracting noise when you move.

Set Locations

Often an area within your unit will serve as an excellent interview space.

• Consider an office or conference room with lots of natural light and a tidy, aesthetically pleasing — but not distracting — backdrop
• Choose a location that is visually appealing. Avoid plain white walls as a background.
• Avoid shooting in low light areas unless you are planning to light the interview.
• Use a three-point lighting kit, if available.
• For audio, use a quality lapel microphone. If you use a mobile device for recording, choose a quiet area with little background noise.

UAB’s green space and other outdoor areas on campus are good locations as well.

• For the best audio quality, avoid interviews near high-traffic areas.
• Use the sun to your advantage, but avoid putting your subjects in the direct line of the sun. You don’t want them to squint.
• Use a reflector to enhance outdoor lighting.

Composition

• When interviewing your subject, have them look to the right or left of the camera, not directly at the camera.
• Leave enough head room. Don’t cut off part of the head when framing your shot.
• Avoid angles that are too low or too high.
• Remove visual clutter from the background and any inappropriate signage.

Editing Software

UAB uses Creative Cloud software, giving employees, staff, and students access to Adobe’s creative desktop apps and services.

Some editing software options include:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Adobe After Effects
• Photoshop
• Illustrator

To learn more about Creative Cloud tools and pricing, visit UAB IT.

School of Medicine Guidelines

Campus Communicators within the School of Medicine have composed a comprehensive videography guide outlining special considerations and protocols specific to the school.