UMSU in Review: A Collection of Youtube Videos

14 January 2012, 13:46 | Video,

I began working for the University of Manitoba’s Student Union (UMSU) this fall, and I have been very happy with the decision. I wanted to showcase and discuss a few of the projects that we have produced since I started.

My job is to help better connect the students with UMSU and vice versa. Right now our plan is to accomplish this with the help online video, facebook, and twitter.

The Hub

This was the first project that was fully produced by UMSUVision (My department) The camera we use has some slow motion capabilities, which I tried out for this video. In the end, a combination of slow mo camera work and slowing the footage down in post gave us the look we wanted.

Can You HANDle It?

This was done as a promotion for the Manitoba election, and is my favorite project so far. Finding items for building the miniature set, shooting, and editing this was so much fun. We had someone compose the music as well.

When this video was put up, one of the executives comments mentioned its length. At almost 4 minutes, this video is too long to keep someone engaged. The youtube analytics confirm what the feedback suggested; Audience drops off below average at around the 1:30 mark. Since I began creating the web videos for UMSU my mantra has always been “keep it short, keep it simple” I forgot my own advice when editing.

Since I began creating the web videos for UMSU my mantra has always been “keep it short, keep it simple”

Part of this was due to having custom music produced from an earlier edit which was longer. Part of it was due because I thought the audience would enjoy seeing all the miniature sets as much as I did. Things to note for the future: Keep it short, keep it simple.

Movember Cowboys

There were several Movember videos produced, but I find this one to be my favorite due to it’s simplicity and lack of dialogue. Just telling a story with sound and visuals appeals to my animator tendencies.

I am happy with how my work at UMSU is going. I want to continue to refine my production skills, while pushing my self creatively and technically. The ability to write and produce spots is really rewarding, and I am looking forward to the second half of the school year.