Video production

Video production sits within the Brand Content team in Creative Services, Marketing Services. Our team produces high-quality marketing content that promotes the University of Otago’s brand, academic strengths, research excellence, events, and partnerships. All work aligns with the University’s strategic marketing priorities and supports our commitment to telling authentic, engaging, and meaningful stories.

Video is one of the most powerful tools we have for showcasing the unique character of Otago. Through thoughtful, artful, and honest visual storytelling, we celebrate our people, our place, and our purpose – reinforcing the reputation of New Zealand’s first university.

Video styles

We create a wide range of video content depending on audience, objectives, and context. Selecting the right style early helps ensure your message is clear, relevant, and aligned with the University brand. While each category serves a different purpose, overlap between styles is common.

Event video

Captures key University moments, proudly celebrating campus life, events, and community.

View example: Otago Open Days 2025

Story and inspirational video

Highlights people, values, and impactful experiences to inspire and connect with audiences.

View example: Introducing Campus Watch

Testimonial video

Features student, staff, alumni, or partner voices to share real experiences and perspectives.

View example: What it’s like to intern with the Highlanders as an Otago student

Academic video

Showcases teaching, learning, and research excellence across disciplines, facilities and campuses.

View example: The foundation for discovery: Inside the University of Otago’s Biomedical Research Facility

Promotional video

Communicates the value of studying, researching, or partnering with the University of Otago.

View example: Science at Otago

Aerial video

An aerial video that promotes the University by showcasing its campus and the surrounding area from above.

View example: Dunedin from above

Video production guidelines

The University of Otago’s Brand Content team produces high-quality video content that supports the University’s brand, showcases academic strengths, research excellence, events, and partnerships – and engages our audiences effectively. These guidelines ensure consistency, professionalism, and alignment with the University’s values and identity.

Purpose and scope
- These guidelines apply to all video content produced by or on behalf of the University of Otago – including promotional videos, subject page videos, event coverage, and social media content.
Pre-production
- Planning: Define objectives, target audiences, key messages, and tone for each video.
- Storyboarding: Outline visual and audio elements, including on-screen text, graphics, and voiceovers.
- Approvals: Scripts, storyboards, and shot lists must be reviewed and approved by the Brand Content team before production.
- Permissions: Ensure consent is obtained from all on-screen participants and permission is secured for all filming locations.
Production
- Quality standards: Footage must be clear, well lit, and professionally framed. Audio should be crisp, with minimal background noise.
- Brand consistency: Use University logos, colour palettes, and typefaces consistently and in line with approved brand guidelines.
- Filming: Capture multiple angles, B-roll, and contextual footage to support the story. Prioritise authentic, engaging visuals.
- Accessibility: Include captions or subtitles to support accessibility and diverse audiences.
Post-production
- Editing: Maintain consistent style, pacing, and tone aligned with the University of Otago brand.
- Graphics and titles: Use approved templates for lower-thirds, titles, and motion graphics.
- Music and sound: Use licensed or University-approved music. Ensure volume levels are balanced and clear.
- Review and approval: Draft edits must be reviewed and approved by the Brand Content team before distribution.
Distribution
- Platforms: Optimise videos for their intended channels, including websites, social media, internal communications, and presentations.
- Metadata: Include accurate titles, descriptions, captions, and relevant links to the University of Otago website.
- Archiving: Store final files in the University’s approved digital asset management system for easy access and future use, or send the project files to brand.content@otago.ac.nz
Brand alignment
- All video content should reflect the University’s identity, culture, and values. Respect the history, people, and place of the University of Otago, acknowledging origins, whakapapa, and the unique spirit of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – a place of many firsts.

Filming protocols and safety

Media release and usage: All on-screen participants must sign a talent release form and be informed about how the footage will be used. This is mandatory for content created for University of Otago marketing, publicity, and promotional purposes (including but not limited to the website, printed and digital publications, social media platforms, and advertising).
Privacy and personal information: The University is committed to protecting personal information and adheres to the Privacy Act 2020. Producers must consult the University’s Privacy Policy and Privacy Statement.
Minimising disruption: Filming must not disrupt teaching, learning spaces, events, or other scheduled activities.
Health and safety planning: Comprehensive health and safety checks and planning must be completed before production begins.
Off-campus filming: Production taking place off campus must follow the Fieldwork (Working off campus) guidelines.
Cultural sensitivity: Producers must respect Māori culture and all cultures. Always confirm any cultural expectations or protocols with the manager or person responsible for the location or event before filming.

Video technical specifications

Format: MP4, H.264 codec, AAC 128k (mono) / 384k (stereo)
Resolution: Minimum 1920 × 1080; 4K preferred
4K bitrate: 48–60 Mbps
1080p bitrate: 16–20 Mbps
Frame rate: 25fps preferred
Aspect ratio: Must match footage – avoid black bars or cropped formats
Music: Must be royalty-free with evidence of appropriate licensing

Filming policies and release forms

Any commercial filming, photography, or media activity on University-owned land must not disrupt teaching, learning, or student life. All commercial filming requests must be approved and contracted through External Engagement.

All on-screen talent must complete a Talent Release form.