Tips & Tricks for a Successful ThankView Video
Basics of Filming for Donor Relations
- You can record your video on any device with a camera and an internet connections, like your phone or computer.
- Turn your phone horizontally (landscape mode) to fill as much of the frame as possible. Think movie quality, not TikTok.
- Keep the shot “tight,” e.g. be close to the computer or phone microphone. Most computers and phones can’t pick up audio from across the room, or there might be echoing.
- Record in a place with appropriate lighting – computers and laptops can get grainy when recording in low light. Choose a location that doesn’t have a lot of light behind you (“backlighting”) – the camera will focus on that instead of on you.
- Avoid echo chambers – sparse offices or conference rooms with glass office can create a ton of echo. Rooms or building with high ceilings, an open layout, and very little carpeting are also not good places to record.
- Your phone and computer microphone don’t discriminate – they will pick up audio from everything around you – a gentle wind can sound like a typhoon, heavy breathing can sound sinister, and a dog barking will sound like a firecracker. Not all ambient sounds are bad, but be cognizant of what is around you.
- Ensure your background is appropriate, including activities. Depending on the situation, normal movement in the background can add to the video – just make sure it doesn’t distract your viewers.
- Choose a flattering angle – we can all agree that shots from below are not usually a person’s best angle.
- Flaunt the scarlet and the brown – wear your SLU gear and choose a nostalgic landmark if possible!
- Don’t be afraid to take a few versions of your video. This helps you and this helps us.
- Wait a moment after recording to speak, and leave a moment at the end before turning off the recording.
- Videos should be short – no longer than 30 seconds – unless otherwise requested from the Donor Relations team.
What Should You Say In Your Video?
Donor Relations will can with you to go over the content of the video and discuss the tone we are setting if you would like. After that, your words are ultimately up to you – gratitude videos are intended to be from the heart.
To get you started, here are some suggestions on scripting:
- We advise always starting with gratitude
- If you would like your recipient to click on the button below the video, we recommend mentioning the button itself and even better, pointing to the button below.
- Unless otherwise discussed, please keep your video between 30 and 60 seconds.
- We might ask for a video as short as 10 seconds. This makes it very important to script what you are going to say beforehand.
- The important stuff should go first (e.g. gratitude, your name, the impact of the scholarship/award/etc.).
- End with a thank you and/or well wishes and a smile