Videography | University of Warwick

Videography guidelines

We need to keep our brand identity consistent as it extends across all outputs, with video being an important and increasingly prominent channel.

To help you create quality videos in line with our brand, please make sure that every piece of video content you create begins and ends with one of the branded idents below.

Download the brand guidelines

Video mood & tone

Our video style is an extension of our photography style, reflecting our people and the impact of our work in a warm and authentic way.

Using a shallow depth of field helps bring subjects into focus and adds a more intimate feel. A subtle handheld technique can be used to make footage feel grounded and real. Slow motion is a preferred technique for supplemental scene-setting footage, such as establishing the location.

Video idents

Our brand identity should extend across all outputs, with video being an important and increasingly prominent channel. Every piece of video content should either begin or end with our branded ident* . The ident can also be used at both the beginning and end of videos (where deemed appropriate), particularly when creating longer form video content which is 2 minutes or longer. The supplied animation file should be used at all times.

Primary video ident

Secondary video ident

This is our primary version which should be used wherever possible. The screen is all white. The Warwick wordmark fades in as the two halves of the ‘W’ shape grow and fade from below (1), forming the completed shape in full colour (2). The descriptor line animates in below the wordmark (3), completing the master logo.

After sitting on screen for two seconds, the master logo fades to white (4), before transitioning into the start of the video content.

A second option of the primary ident uses the white version of the master logo with an aubergine background.

All of the above attributes apply in exactly the same way when opting for the white master logo on an aubergine background.

This version should only be used over an aubergine background, or if the opening footage of the video provides sufficient contrast for the master logo to be fully legible.The Warwick wordmark fades in as the two halves of the ‘W’ shape grow and fade from below (1), forming the completed shape in full colour (2). The descriptor line animates in below the wordmark (3), completing the master logo. After sitting on screen for two seconds, it fades out (4).There is a white and black mono version available. Always select the version that provides the greatest contrast to the footage.

Videography lower third

Our lower third is a branded way of displaying information on screen, particularly people’s names and titles.

It consists of an aubergine panel that is anchored to the left of the screen, our monogram to the left of a dividing line, with the name and title to the right. The angle on the end of the panel mirrors that of the monogram.

Please contact the brand team via if you need more information on the lower third.

How to use the lower third

Videography lower third

The panel wipes in from the left (1). As it lands in position, the monogram fades in (2), followed by the dividing line, name and title (3).

It should sit on screen long enough to be read by the viewer (this will vary depending on content) and then animate off in the reverse of how it appeared.

The aubergine panel should appear anchored to the left of the screen, sitting 120px from the bottom of the screen. It should be 155px high. The spacing between the elements is 46px.

The images can be enlarged or, for more information, please download the brand guidelines.

The University of Warwick branded lower third for video

How to use the lower third when creating video content

Lower third contrast

Lower third rules

To ensure maximum legibility and contrast, there is an option to use a reversed version on very dark backgrounds (1). The panel is white, the monogram is aubergine, the dividing line is black and the text is black.

Due to the nature of academic job titles and department names, the ident text can run over three lines if needed (2). The panel can extend to accommodate text, but it should never take up more than 50% of the width of the screen.

Please visit the brand resources page for access to our videography lower thirds and video idents. You will be required to sign in to access these files.

Other videography techniques

In the tabs below you'll find information on using colour correction, subtitles and talking heads. Please click on the images to enlarge.

Colour correction

Colour correction and grading is vital in creating authenticity and warmth. It should only be implemented by a professional.

Final videos should be graded to natural colours where appropriate to best capture real moments and natural skin tones.

Black and white may be used if it suits the subject and tone of the film but must be a justifiable stylistic decision.

Please do not over or under saturate footage or edit too heavily towards one colour range.

Colour correction ensures our videos look professional

Subtitles

The use of auto-generated subtitles on video hosting channels such as Vimeo, YouTube and TikTok can be used if needed. We advise that auto-generated subtitles should be closely reviewed to ensure the content is of a high standard and the message is portrayed accurately.

When producing subtitles that are not auto generated by hosting channels, subtitle text should be Avenir Next Medium in white, size 48pt. The background should be black set at 80% opacity.

We advise that the videos destined for The University of Warwick website should have captions added as a separate .srt file. The user can then opt to turn them on or off as needed.

For video hosting channels such as YouTube and Vimeo and other social media channels where videos are hosted, it would be useful to include closed-captions on all content to ensure the platform can auto-generate accurate, understandable subtitles. If that is not possible, please use open captions.

Two examples of how subtitles should be applied in video

Talking heads

The aim of talking heads is to create video portraits that give us authentic comments from real people.

To support this, we advise that the subject is brought close to the viewer using a shallow depth of field. All face and head features should be in focus.

The rule of thirds is a well-known guideline for capturing video. To use it, you can visualise a three-by-three grid overlaying your image frame or camera’s viewfinder.

This helps create balance between the subject of your video and negative space (i.e., empty boxes), which is a hallmark of eye-catching footage. Other angles can also be used to capture the desired tone and objective of the video content.

How to use the rule of thirds with talking head video

Brand codes

Video is the perfect medium for delivering our message in an emotive and engaging way. While the use of our brand codes is less strict here, there are opportunities to include some references to our visual identity.

Here are some brand codes and more subtle brand cues that can be used:

1. Our master logo ident

2. Our aubergine colour (as scenery, a prop or a graphic element)

3. Our brand typeface (for any text on screen, including lower third & subtitles)

4. Our tagline: 'To be confirmed' (as text on screen or spoken in video content)

Please click on the image on the right to enlarge.

You can find more information on planning a video or photography shoot, including obtaining consent, on our Imagery & Videography resources page.

> Imagery guidelines

> Imagery & videography resources

> Our approved photographers

> Back to brand guidelines