“How To” Make a Mascot Challenge Video in 5 Steps

You are pumped and ready to rock the Mascot Challenge video this year. Where do you begin? You have so many options to create your signature campus piece. However, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and tap into all possible resources. Here are a few steps to consider.

Step 1: Review the objectives and instructions for this year’s challenge. This year’s theme is Reunited in Movement. The deadline for submissions is a bit earlier this year (October 15), yet you still have time to create a video. As in previous years, the video should be 90 seconds or less. We realize it’s going to be difficult to fit all the amazing EIM On Campus greatness you are providing into this time frame, but that’s part of the fun!

Step 2: Who can you recruit to assist in this endeavor? There are a number of excellent people/ and resources right on campus to assist you in your effort. Here are a few ideas:

• EIM-OC Leadership Team – the obvious first choice.
• Student Organization – Student leaders can coordinate efforts which involve student participation, and students have the best ideas for how to engage the audience and showcase what you do!
• Your Mascot leadership – if possible. Sometimes this takes time. Sometimes it doesn’t work out. Fortunately, you don’t need a mascot to participate.
• Media Services – This department can provide experts to film scenes or provide already produced footage. They have a creative eye and can assist in lighting, timing, B-roll, etc. They would also know about copyright/exclusive rights to university logos, media clips, etc. Can’t work with media services? No problem! Here are other exciting options…
  • Communications department director/faculty: Students often times need a semester project to complete or might volunteer time to help produce your video.
  • Creative students in your department or other departments: Students are great at taking video on their phones if other video equipment is not available. They also tend to be familiar with social media best practices, such as aspect ratio and horizontal versus vertical footage.

Step 3: Brainstorms ideas.

• What initiatives/events do you want to highlight?
• Who needs to be present?
• How will you film?
• Are there limited-access participants or areas that you need to consider?
• What is your timeline?

Step 4: Organize and review your content. Will you create a storyboard? Or, will you produce a lot of footage off the cuff and spend more time reviewing and composing? I have personally found creating a storyboard with specific details and time allotted (number of seconds) for each initiative to be helpful and efficient. This is particularly useful if you want to highlight multiple events/areas.

Step 5: Review/edit your video, making sure you are within the 90-second limit, and submit it by October 15!

We, the EIM-OC Committee, can’t wait to see your campus video. Have fun and go team!