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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
"Our aim is to provide services of the highest quality at an affordable cost, without compromising creativity."
— UCL Educational Media
Creative Services
- What are Creative Services at UCL?
Creative Services at UCL include:
- Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Motion Graphics
- Photography, Images and Digitisation
- Film, Video and Audio Production
- Posters and Large Format Printing
These services are provided by UCL Educational Media.
- Who are UCL Educational Media?
UCL Educational Media is part of Digital Education. Our team has a variety of talents, each bringing something to the table from design and photography to video production and podcasting. We also manage and are responsible for the application services Imagestore, Lecturecast, Mediacentral, Eventbrite and Video conferencing, along with providing support for virtual event systems - Teams Live and Zoom Webinar. Let us know your goals and we’ll make them happen.
Graphics, Design and Illustration
- I have a story / message I’d like to convey, but not quite sure what the best format would be?
The best way to go about starting this type of project is to discuss your requirements with us, we can suggest the best format to reach your intended audience.
- I am applying for a grant, but not sure how much I funding I will need for the media element of my project?
Please get in touch with us before applying for your grant, so we can provide you with a full estimate of work involved. Sometimes clients apply for grants beforehand and then realise they don’t have enough money in the pot to fulfil all the elements they need. So, approaching us beforehand ensures we’ve covered all items that you need, as well as any suggestions for approaches that might be better suited to your brief.
- I have a very text heavy document - how can I make it more engaging?
You could break the text up by incorporating infographics, charts, illustrations. It is quicker for people to absorb graphics and understand the concept faster, rather than reading reams and reams of text.
- Can I get a logo designed for my UCL project?
Unfortunately, we don’t create logo’s for UCL projects, as the UCL brand is so strong, we don’t like to infringe on that. But what we can offer is a graphic or design solution that gives your project an identity.
Video, Audio and Podcast Production
- I would like someone to edit a piece of video I have shot
We are happy to do this for you, we do charge for our services, however the amount charged is small compared to using an external service, or if your edit is fairly simple we can show you how to do it yourself.
- How do I book a videographer
In the first instance email the team with your basic requirements, and although we have expanded the team, please give as much notice as possible.
- I have never run a Zoom Webinar before, can you help me with my event
We have a dedicated Live Events Producer who can manage the delivery of your event through Zoom ( or MS Teams). This is a charged for service and previous users of our service have commentated on how this relieves event organisers of this task and is extremenly good value.
Facilities
- Do you have any support for media production if I want to do this myself?
We operate an equipment loan service for staff or if you are wanting to film or record yourself or a colleague why not try using one of our Mediapods
- Are there studio facilities at UCL available for staff or student use
Currently we have our own studio space for the production of Photography, Video and Audio, this is not a self-serve or D-I-Y space, for that we have two Mediapod spaces where you can use the Mediapod device to record.
Legal guidance regarding Data Protection, Consent and permissions when Filming or taking Photographs
Consent
- Requesting consent to film or photograph people
- UCL Brand team information: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brand/legal/ucl-filming-and-photography-consent
- UCL Legal Services information: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/legal-services/ucl-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/guidance-notices-ucl-staff/guidance-note-capturing
- General advice:
In the UK, consent is required to film people under the Data Protection Act.Consent must be:
- Free: A positive action to opt-in
- Specific: For a clear purpose
- Recorded: Evidence of consent should be kept
- Withdrawn: If someone changes their mind, their personal information must be destroyed
Here are some tips for obtaining consent for filming:
- Get advice: If you're unsure if the Data Protection Act applies, you can consult the UCL Data Protection Officer.
- Get consent in writing: Consent can be a simple statement confirming the individual's consent.
- Mark the area: If you can't get specific consent, mark the filming area with clear notices.
- Be clear: Use clear, simple language that's easy to understand.
- Be separate: Keep the consent request separate from other terms and conditions.
- Be consistent: Use the same language and methods across multiple consent options.
If you're filming for video surveillance, you may need to conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). A DPIA identifies and minimizes risks related to processing personal data.
You should also consider:
- Making the photographer / videographer clearly identifiable
- Implementing organizational and technical measures to protect the data
- Example Consent Form
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