MIT Reports (proposal)

Scope Statement — March 10, 2000

Introduction

Video reports can tell, in vivid personal terms, the unfolding story of MIT: of people working together to create many of the technologies that have changed, and will change, the world.

We propose to produce a series of concise, intellectually- challenging, and emotionally-engaging video stories covering a range of MIT themes — research, academics, history, campus life.

These 4-6 minute segments will be available via the web in common video formats. They will also be packaged into half-hour magazine-style programs for distribution on ResearchChannel, a nationally-distributed satellite and web programming service of which MIT is a member.

MIT Reports will support Institute communications strategies and paint a memorable picture of life on campus. The project will also enhance learning opportunities in digital video production and post-production for UROP students and faculty/staff whose projects are featured.

Description

MIT Reports will be a series of magazine-format non-fiction video reports on life at MIT. The project will integrate materials being produced for other purposes to allow for greater distribution opportunities.

MIT Reports will support and integrate the promotion and research video segments we currently produce for clients across campus into a common format which can be distributed via the web and videotape as well as the ResearchChannel national programming service available on the EchoStar satellite program service.

Overall goal

Promote breadth of technological and humantities innovations and insights at MIT

Deliverables

Sixteen 4-6 minute magazine format video segments during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 school years. These segments will be distributed on videotape, on the web, and via satellite.

Success criteria

• Funders
• Communications Strategy Committee

Production

• Researchers and demos.
• Lecture highlights
• Video news releases.
• Profiles.
• MIT History.
• Student perspectives.
• Events-commencement, 2.007, 6.270

Distribution

• Reports will be made available on the web via the MVP website.
• Reports will be packaged into thematic programs for client/participants.
• Reports will be packaged into 30-minute programs for non-exclusive distribution on the Research Channel (formerly ResearchTV).

Preliminary tasks

Set up post-production unit.

• Interview and select work-study students and interns. Establish roles and tasks.

Edit feature stories profiling Institute programs and initiatives. Post-produce one 3-5 minute single-camera segment each week. All raw footage recorded by MIT Video Productions.

Develop cycle of 4 themes to cover full breadth of campus initiatives and campus events.

• Research
• Academics (across all disciplines)
• History
• Campus life
• Plan semester schedule in advance
• Integrate cohesive visual design elements targeted to specific constituencies.

Package and distribute video materials to targeted constituencies

Compress segments for web viewing. (All segments on-line within 1 week).

• Create targeted highlight tapes for use by target departments (1 per theme).

Package one quarterly 30-minute cable television series of highlights (1 program per quarter). Distribute to key press contacts, potential funders, and regional educational channels.

• Duplicate for use by departments and centers.

Redesign MVP website to support weekly initiative

• Develop identity (Video@MIT, ThisWeek@MIT)
• Develop navigation scheme.

Coordinate integration of work by field producers into production styles and processes.

Train and supervise 2 UROP students and interns as project assistants

• Track production activities and initiatives. Respond to standard inquiries. Distribute information about upcoming shoots and program distribution. Log, screen, and digitize raw footage; assist during editing sessions, compression, web preparation.

Evaluate success of project

• Interview all targeted constituents before implementation and after pilot phase to evaluate use of video materials. Adapt goals and systems to improve effectiveness and efficiency of work.