Case Study: Driving Diversity Video Series
Turning a single video shoot into multiple pieces of content is easy with the right planning and execution. Here is how we did it for the University of Toronto.
The University of Toronto’s Acceleration Consortium (AC) builds self-driving labs (SDLs) that use AI and automation to advance scientific research. Every year, AC organizes the Accelerate Conference, which brings together the next generation of women in STEM to connect and discover new opportunities.
AC reached out to us to conceptualize a professional video series called Driving Diversity, focused on Women in STEM. The project was conceived of by two PhD candidates, Meghan Rothenbroker and Ana-Maria Oproescu, with support from two of our longtime collaborators from the AC communications team, Erin Warner and Anne Robinson.
THE GOAL: Produce an engaging video series highlighting brilliant women in STEM and inspiring the next generation to make their mark. There was also a secondary goal to use this footage to support the marketing of AC’s Accelerate Conference.
Step 1: Develop a creative strategy
Our team crafted a new visual approach to differentiate this project from our previous work with the University of Toronto, allowing these videos to stand as their own series.
AC received a grant for this project, so we planned our shoot to maximize the modest budget and make the most of every dollar. Our approach was to create a stylized video series that looked highly produced without breaking the bank. This four-part series would highlight the work of four researchers:
Nasim Abdollahi, Staff Scientist, Machine Learning Specialist
Carla Brown, Staff Scientist
Marta Skreta, PhD Student, Computer Science
Nandita Vijaykumar, Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Additionally, AC was hoping to capture enough content to create a sizzle reel to promote their marquee event, the Accelerate Conference. We planned an efficient approach that would allow us to capture enough content for the full video series in a single shoot day.
Step 2: One shoot, five videos
For the interviews, we shot in a classroom on campus and kept the on-set team very small to keep costs low. Using a backdrop and dramatic lighting, we transformed the space to create a timeless studio feel.
Our interviews focused on breaking down complex ideas into accessible insights while highlighting each interviewee’s unique background and career path. Each interview took approximately 20 minutes. Our conversational approach to corporate interviews puts the subjects at ease and gets in-depth answers that can be incorporated into multiple videos.
After the interviews, we toured the labs with Meghan Rothenbroker and Ana-Maria Oproescu to capture additional B-roll footage. We also had access to existing B-roll from the wealth of previous projects we’ve shot for AC, one of the benefits of our multi-year collaboration.
With careful planning, we turned a single shoot day into five separate pieces of content!
Step 3: Effective content that supports the client’s goals
Since wrapping this project, the Acceleration Consortium has used this video series to promote their work, reach new researchers, and attract attendees. We’re delighted to play a role in supporting the growth of women in STEM.
“I’m so proud of what we achieved with the “Driving Diversity” series! Seeing these stories of brilliant women in STEM come to life, and making their complex research more accessible, is exactly why we started this project.
A huge thank you to Erin, Anne, and the entire production team for helping us turn this vision into a reality.
”
At Worker Bee, our goal is to help everyday people share their stories. We work with budgets of all sizes to create effective content that moves the needle for your organization.