OU marketing team partners with students and faculty on brand video

Students, staff and faculty recently contributed their talents and expertise to a video for an Oakland University graduate brand campaign aimed at inspiring students to be leaders and innovators in their fields.

Led by Oakland University’s Department of Communications and Marketing (UCM), the "What’s Your Reason?” video was produced in collaboration with students from the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD).

“It's exciting to be able to partner with OU students, particularly the SMTD students for a number of reasons,” said Jon-Paul Bakaric, UCM director of photography. “For one, it brings an authenticity to the project that we couldn't get from outside talent, especially on projects where students are both the feature and the storyteller. We’ve had the pleasure of working with many over the years and always manage to find very talented students who are eager and willing to contribute to the project.”

Gavin Carcamo

Gavin Carcamo, a junior in OU’s acting BFA program, contributed to the video’s voiceover, striking an inspirational tone to accentuate the on-screen storytelling.

“One of the things an actor must have in their tool kit is a strong voice that isn’t afraid to be heard,” said Carcamo. “The voiceover is a major part of what is produced, and the message has to be said in a certain way to bring out emotion – to bring the video to life.”

Carcamo credits Lynnae Lehfeldt, SMTD professor of voice and movement, with helping him develop his voice acting skills. He says that working on OU brand videos has allowed him to build his skillset in preparation for future career opportunities.

“There’s so many different paths you can take as far as what kind of actor you want to be. Whether you’re a film actor, a theatre actor or a voice actor, it takes a lot of vulnerability and experience, and working on these videos gives me a jump on the voice acting part of my career,” Carcamo said. “I get to experiment with my voice, learn about different technical aspects and also make connections along the way.”

Jon-Paul Bakaric

Recognizing the value of a fresh set of eyes, Bakaric sought feedback on the video from Adam Gould, associate professor of film studies and production, in the Department of English, Creative Writing and Film.

“I love gathering feedback from as many creatives and artists as I can – inside and outside of OU – on large projects, and I have tremendous respect for Professor Gould's creative opinion and perspective,” said Bakaric, a graduate of OU’s film program. “Every now and then I connect with him to discuss film concepts, see what they are doing in the department and gather feedback on major projects like ‘What's Your Reason?’ I'm always learning and believe that is a fundamental part of being a creative.”  

For Bakaric and Carcamo, having a personal connection to OU makes working on brand videos all the more meaningful.

“Being able to showcase OU’s excellence, and the many opportunities it gives for all its students of different backgrounds, is a true honor,” said Carcamo. “There is something beautiful about the process, where I can see all the different puzzle pieces being put together, and I’m so glad to be a part of that in whatever way I can.”

Bakaric agreed, saying he takes pride in using his Oakland education to help elevate the university’s brand.

“For me, it’s exciting to be able to make videos that promote the university, especially when I have learned so much going to school here and have been employed here for so long,” he said. “I work hard on these projects because I care about the message, I believe in the value of education, and also, because I'm extremely passionate about filmmaking and storytelling – there are so many interesting and inspiring stories here at OU to be told.”