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CASE STUDY #3: SCU 2020 Virtual Graduation Celebration

SCU 2020 graduate

AT A GLANCE

  • Sector: Higher Education / Institutional Advancement

  • Objective: Transition a traditional commencement to a cinematic virtual experience during a global lockdown.

  • Utility: Flagship 55-minute broadcast, multi-platform social assets, and a star-powered music video.

  • The "Closer": A high-octane 2-minute "hype video" finale celebrating resilience and a professionally produced Alma Mater music video.

THE CHALLENGE: Bridging the Physical Gap

In May 2020, Santa Clara University faced an unprecedented institutional hurdle: honoring the Class of 2020 without a physical ceremony. The university required a "definitive visual asset" that could maintain the prestige and emotional weight of the SCU experience for a global audience of students, faculty, and alumni.

Group of smiling SCU students walking away from church building on campus

THE ARCHITECTURE: Strategic Collaboration

Partnering closely with SCU’s VP of Marketing Communications, Cineteller architected a production strategy to deliver a feature-length cinematic program on a rigorous three-week timeline.

Student drummer performs at 2020 virtual commencement

Production Rigor:

We conducted on-campus filming of Provost Kloppenberg in the Rose Garden, employing a Ronin-stabilized "walk-and-talk" tracking shot to bring a sense of dynamic movement to the traditional address.

Cinematic Asset Acquisition:

We integrated professional drone and aerial footage with university-provided media to create a rich, immersive visual tapestry of the campus.

Sensory Storytelling:

A central pillar of the celebration was a professionally produced and mixed music video for the Alma Mater, featuring a star student singer and a virtual gallery of the SCU Chorale.

Post-Production Precision:

Cineteller managed the complex assembly of dozens of remote assets, executing professional color grading, sound design, and motion graphics for the final 55-minute broadcast.

SCU women's soccer team huddle

THE WIN

The project culminated in a soaring 2-minute "hype" video that captured the spirit of the Class of 2020. Delivered exactly on schedule, the production served as a powerful "closer" for the academic year, reinforcing institutional pride during a time of crisis.

Crowd of excited SCU students and cheerleaders

From the CLIENT

"TROY!!!! This was worth it!! AMAZING! Fantastic work! We couldn't have done it without you!"

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