"The Ryerson creative team addressed a 2020 challenge with a 2020 solution. These videos convey triumph without erasing the inherent loss. The sudden, enduring campus diaspora was transformed into a storytelling strength. By showcasing a broad spectrum of student faces and the homes they belong to, this convocation video reveals more humanity than we may have had access to if graduation had been in person. The different ways the students created their cue cards adds personality and dimension, while the bold graphic frame serves to polish and unify. The sound, too, delivered on the complexity of the experience it captured, genuinely evoking the nuanced emotions specific to this moment."

— MAGGIE FOST

Ryerson University pivoted to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant many aspects of the university experience became virtual, including convocation. Two videos were created to emotionally reunite students who had spent several months apart, creating a feeling of joy and celebration in a time of uncertainty. More than 40 video clips were submitted by students to help create the student celebration video, which used upbeat images, language and sounds to help audiences take a break from the stress of the pandemic. More than 7,500 students were approved to graduate and begin their new relationship with Ryerson University as alumni. The virtual convocation videos were well received and marked an important step in building these important alumni relationships with the class of 2020.

CREDITS

CREATIVE/ART DIRECTOR: DANIEL COUTO

MARKETING DIRECTOR: JIM WENTZELL

MARKETING OFFICER: KELLY ZINKIEWICH

PROJECT LEADS: PHILL REGO, KIM MCDONALD

COPYWRITER: DEREK FLACK

VIDEO PRODUCERS: KELLY ZINKIEWICH, DEREK FLACK

VIDEO DIRECTOR, EDITOR & ANIMATOR: NIKITA OVSYANNIKOV