Naming and Data Conventions

To ensure we can manage and report on ThankView activity, adhere to the following data guidelines.

• Campaign Type = Contact Purpose (options are “cultivation” or “scheduling” or “stewardship”)
• Always include recipients’ Advance IDs

Message Customization

The following fields are recommended for each ThankView message, regardless of whether the message is being sent to an individual or a group of donors.

• Name on outside of envelope*
• Welcome message above the envelope*
• Sender name* (default is “University of Virginia;” we recommend an individual’s or school/unit name)
• Video message (best practice is under 3 minutes; 1-2 minutes is recommended)
• Text under video message
• Logo after the video (default is “University of Virginia;” we recommend school/unit logo)
• Music before the video (default is no music, ‘Good Old Song’ is available)
• You may also choose not to use an envelope and elect to have a preview of the video message displayed in the body of the email

Filming a Video on Your Phone

• Don’t shoot vertical video
• Don’t use digital zoom
• Find the best natural light or add light if able
• Avoid backlit situations – meaning the light is coming from behind the subject
• Choose a neutral uncluttered background
• Find a quiet place with no ambient noise (like wind, birds, background voices, etc.)
• Keep your shot relatively still
• Use a tripod if you have one
• Use a microphone if you have one
• Don’t walk and film
• If you do move, use your body as a tripod and hold the camera as still as possible
• Use a selfie stick, if you have one, for different angles
• Practice your script/remarks before filming

Filming a Video on Your Computer

• Don’t shoot vertical video
• Don’t use digital zoom
• Find the best natural light or add light if able
• Avoid backlit situations – meaning the light is coming from behind the subject
• Choose a neutral uncluttered background
• Find a quiet place with no ambient noise (like wind, birds, background voices, etc.)
• Use a microphone if you have it
• Sit in a chair that doesn’t move or swivel
• The computer should be situated at eye level or slightly higher than the subject so they are looking directly into or slightly up, instead of down, into the computer
• Practice the script/remarks before filming

Watch this fun video for additional tips.