Videography At Amherst

The Office of Communications tells the story of Amherst College through original videography. Guided by our editorial policy, we prioritize coverage of major events and campaigns that impact the broadest possible audience, the academic community, the physical campus, and student life initiatives outside of the classroom. We also video-record and sometimes live-stream major speakers, events and presidential communications for the public, the on-campus community and/or for archival purposes, depending on the situation. 

Between 2 Mammoths with Sarah Wu ’25

Season 2, Episode 10

Sarah Wu ’25, a computer science and English double major, talks with President Elliott about her experiences as an editor at the student-run literary journal, The Indicator, and as an editorial assistant at The Common where she helps to promote LitFest.

Video Resources

  • We create original videos that tell the story of Amherst College. Given the volume of priority video requests, our capacity to produce original, storytelling videos for smaller, affinity audiences varies. We are happy to discuss your idea.
  • We maintain an active YouTube account for sharing Amherst-created videos.
  • Videos are shared throughout the website, including a video player on the homepage of the Amherst website, and on our Amherst in Videos page.
  • We assist with captioning videos for accessibility. Requests for video captioning are submitted on our Coummunications Request form. There is typically a minimal charge-back for these services.
  • If you are creating your own video, we provide some tips to get you started.
  • We have a drone we are licensed to use to capture aerial footage and photography of our campus. The drone policy is available for review.
  • We also video-record and sometimes live-stream major speakers, events, and presidential communications for the public, the on-campus community, and/or for archival purposes, depending on the situation. 
    • Submit requests for live-streaming academic events to IT.
    • Submit requests for audio/visual help with events (including microphones/audio, video playback, or presentations) to IT.
    • Requests for videotaping non-academic events are handled by Communications depending on the availability of staff.
    • If we are unable to prioritize your request, we will consult with you to help organize and clarify the project, and then work with you to find a freelance videographer.
A large play button on a laptop screen with a person working at the laptop

Captioning/Transcript Request Form

All video and audio files posted to the Amherst College website and social media channels are required to be accessible.

A disposable cup being used as a tripod to hold a cellphone

Tips for Creating Videos

Need to record yourself with a smartphone or laptop? Check out our list of simple tips and you'll be ready to give it a try.

Featured Video: Virtual Worlds for Enhanced Focus

Andrew Dole, associate professor of religion, talks about creating spaces for students and professors to read without distractions, and using virtual reality to enhance academic focus. Read the transcript.

Featured Video: Interview with Cornell William Brooks

Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, talks about the NAACP’s most important role today; pressing issues for the NAACP; and ways for young people to get involved.

Aerial view of the baseball fields and the athletics facilities at Amherst College

Drone Photography & Videography

Do we have a drone? Yes. Licensed pilots? Yes. Can our drone take photos & videos? Yes. Do you have a drone that you would like permission to use on campus? First, review the policy. Then contact us.

Marcus D. DeMaio

I produce, direct and edit videos that support the Communications strategy, telling the Amherst story to prospective students and alumni. I pitch and conceptualize video ideas, document and live-stream events, and provide footage for off-campus agencies (news organizations/schools/etc.). I also manage and mentor student videographers and coordinate projects with outside production agencies/freelance vendors as needed.

Roberta L. Diehl

Roberta L. Diehl

Director of Digital Communications

As Director of Digital Communications, I lead the creative team responsible for producing digital, print, photography, and video content, setting strategies, prioritizing requests, and recommending and implementing tools to improve the efficiency of our work. I also collaborate with staff in departments and programs across campus to support their digital and print-based communications projects.

In addition to a B.A. in Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, I hold an M.F.A. from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

Contact me about related to digital, print, photography, or video projects. 

Pronouns: she/her/hers