Featured Client: Purchase College, State University of New York

2010 // July

Purchase College exudes unconventional wisdom. It was founded as a flagship institution solely for the arts within the SUNY system during the 60s. Its culture, both in and out the classroom, is considered distinctly unique, with credit focused on creativity rather than standardized academics. And many faculty members are award-winning writers, artists and actors.

So it was hardly surprising that an out-the-box approach to creating an online video was sought by the college's admissions staff. Indeed, remembering her initial meeting with Purchase, Realview TV's Courtney Cable knew the project was destined for a trip down a less beaten path.

"They met with us because of our reputation within the education industry for producing effective videos," said Cable. "Yet I knew they were after something a little different, and the onus was therefore on us to provide it."

After bouncing around a few ideas, one in particular caught everyone's attention. "As Purchase is a unique institution, we thought it best to have the students be its eyes, ears and  voice," said Cable. "And the more we discussed it, the more it made sense."

With the theme set, structuring the content and format was easier. The video package, like many Realview TV projects, was split into chaptered content, each with a different theme. Students and faculty related personal anecdotes about campus life throughout, with topics ranging from accommodation to quirky campus traditions. Realview TV even incorporated Purchase College produced content to further illustrate the feel of Purchase College.

"This allowed us to really showcase the college's greatest asset - its creativity," said Cable. "The students enjoyed participating, and the  admissions team was delighted with the finished project."  
 

To see the finished product, click here.