How UConn Reimagined Graduation Videos with a 360 Twist

Graduation is a milestone most of us will remember for the rest of our lives, a moment of pride shared with classmates, schoolmates, and university staff alike. At the University of Connecticut, it’s no different. But there's one challenge: UConn’s campuses are spread out across the state, making it hard for everyone to celebrate together.

This year, the team at UConn University Communications set out to change that. Their mission? Find a way to bring students from all campuses together in one shared graduation moment—with a bit of creative ingenuity and an Insta360 X4.

When Technology and Creativity Converge

At UConn University Communications, they always try to use contemporary storytelling techniques and equipment. A quick look at their YouTube channel underscores this commitment.

But the project didn't start with the idea of using an Insta360 X4 to film the graduation video. It started with the idea of letting students hold their diplomas while being match-cut across all UConn campuses.

Tom Rettig, Multimedia Producer at UConn, explains it further: "We wanted something modern, something that felt fresh," he explained. "Using a 360 camera allowed us to stitch together scenes across campuses, all tied together by a single visual thread."

In order to achieve this effect they needed a custom-built rig and a camera that could reliably and accurately erase the selfie stick. After some testing, they quickly realized that Insta360 X4 was the right camera for the job.

Building the Shot

To make the vision a reality, the team built a custom aluminum rig that mounted an Insta360 X4, a UConn diploma, and the Invisible Selfie Stick—all in one handheld setup. Graduates were filmed holding the rig while posing, creating a unique floating camera effect that added depth and consistency to the sequence.

"We needed something that could erase the selfie stick, stabilize the footage, and give us freedom in post-production," Tom said. "After testing, the X4 clearly stood out."

Finding Spontaneity in Structure

Despite the precise framing and custom gear, the shoot turned out to be anything but stiff. "The setup was so light and easy to use that students actually had fun with it," Tom said. "That spontaneity really shows up on camera." At first, viewers might assume someone is operating the camera from behind, but that illusion quickly fades once they see the shots captured from the car exterior and skateboard.

That balance of structure and freedom helped the team capture not just polished footage, but real moments—laughs, expressions, and reactions that might have been lost in a more traditional shoot.

Turning Challenges Into Creativity

Like any shoot, there were unexpected challenges. One in particular: shadows. While the X4's Invisible Selfie Stick feature performed as expected, the shadows it left behind needed a little creative problem-solving.

"We learned quickly that we had to position our subjects just right in relation to the sun to keep shadows out of frame," Tom explained. "It was a small thing, but it forced us to think more intentionally about lighting and composition."

Astute observers might spot the selfie stick shadow in a few shots if they're really looking for it, so it's more of a testament to how well the rig, the Invisible Selfie Stick effect, and composition worked together.

Once filming wrapped, the next step was post-production. While some might find the thought of editing 360 footage daunting, Tom had a different experience: "Post-production was just as smooth [as filming]. Keyframing, cropping, and reframing in the Insta360 Studio app gave the team full creative control."

Community Response

The final video resonated strongly across the UConn community. Faculty and staff appreciated the fresh take, and students were excited to see themselves captured in such an unusual, creative, and most of all cinematic style. But beyond the visuals, the project delivered something deeper: a shared moment that unified UConn's campuses through creativity and tech.

What's Next?

Tom's team already has more 360 projects in the pipeline, including campus tours and walk-and-talk segments that make use of the X4's unique capabilities. "It's such a versatile tool," he said, before adding "The camera and app make it easy to focus on the creative side rather than the technical side."

At Insta360, we're proud to have played a part in helping UConn University Communications capture lasting memories for their graduates—and we can't wait to see what they create next!

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