Beginning a Script

Instructional Video Production 4(1+3)

Lesson 14: Script Writing

Beginning a Script

To create a successful, award winning script, you should begin with an outline. A good way to outline your script is by utilizing a storyboard template. With a storyboard, you did not have to be a professional artist, have a degree in English literature or know anything at all about film and video production. All you need to know is what you want to do and be able to demonstrate that in a clear, organized form.

To begin, come up with a title, at least a working title that describes your program. Do not concern yourself with the pressures of being clever and creative here just come up with a title that helps you get started.

Start by making about 20 copies of the storyboard template in this report and save at least one page as a “copy master” to make more pages. Begin by writing down the things you know you want in your video. Do you want music to begin when the title first appears? If so, on the “Video” side of the storyboard, write down your title. On the “Audio” side of the storyboard, write down “music begins”. if you know you want a certain type of music, write that sown as well.

Again do not worry about being a Disney animation artist when it comes to illustrating the video content in your storyboard. Stick figures work fine. Just be careful if you have to draw your boss and he or she is very sensitive about their appearance.

Anything you know you want in your video should be written down on the storyboard. Some people like to number the scenes in the margins so if and when (more likely when) scene changes are made, you can jot down the new order of the scenes by their numbers and re-do the storyboard. This is especially helpful during meetings where other decision makers begin making changes to your storyboard’s rough draft at the speed of light and you want to be to organized for your re-write.

Yes, there will probably be a few re-writes. Look at a re-write as a wonderful opportunity to reestablish the quality of your video form a higher point of reference.
Of course, the most important aspect of preparing some form of storyboard before speaking with a production company is it will save you money.

One of the goals of your storyboard is to help the producer get inside your head to better understand your business and the goals of your video. This will ultimately help ensure a better program as the producer will be able to suggest production techniques and other ideas that can help your ideas shine.
Types of scripts
Film- Anything that’s shot on film uses the film format. This includes movies, mini-series, movies-of-the-week (MOW’s) and some1-hour dramas.
SITICOM-Shows shot on video with 3-cameras-your basic ½ -hour sitcom-uses Sitcom format.
TV-2 –Some 1-hour dramas and other shows use a format that’s a cross between Sitcom and Film. TV-2 is a name Script ware uses.
PLAY- Theatrical play format is not what you see in a Samuel French book. This is a format used for Playa you are submitting to be read.

Index
Previous
Home
Next

Last modified: Tuesday, 24 April 2012, 9:55 AM