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Technical scriptwriting for video is a challenging endeavor and a complex subject. Technical scriptwriting is a matter of" learning how to refine one’s writing so that the work reads as a journey, not as a technical manual." As a technical communicator, one needs to make a changeover from writing manuals, procedures, and brochures to writing video scripts used in educational video production. Unlike the two-dimensional print world, video offers the writer, a dynamic, multi-dimensional palette action, camera movement, point of view, sound effects, music, character, dialogue, narration and even silence." In technical script writing for video, basic knowledge of production techniques and video terminology is essential. One must grasp an understanding of what one can and can not do with a video camera and with editing equipment.
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While writing for a visual medium, the technical communicator must become familiar with "visualization, dialogue, timing, and budget constraints." As a video scriptwriter, one should always strive to write a complete script that keeps costs below budget and maps out everything required during the actual production. As one writes the script, one should see every scene in his / her mind's eye. One should know exactly how he/ she want the video to look and sound. This skill is called visualization. Visualization is one of the most difficult skills related to scriptwriting. The ability to see the pictures and to see those pictures as dynamic, rather than static, is a skill that takes time to cultivate. The technical communicator has to learn to let the video speak instead of the words.
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Writing dialogue is another skill that the technical communicators should acquire. The use of contractions and slang are just two ways in which video differs from other forms of technical writing. Written conversations must be realistic. Technical communicators must practice the skill of keeping a script within time constraints. The dialogue and narration must be compressed to fit the time frame of the action.
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As a video scriptwriter, one should try to tell a creative visual story with impact and style combining audio, video, music, and graphics. How one tells that story depends a lot on the money and resources available for production. Animation, special effects, multiple locations, and big-name talent will add power to video only if one can afford it. Budget constraints must be dealt with, and one can't let budget constraints retard his/ her creativity.
Qualifications needed for a video scriptwriter
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Analytical ability: The ability to pinpoint the needs of target audience and separate essential from unnecessary information.
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Interest in diverse topics: Good scripts require enthusiasm toward research.
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Organizational skill: The ability to organize information into logical sequences.
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Empathy for the audience: The skill to tune into the attitudes, motivations, learning styles, and interests of the audience.
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Writing skill: The ability to write clearly and concisely,
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Ability to think visually: The ability to present information and convey ideas with pictures, not just words.
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Creativity: Creative thinking is required for successful scripts .
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Presentation and selling skills: The ability to present one’s ideas effectively to clients.
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Ability to work on a team: The need to interact with several people with different functions and individual goals.
The most important parts of the script are the beginning and ending. To capture and hold attention, one must engage the audience quickly. And to leave an audience with a positive impression, the script must have an effective ending. In between, one must keep interest from drifting by varying pace, emotional content, and presentation style.
Points to be considered in writing the script
- What is the video supposed to accomplish?
- Who is the target audience?
- When and where will the video be shown?
- What information to be included, and how to present it?
- What are the available resources and budget?
- With whom to work on this?
- Who will approve the final draft?
- What is the deadline?
Several concepts are utilized to grab and hold the audience’s attention. Some of the concepts normally used in video scriptwriting are
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Talking head: One person on camera delivers a straight forward presentation. The camera occasionally cuts to simple visuals such as charts, lists, or graphs.
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Spontaneous interview: One person equipped with points to cover or questions interviews an expert on the topic .
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Staged interview: Both participants have scripted parts. The interviewer asks prepared questions, and the interviewee responds with prepared answers.
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Documentary: A narrator, usually off camera, takes the audience on a visual tour, reporting on the program topic.
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Voice-over narration: Visuals are accompanied by narration from someone off camera. The narrator may describe a procedure being demonstrated or may comment on other types of visuals.
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Demonstration: The person on camera describes while demonstrating.
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Dramatization: Actors play roles in a scripted story .
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Animation: Cartoon characters provide instruction .
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Participants