TGJ Communication Technology
Video Script Reference
The key document used in the production of video and motion pictures is the script. Far more than
just a detailed description of the audio and visual components, the script is the critical connection
between the writer and the audience; the one place where the story unfolds deliberately. To
understand the script one must look at it in terms of how it uses structure to present the writer’s
message.
A video script is the product of five interrelated components:
• Concept • Structure
• Content • Style • Format
Awareness of the specific role of each will result in scripts that are targeted to:
• the goal of the video
• the audience
Concept
The Concept is the technique used to tell your story (how); concepts include:
• Voice-Over Picture (Narration)
• Characters Reminiscing (Conversation)
• Documentary (Story footage)
• Telling the Story Through Artwork (including cartoons)
• Dramatization (Staged re-enactment)
• A combination of any of the above.
Structure
The Structure is the way you build your case to tell your story. Simply, it is:
• The Beginning
• The Middle • The End
For example the most common structure for an informational video is:
• Introduction • Features • Testimonials • Call to Action • Conclusion
Structure is far more than just the simple framework of the script: It is the
mechanism that moves the audience. The structure provides Transition Points
which allow the audience to move toward the overall goal of the video. The
structure gives both direction and pace to the action, and carefully crafted
scripts move the action in an engaging and convincing manner.
Content
Style
Format
© TINGLE 2004
Content is simply what goes into the script. The writer must be very careful with
what he/she puts in the script, since everything must support the overall goal of
the video, while also keeping the audience in mind.
Style refers to the way the words are composed. Good scripts do not have long,
complex sentences full of commas and clauses. They are difficult for the actor to
deliver and hard for the audience to absorb. Short, delarative sentences,
phrases and even one word statements work much better. After all, credible
dialogue in a video should be no different from an ordinary conversation you
would have. Always read your script aloud to test for credibility, and awkward
word combinations that could trip up actors’ delivery.
Format is the physical layout of the audio and visual components, aligned sideby-side in two columns with visual on the left and corresponding audio on the
right. A good script accomplishes two goals: it must facilitate a good read and
serve as a detailed production blueprint. In fact the more detail the better.
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Key Parts:
The Opening
The Closing
The Details
Think back to videos or movies you thought were very exciting, involving your
attention right from the first flicker of light. What did the writer and director do to
make it work so well? Why were you not bored? At the end did you feel it was a
fitting conclusion, or were you disappointed? Now, think of another video or
movie that seemed to take a long time to get the story going. Why did it seem to
‘drag on’? Chances are the writers and directors of the shows you enjoyed paid
attention to these two important parts of the show: the Opening and the Closing.
The Opening is the most crucial element of the script. It must introduce the
subject, concept, questions and the style imediately. By setting the tone as
quickly as possible, the writer does two important things:
• The audience’s attention is seized and held
• The audience gets comfortably oriented with the tone of the story
If neither of these are accomplished, chances are the viewer will not want to see
the outcome of the story. Think back to your experience watching television: why
have you switched channels after watching just the first few minutes of a show?
The Closing is one of the most difficult parts of a script to write. Think of movies
that suddenly end right after the climax. Does it leave you wondering how things
turned out after? If so, the script failed to end by giving the viewer satisfaction.
Like a well-structured paragraph, the Opening sets the tone quickly and the
Closing neatly sums up the ending for the reader/viewer. In both cases the
reader/viewer leaves with the feeling that information has been well-delivered.
From a technical perspective, the well-executed script provides detailed
information concerning the production requirements of the video/film. It serves as
a guideline for prop people searching for objects required - from clothes to cars.
Lighting and sound technicians refer to it when planning the equipment they’ll
need to render the scene as envisioned, and when it will be required during the
production. Location scouts use the descriptions contained in the script to plan
where to shoot. Special effects are described and the animators follow the script
to execute their part of the show. And of course the actors need some direction
in terms of movement and line delivery.
With so many people depending upon this one document, the more detail the
better!
Videov Script /2
© TINGLE 2004