How to Write a Script: Putting Words to Work in Your Videos

As creative individuals, we videomakers must wage a constant war between our artistic instincts and our need for order and direction. While it would certainly be nice if we could just splash paint across the canvas like Jackson Pollack, the video medium doesn't allow for such raw creative courage. Instead, we must filter the primal power of our artistic senses through well-chosen rules and guidelines.

One of the most important filters of creativity is the script--the written document that defines your video's sequence of sights and sounds. Scripting isn't difficult; in fact, it makes your work easier and more effective in the long run. A good script lends seamless continuity to your video. It also acts as a precision-ground lens, just like the one on the front of your camera. It allows you to focus your creative energies into a video presentation that's both smooth and understandable.

If you're still unconvinced about the value of learning how to write a script, look at the pros. They wouldn't touch even the simplest video idea without a script. Even if your project is nothing more than a video record of your family's vacation in the Grand Canyon, you can at least scribble a list of shots on a pocket-sized pad. The act of jotting them down will help you think through your shot sequences and visualize the way they'll fit together--and your finished tape will be more interesting.

So go ahead--fling your paint. Just remember that your videos will be easier to watch if you plan ahead exactly where you're going to fling it, what color it's going to be, how much to fling...

Before your teeth clench with anxiety over the prospect of learning somebody else's system of scripting, just relax. There is only one correct way to script your video: the way that works for you. If the abbreviation "CU" for "close-up" doesn't look right to you, change it. If two columns distract you from the overall feel of your script, go to a different format--and feel free to make adjustments to that format if it makes the script easier for you to understand. Use what works. This is your project and the script is simply a mechanism to make your job easier, so experiment with it until it feels right.

As we look at the four basic script formats, think of them as starting points. Every video project has unique requirements, so keep the parts that apply to yours, and throw away the parts that don't — without a moment's remorse. These are the tools, not the rules.

1. The treatment format. This technique works well with testimonial, documentary and any other kind of impromptu productions you're likely to come up against.
   The only script you'll need is a general set of guidelines describing the tone of your project, and the techniques you'll use to achieve it. After shooting your footage, you can write the "filler" narration in the way that best compliments the visual element. This script is actually nothing more than a general description of your video's content, direction and style. (See the December 1994 issue of Videomaker for more suggestions on writing a treatment).
2. The center-column format. This scripting style works well for any project that has to follow precisely planned dialogue or narrative, but needs to remain open to creative interpretation by the actors, camera operators and director. It uses a narrow center portion of the page for scripting and leaves plenty of room on either side for later notations by the rest of your creative team. This type of script is designed to etch the general ideas in stone, while leaving the specific methods of presentation open to the actors and crew.
   Notice in the example shown that this type of script presents character names in all caps and stage directions in parentheses. The margins are wide to allow handwritten notes by the crew. The version shown here is a director's copy.
   If your production team is highly creative and experienced, you may want to try some variation of this one.
3. The full-page format. This format moves the project completely from one scene to the next, painting a descriptive chronological picture of the video's sights and sounds. Each scene has a number and each one usually begins with a description of the setting, then follows with descriptions of the action and dialogue. This format is the one most often used for television production because it works well with dramatic (as opposed to instructional or documentary) projects.
4. The two-column or split-page format. This is the most common approach for producers of television commercials and training videos. The page consists of two columns; the video description is on the left side and the audio description is on the right side. It's easy to read and makes perfect sense at a glance.

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