Narration Writing (page 3)
Give it a Try
Now it's time to test your wings. If you're new to scriptwriting, begin with a simple project. The "How-to" or training video is a good starter. Food preparation and simple household repairs are possible topics. Keep it to 30 minutes or less.
For a more challenging exercise, write a documentary script showcasing someone with an interesting hobby or occupation. Include sequences of the subject speaking both on and off camera. (OC) after the speaker's name indicates that the speaker is on camera. (VO) indicates a voice over or off-camera speaker (e.g., FRED (OC) or ANNOUNCER (VO)).
Now for the real test. Write a 60-second TV ad promoting anything you like. Use a storyboard. If you have a flair for comedy, use it, but remember to keep the pace brisk. You only have a minute, so sell, sell, sell.
With some practice, you'll be going after those corporate training and marketing scripts. And maybe even National Geographic will be hearing footsteps. They could be yours.
[Sidebar: Scriptwriting Software]
If you'd rather spend your time creating than worrying about script formats and page layouts, several script formatting programs are available. Here are a few.
- Scriptware: Cinovation, Inc., MS-DOS/Windows, $300.
Scriptware is very flexible. It automatically creates industry-standard formats for audio-visual, documentary, commercial or screenplay scripts. It has its own word processor and thesaurus. - SideBySide: Simon Skill Systems, Mac/Windows, $80.
SideBySide uses Microsoft Word to develop multi-column scripts for commercials, documentaries, audio-visuals and presentations. It provides a word count and even calculates reading time. - Scriptwriting Tools: Morley and Associates, Mac, $80.
Scriptwriting Tools uses Microsoft Word to produce a wide variety of script formats, including storyboards.
Script formatting software can rescue you from a world of frustration. It will give you more time to do what you really do: make videos.
--J.G.
