SCRIPTING
GETTING STARTED
This section includes resources to help guide your scripting process and give you examples on how to script for various formats.
What Is Scriptwriting?
Scriptwriting, also referred to as screenplay writing or screenwriting, is the process of writing or constructing a script for mass media (e.g. films, theater plays, TV productions, etc). Scriptwriters or screenwriters are the ones responsible for crafting the story which can be written with their own original idea. Scriptwriters are also responsible for incorporating feelings and emotions to the characters of the story and the story itself.
Importance of Script Writing
A script is a key tool used to ensure the success of the portrayal of a specific story. It also serves as a plan of the scenes to be portrayed by the narrator / performer, and script writing creates such a plan. Following a script minimizes the time intended to research and record content. Having the scenes planned beforehand lets the creators focus more on the portrayal of the story, saving time in the process.
Starting the story
First things first. Now that you've figured out how you want your digital story to be structured and you've created a treatment it's time to write out what your audience will hear and see. The script is developed out of your treatment. A well prepared script will help you decide what images are needed and where they may be used (which will be finalized in the storyboard). Additionally, reading out the script will help you determine how long your video is and if you need to add material or trim material.
Here's a post from NPR Training with some ideas about how to start, no matter how you're structuring your story, although this article is related to an audio podcast, your digital story can easily take parallel shape from these same points.
Voicing The Script
After you've scripted your digital story's prose, it's time to record the narration.
Think of your self as a host, an MC, or the omniscient narrator of a story, you must engage your audience, and the words you choose and the way you say them will matter in the way your audience experiences the information you share.
SCRIPTING IS ABOUT WRITING TO BE HEARD...
And it will never come out the right way the first time, so YOU WILL HAVE MULTIPLE DRAFTS!!!!
Follow these steps to both start and perfect your script.
Take the treatment narrative you wrote, and read it to someone or give it to them to read through.
Did it make sense, and did you have to explain anything? Do you know the bullet points well enough? If the answer is no, keep writing and researching and rethinking your treatment. If the answer is yes, move on to step 2.
Now write out the prose for your story. Remember that you are a narrator and a storyteller at the same time, SO you have to both educate and inform your audience, AS WELL AS engage them. See the examples below for some helpful examples.
Now you need to outline your script into a readable version that will help you easily record your digital story. Recording is a time for you to experiment with delivery and possibly revise the content, but you will make things easy on yourself, if you test things out a few times before-hand.
KEY TIPS
Give or take, about 1 page of a double-spaced script will equal 1 minute of video time.
Include descriptions of the imagery your audience will see as you speak the words.
Group your sentences along with the descriptions and limit your narration to 3-4 lines per image at most.
Record drafts of your narration with your phone, on your laptop, or even better using the 2nd Floor Studio! Then listen to your recording a few times and make changes as needed.
WATCH AN EXAMPLE OF HOW A FILM SCRIPT FOLLOWS IT'S ORIGINAL SCRIPT
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Another important use of your script [should you stick to the words verbatim] will be in captioning your video for hearing impaired audiences.
Closed captioning is not only an important consideration, it's the law.
According to the American Disabilities Act, public institutions are required to provide resources to support the fair and equal learning opportunities for content and instruction, and as students, your content should be both in compliance and in service to a larger audience that may potentially have physical impairments. With a nearly identical script, you'll be able to copy and paste the text into your video editor for nearly effortless captioning in the final production phase.