Broadcast Writing

January 30, 2014

Broadcast Writing - Two-Column A/V Scripts

Do not begin this assignment until you are done with the Radio Script. Many times scripts are written in a single-column format, but often the flow can be more easily visualized when working in a two-column format. You will now create a script for a 30-second commercial for some school event that will actually take place at some point later this school year. You can alternatively script a 30-second news story regarding a recent school event. Your footage, at least at this point, will only be imagined. Be sure to include the name of each camera shot, as seen in the two example scripts below. The following are additional resources for formatting:

• Sample 2-column script with writing tips
• Sample 2-column script #2
• A video clip with its sample script found further down the page
• Be sure to look at the 2-column script powerpoint at the bottom of this Web page!

January 23, 2014

Broadcast Writing - Radio Scripts

Prepare a radio script for a commercial of approximately thirty seconds. It will be no less than twenty-eight, but no more than thirty-two. Your script should be in the same format as you see in the link. Set tabs in a Word document to assist you in quickly producing the material. If you don't know how to set tabs for the entire page, then check with me. Your commercial may be for an upcoming school event, or something entirely made-up. However, as always, it should be school-appropriate in nature. If you need help, consider the following two guides:

• American Radio Drama Format
• University of Kansas Radio Script Format Guide

January 14, 2014

Broadcast Writing - Proofreading

You will need to acquire two stories from my USB for editing. You and your partner will make the edits with red type. You can also take a screenshot of the page, then make a new illustrator document (8.5 x 11 inches) and use file --> place to add the story there. from here, you can use lines and text to edit it.

Use the guide in the January 8 link, as well as this one to help you.

January 8, 2014

Broadcast Writing - Formatting Tips

Find some tips on writing for broadcast copy here. A more abbreviated version of some key do's and don'ts may be found here

• A key thing to keep in mind while working on broadcast copy is this: writing out symbols and numbers, while also rounding the latter to make them more digestible, makes life easier on your newscasters.
• If you would say a word differently than it appears on a page, then make it very obvious to your broadcaster
  • World War One began in 19-14 (or even consider writing out nineteen fourteen)
  • Acronyms and abbreviations (don't write TX, write "Texas"; Don't write DWI, write D-W-I)
• Writing out numbers is always a great idea, especially when they are over one hundred. Again, remember to round them if they're too big, though.
• Also, simply remember to keep your writing active and present.

January 7, 2014

Broadcast Writing - The Lead

Using the Web, search for some tips regarding good practices for writing broadcast leads. As a group, you will add them to the Google Drive documents found at the links below, based on your position in the room.

DO NOT copy and paste huge chunks of material to the documents. Take small pieces, and paraphrase or use only key elements of what you read. This should be something that you and your classmates can refer back to, not stare at blankly.

THIS LINK might be a fantastic starting place.

THIS LINK is also very useful, though you have to scroll down to about page 10.

January 6, 2014

Broadcast Writing Intro

At the bottom of the page, you will find the PowerPoint with the basic information about broadcast writing. Out of this, you will need to know the following for a quiz:

• What is a slug, and what does it contain?
• How should you typically format a script (spacing and characters)?
• How long is a sound bite?
• What is another term for the beginning of a news story?
• What is 'active voice?' See this link for details.