Styles of Video Scripts

Summarize the script abbreviations for video and audio that you've learned in this video. Why is it important to know these abbreviations when writing your script?

MUSIC IN queues the music to start, and GRAPHIC queues the graphic to appear. INT. SCENE is the slug/video, which includes the description of the specific scene. CHARACTER NAME/VOC refers to the person speaking in the scene. Some audio abbreviations include NATS for natural sound and SFX for sound effects. When identifying basic shot types, one should use abbreviations such as LS for long shot, MS for medium shot, CU for close ups, ELS/ELS for extreme long shot, MLS for a medium long shot, MCU for a medium close up, and ECU/XCU for an extreme close up. When indicating talent sources, abbreviations such as VO (voice over), VOC (voice on camera), and SOT (sound on tape) can be used. Abbreviations allows quick communication within the script, saving time and space. It is important to understand these abbreviations when writing a script because if all of these words are written out on paper, it will not only be time consuming, but also confusing to the reader.