Writing an Effective Video Script

What are the four parts of an effective video script? What do each of these parts do for your final video?

1.  The hook

This part states what the video is a couple seconds of content that catches the audience's attention in a short and interesting way. This keeps the audience engaged in the video to tell them why they should keep watching the video. 

2. Introduction

The introduction should state "who you are and give any additional information related to your video or video purpose." This acts as a reinforcement of the hook and it is also a good time to add any branding elements. 

3. Body of Video

This is the most important part of the video because it consists of the bulk of the information. This is is key to making a video because it is the content the viewer came to see.

4. Call for action

This increases viewer engagement because it suggests commenting, subscribing, or hitting the notification bell. This is especially effective if the video is intended for marketing purposes. 

Title Safe

Why is understanding title safe areas so important even during the era of modern televisions?

It is important to keep all texts title safe because you have no control over where the audience is going to be watching the content. There is a possibility that people will be watching an online video on their phones, laptops, or through a television screen. Each of these devices may be set up differently, causing an unusual crop. If the text is not placed in the correct location, (inside the title safe box) it can result to the text getting cut off depending on the viewer's device. Title safe boundaries can also help keep important subjects in an effective position. By placing these subjects within the title safe boxes, it is more likely for it to be placed in a balanced, desirable position.

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.

Writing Video Scripts

In your own words describe what the purpose of a video script is. How should a proper video script be laid out? What are two key important factors to keep in mind when creating a video script?

A video script is designed to have a plan for interviews, graphics, narration, and music. This script consists of a table with columns that is intended visualize what is to be seen and heard. In addition, the video script should determine "what the narrative audio track of the video will be." Furthermore, it can include any additional texts, graphics, or SFX. A proper script should include columns labeled as RT, ST, Audio, Video, GFX, and Music. In the video column, it should include a precise description of the mise en scene. The same precision should be implemented in the audio column as well. When creating a video script, one must keep in mind that it is better to preplan thoroughly than suffer during the production day. Using an extra few minutes in preproduction can go a long way when shooting. If filming an interview, it is important to note the questions in the interview. This process will help visualize the final edit.

2-Column Script Formatting

What are 3 key things that this article says are important about formatting an AV script?

1. Column Labels

When formatting an AV script, it must be labeled with VIDEO and AUDIO. This allows the script to be identified in an easier fashion. However, this is not an extremely necessary step if the columns are already obvious to begin with.

2. Capitalization

If the word is not spoke, it is recommended that it is capitalized. This must be implemented throughout the entire script. Performer's words must be be in the standard upper and lowercase letters. This is intended to allow the performers read the script easier because it helps distinguish which words are part of the dialogue.

3. Description

In the descriptions, abbreviations are accepted because readers who do not understand them do not need to be regarded. Thus, it may include words such as CU and LS. In addition, these descriptions must be in all caps.

The Production Process Wrapup

Now that you've completed (or almost completed) "The Production Process" unit, what are three things that you learned? Please explain each in detail. Why are these three things that you think are the most important to making a film?

I learned that there is a designated sound department to control the audio. This includes dialogue and folly audio. Especially because audio is one of the most important aspects of film, perfecting the audio becomes extremely important to the film. I found it most interesting that the folly audio department has to use various objects in order to enhance the audio. Making sure the audio is captured on set is also important as well.

I also learned that the special effects department has new job in which those effects can be seen on set. For some sets, there is a person designated to work the special effects so the director has a general idea of what is going to be on screen. This is important to the production process because it helps the director visualize the final production.

Finally, I learned that preproduction played a vital role in the production process. In the preproduction process, one needs to have their idea green lighted, storyboarded, and made into a shot list. (As a side note I learned that a shot list does not have to be in the order that it is going to be edited in the final cut.)

Streaming v.s. Traditional TV

How is Netflix changing the television landscape? How will this trend continue into the future?

Netflix allows the viewers to watch whatever content they would like to see whenever they like. In contrast, traditional television only allows them to watch the content at a certain given time. Those who used to be connected to cable TV are now switching to streaming systems. Studies show that younger generations are switching from TV to streaming systems. (the average age of Cable users are increasing) If this trend continues on to the future, Cable TV will disappear from the media as platforms such as Netflix takes over. However, sports programs that are mainly watched live may be what keeps people holding onto the Cable system.