bvp1-5 Broadcast Scripts
bvp1-5 Broadcast Scripts
bvp1-5 Broadcast Scripts
There are many different kinds of television programs, each with unique
requirements of the script. Most programs fit into one of the following categories:
•Lecture. The lecture program format is the easiest format to shoot; the talent
speaks and the camera shoots almost entirely in a medium close-up. All that is
needed for this format is the talent, a camera, and a podium for the talent to stand
behind. Other names for the lecture format are BTF (big talking face) or talking
head. This format has the lowest viewer retention and is often the mark of an
amateur.
•Magazine. The magazine format originated from programs like “60 minutes,” but
has become more than news-oriented programming. A regular news broadcast
presents each story in two minutes or less. A magazine format program is
comprised of feature packages that address a single story. This allows more
interesting detail to be included about each story, but fewer stories to be included in
each program.
•Music Video. The music video has become a common and influential force in our
culture. Items such as clothing shoes, fashion accessories, and hairstyles gain
popularity when seen in a music video. Music videos also serve to promote a band
or a new song or album, in the hopes of increasing the sales of CDs and concert
tickets. Most music videos are one of three types:
Program Formats
•Concert Style. The audience sees the band perform the music that is heard.
A concert style music video may include a compilation of different concerts the
band has performed, a studio performance, or a various locations.
•Story Style. The audience hears the music, but never sees the band. Instead,
actors act out a story line that is supported by the lyrics of the song.
•When producing a music video, copyright permission is the first and foremost
consideration. Do not break the law!
Storyboards
It is important to think through a script idea during the initial proposal stage. Using
visualization, the scriptwriter can get a feel for the program and determine the
direction of the script. The executive producer may reject the proposal, accept it, or
ask for further details. Depending on the selected program format, the next step
may vary.
Research
Both documentaries and interviews require that the program topic be researched.
When interviewing someone, it is important to be proficient enough on the topic to
hold a conversation that is interesting and informative. When developing a research
paper, the research information is often organized on note cards. The notes are
then turned into individual paragraphs of the paper. In television, the individual
paragraphs become scenes.
The Outline
If a program proposal is accepted, creating an outline is usually the next step. All
dramas, lectures, lecture/demonstrations, and documentaries use the same kind of
outline. It is very brief, and not at all like the outline written for a research paper in
school. An outline includes comments, noting the direction of the program.
In any of the formats described, the developed outline is submitted to the executive
producer will either:
•Disapproves it.
•Tweaks the outline a bit.
•Gives suggestions to modify it.
•Approves it. - If approved, the next step is writing the actual script.
Drama Outline
The Outline
An outline for a drama breaks each major event in the story into the fewest number
of words possible and places each on a different line. It is a brief, chronological
listing of the program's progression. The dialog is either nonexistent or minimal-just
enough to relay the main point of each scene. The following is an outline for a
drama called “Little Red Riding Hood.”
The outline for either an interview or panel discussion does not list major events or
show progression. In these outlines, the only necessity is a list of at least 20
questions for the interviewee. Any question that can be answered in 10 words or
less, with a number, or with a “yes/no” response does not count toward the 20
questions minimum. Short answers make for an uninteresting program. For
example, the question “How long have you been___________?” is widely overused
on television. Unless the answer is unusual and sparks interest, viewers do not pay
attention to the answer. “How” (not “how long”) and “why” are the best kinds of
question-starters to use.
Consider this: A 7-year old child who has just played a piano concerto at a major
concert hall is asked how long he as been playing the piano. If the answer is “5
years,” the question is worthwhile. However, if a 50-year-old man I asked the same
question and he responds “30 years,” it is not particularly interesting.
Every listed question may not be asked in the course of the interview or panel
discussion program. A particularly interesting answer to a question may lead to an
impromptu follow-up question. However, if the conversation lags, standby questions
can jump-start the conversation.
Music Video Outline The Outline
Concert style music videos do not require an outline. Only those with a story line
corresponding to the lyrics and music require an outline. The second step in
producing a music video may be to obtain copyright permissions or once
obtained, begin outlining and scripting. By this point, the executive producer
should have heard the music and approved the quality and suitability of the
lyrics. The lyrics of some songs are wholly inappropriate to be broadcast to the
general public.
Expanding an Outline
Once completed, it may be necessary to expand your outline to include more detail
about the program. To do is, take each line of the outline and list details related
to that line. Much like the outline you would create for a research paper, list
sub-topics and supporting details for each main topic line of the outline. When
the outline has been sufficiently expanded, it will be ready to go to script form.
I. Topic
A. Sub-topic
1. Supporting detail
B. Sub-topic
1. Supporting detail
2. Supporting detail
3. Supporting detail
II. Topic II
A. Sub-topic
B. Sub-topic
1. Supporting detail
2. Supporting detail
C. Sub-topic
1. Supporting detail
Writing the Script
It is recommended that all scripts be written using a computer word processing
program. If written with a word-processing program and saved, any alterations and
changes requested by the executive producer or client are easily made without
rewriting multiple pages of script.
Consider This: Make sure to keep a copy of each revised version of scripts. After
your revisions are complete, do not simply press “Save.” Choose “Save As” and
rename the file to reflect the revision sequence, such as “Scene 4 revision #3.”
Otherwise, the previous version cannot be retrieved for future review or if a previous
version is preferred alter in the process.
Unlike film scripts, television scripts are always written in two columns,. The left
column is reserved for the video and technical information. The right column holds
the audio and stage direction. The information in the right-hand column of a
television script is exactly what is contained in a “play-style” script for a theatrical
performance.
The right and left columns are not the same size. The video column is narrower than
the audio column, taking only 1/3 of the page width. The audio column (right
column) occupies 2/3 of the page, because there is always more audio detail to
include than video information.
Writing the Script
Each line of the video column lines up horizontally with the corresponding line in the
audio column. The result may appear to be a lot of wasted space on a page. The
empty space makes the page easy and clear to read. When vieo and audio events
occur simltaneously, they line up together on the script page.
The video portion of the script can make use of many abbreviations, as long asl the
director and crew all understand the meanings. All camera movements on the script
should be abbrviated. Ther is not enough ime to speak full direcions ove the
headsets. For example, “ZO-2S Brian/Mike” is the equivealent of “Zoom out to a two
shot of Brian and Mike.”
Types of Scripts
In television production, there are three types of scripts:
•Word-for Word
•Outline
•Format
Word-for-Word Script
In a word-for-word script, every word spoken by the talent is written out. This type of
scpript is used in dramas, music videos, lectures, and documentaries.
When writing a word-for-word script, write the right had-hand column material first
(audio and stage direction for performers). While writing the audio, visualize how the
program will look. When you imagine a camera angle switch, move to the left
column of the next line in the script an note “switch” in the video box. A change in
camera angle can even occur in the middle of a sentence. Be sure to make a quick
note of the visualized switch before moving on with the audio column.
Once the entire right column is complete, allow the content specialist to review the
script, if applicable. With the content verified, begin determining the shots needed
for each audio box in the script. In the left column, describe each shot needed
including the size of the shot, subject of the shot, the camera movements, and all
other information pertinent to the video. Remember that a box in the script only
contains the video or audio for a single shot. One sentence of audio may include
five shots. Therefore, that one sentence spans five boxes in both the audio and
video columns.
Outline Script
The Outline script usually has a word-for-word introduction and conclusion, but an
outline for the body of the script. For example, the question for an interview are all
scripted. For the initial draft, the scriptwriter does not know how the interviewee may
respond and the answers cannot be scripted. The interviewee’s response is noted in
the audio column of the script as “the talent answers,” “talent response,” or a similar
phrase.
For an interview program, it is best to have an informal rehearsal of the questions
with the person you are interviewing. Record the audio for the conversation to use
as a reference when writing the script. Keep in mind that the interviewee will
probably not give exactly the same responses during the actual interview. But, this
prepares you for the type of responses to expect and helps you better understand
how the entire program will flow. This information is important in developing the
video column of the script. Remember that you want to cut to a different image
about every 7 seconds. Plan for variety in the video column of your script!
A cooking show is another example of a program that uses an outline script. When
writing the script of a cooking show, detail each step involved in the preparation for
the dish, including the exact measurement of each ingredient, in the right-hand
column of the script. Each step should be placed in a separate box of the audio
column. When the script is complete, the chef should review it to ensure every step
is included and is accurate. After ht audio is verified, determine the shots needed for
each step. The credit roll for a cooking program should include the recipe(s) and
corresponding ingredients for each dish prepared.
Format Script
The format script is very brief and is used for the evening news panel discussions,
talk shows, game shows , and other programs whose format does not change from
episode to episode. The on-screen talent and lines may change, but the shots are
predictable from a production point of view. The order of events in programs of this
type is predetermined and the sequence of every episode is consistent.
Writing Style
In most academic writing situations, students are encouraged to carefully choose their
words, be mindful of the rules of sentence structure, and abide by the rules of
composition. In general, students are expected to follow the commonly accepted
grammar and usage rules. This type of writing is called “formal.” Formal writing is difficult
for some people. Nearly all school textbooks are written with a formal writing style.
Formal writing is not used in script writing. Scripts are written the way people talk, using
contractions and slang. Sometimes scripts do not even have complete sentences.
The television script is written in an informal style to aid in easy understanding. Fro
example, if you are reading a book and find a passage that you do not understand, you
go back an reread it. This cannot happen on television. On television, if a concept or
sentence is missed, it is gone. therefore, on television, sentences are shot , simple, and
easily understood.
For those who have anxiety about writing, try dictating scripts into a tape recorder. After
dictation is complete, the tape can be transcribe. Also, there are now computer programs
that low you to speak into a microphone and the computer types what is spoken. These
“voice-to-text” programs are so inexpensive that many new computers are shipped with
the software already installed.
Consider this: Do not waste words! The audience only sees what you show them. If
showing a close-up of a rose, do not waste words by having a narrator state the obvious:
“As you can see, here we have a rose.” Do not describe what the audience is seeing,
unless providing information their own eyes may not acquire. If the visual is complex, on
the other hand, some interpretation may be necessary so the audience understands what
they are seeing.
Word Processing Programs
Most word processing programs are very similar. The steps listed below to set up a
table for script text are comparable from program to program. Before typing a
script, insert and format a table:
Once the table is in place and formatted, enter the video instructions in the left
column and the audio information in the right column. Use the “Tab” key on the
keyboard to move from one column to the next. To add rows to the table, tab out
of the last cell on the table to return an empty row beneath. Continue hitting the
“Tab” key to move the cursor from one empty cell to the next, adding multiple
empty rows onto the table.
Word Processing Programs
While reviewing the script, you may discover that a block contains too much audio in
relation to the scripted video angles. To add a new row with empty right (audio)
and left (video) blocks:
1. Place the cursor in front of the word to be placed in a new block.
2. Select the “Table” menu option at the top of the screen.
3. Click “Insert” and select “Rows Below” from the menu returned.
Highlight the section of audio text you want to move into the new block and drag it to
the bank block. This provides an empty block on the left side of the table to enter
new video text and instructions.
The Montage
The montage is a script/production device that allows a gradual change in a
relationship or a lengthy time passage to occur in a very short amount of screen
time. It is usually set to music and does not include any dialog. The following is
an example of shots in a montage, presented in shot sheet format:
Shots of:
A love song accompanies the series of shots. As a result, two minutes of real time
shows that a year has passed in a couples lives and depicts how their
relationship has grown.
Commercials
Commercial
• Definition
A radio or television announcement for
which there is a charge to have it run on
television or radio
• Purpose
• Cost
Forms and Formats
• Situational or dramatic
• Real people
• Demonstration
Advertising Appeals
• Emotion/love of family
• Economy/savings
• Testimonial
• Bandwagon
• Pride/comparison
• Health
• Humor
• Adventure
• Sex appeal
Writing the Commercial
• Get information on the product.
• Select clear, appropriate, concise words.
• Gain attention.
• Establish a need for the product.
• Show how this product satisfies the need.
• Motivate the audience to act/purchase.
Things to Avoid in Commercials
• Rival products
• Time is a problem.
• Have a cushion of music, graphic,
character generator information or the
product display that you can put in or
leave out to adjust for time variations.
Planning the commercial
• Draw a floor plan and use it to set up the
studio
• Have a complete script
• Mark the director’s script with the
necessary commands
Rehearsals
• Script reading
• Blocking rehearsal
• Technical-Camera rehearsal
• Dress rehearsal
Taping the commercial
• Restrict the number of people on the set.
Observers can cause distractions and
noise.
• Time is valuable; don’t waste it.
• In a real production you are wasting
money and reducing your profit.
• Use Stand-by-procedures to get your crew
ready
• Follow your script.
Taping the commercial
• Have the product on a permanent display
so you can easily get shots of it.
• Check the lighting on the product. What
the product looks like is often more
important than what the talent looks like!
• Display the product against a contrasting
background, so its shape is easy to
distinguish.
Taping the commercial
Be sure to use the appropriate
microphones. Muffled or distracting audio
does not sell a product.
Taping the commercial
• Keep your commercial simple with a clear
message.
• Effects should enhance the message of
the production, not draw attention to the
effect or distract from the purpose of the
production.
• Don’t use effects just because they are
there.
When you finish
• Thank your talent and crew
Broadcast Newswriting
Script Preparation
• Double space copy
• Use upper and lower case
• Use columns
– video left, audio right
Script Preparation
• Use separate sheet for each story
• Do not divide words at the end of a line
– Start the word on the next line
• Do not continue a sentence on the next
page
– Start the sentence on the next page
• Slug each story
– story topic, reporter’s name, date, TRT
Style
• Natural, conversational
• Keep the script conversational but simple
• Practice your script out loud as you write it
• Use action verbs, active voice
• Use words that are easy to understand
• Listener only has one chance to
understand it
Style
• Use short sentences
• Simple sentence structure, few commas
• Generally, one breath per sentence
• Use as few past tense stories as possible
• Time element, use yesterday, last night or
date without year
Organization
• Every story needs a beginning, middle and
end
• Camera operators needs to know what to
tape
• Words and pictures must go together
• Watch the video before writing the final
story
• Let the pictures describe the action
• Don’t tell the audience what they are
seeing
– Explain the significance
Lead
• Beginning
• First, opening sentences of the story
• One or two sentences long
• Grabs attention, like a newspaper headline
• Descriptive phrase that interests viewers
• Lead with best video and best audio
Lead
• Gives the audience an idea of what the
story is about, what happened
• Not all 5 w’s and h are in the broadcast
lead
• Include 5 w’s and h in the order the viewer
will want to know them
• The most important information usually
goes first
• Avoid question leads
Body
• Middle
• Must maintain viewer interest
• Create suspense
• Introduce new information throughout the
story
• Include details
Body
• Avoid adjectives and adverbs
• Include verbs
• Use action verbs, active voice
• Use natural sound
Body
• Series of main points and supporting
evidence
• Evidence - sound bites and statistics
• Use transitional sentences - tie segments
together
• Let the video help your transitions
• Stories should flow
Sound Bites
• Usually less than 10 seconds long
• Explain who the interviewee is in your
script
• Name and title also appear in the graphic
• Introduce sound bites in a complete
sentence
• Avoid “when asked”
• Incorporate sound bite in introduction
• Do not use the same words said by the
interviewee in the lead-in for the sound
bite
Attributions
• Tell audience where information is from
• Attributions at the beginning of the
sentence
• Attributions, titles - before the person’s
name
• Explain who the interviewee is
• Sound bite - name and title appear in
graphic
• Use said or says
– Avoid words that editorialize
Ending
• Last thought the viewer will have on story
• Make a connection to the lead
– Can end by tying it back to the beginning
• Or Finish with supporting evidence
• Or Information on what may happen in the
future
• Or How to get more information
Wrapping Up
Never shoot a program without a script. When this rule is broken, the crew inevitably
ends up re-shooting on location because the first shoot lacked a plan. Few
people would attempt a cross-country auto trip without planning the trip on a map
ahead of time. At the same time, few people strictly adhere to the original plan.
Traffic backups, taking side trips on a whim, and road construction are just a few
things that may sidetrack a journey. The same is true for a a script. Few scripts
are shot exactly the way they are written. They do, however provide the
backbone structure to hold the director's creative vision together. Deviations
occur in the shooting process, but the basic structure of the program is constant
because a script exists.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Directions: On your own paper WRITE the following questions and their answers.
1. What are nod shots?
2. How are nod shots used?
3. What items are included in a program proposal?
4. What is a script outline?
5. List the three types of scripts used in television production?
6. What are the unique characteristics of each of the three
different types of scripts used in television production?
7. Why are television scripts written using informatl language?
8. What is a montage?
For each of the program formats listed below, name a
television show that serves as a format example:
9. Lecture
10. Lecture /Demonstration
STUDY QUESTIONS
Directions: On your own paper WRITE the following questions and their answers.
11. Panel Discussion
12. Interview
13. Drama
14. Magazine
15. Music Video
16. PSA
17. Why is there more room for Audio in a word-for-word
script?
18. When asking questions in an interview what type of
questions should you NOT ask?
19. Why is it important to do a “pre-interview” before actually
interviewing someone?
20. What is the primary concern when creating a music video
or simply using music in your videos?
VOCABULARY/TERMINOLOGY
Directions: On your own paper WRITE the Terms and their definitions.
1. Actors 13. Nod Shot
2. Big Talking Face (BTF) 14. Outline Script
3. Concert Style 15. Panel Discussion
4. Documentary 16. Program Proposal
5. Drama 17. Public Service
6. Format Script Announcement (PSA)
7. Interview 18. Script
8. Lecture 19. Story Style
9. Lecture/Demonstration 20. Storyboards
10. Magazine 21. Talking Head
11. Montage 22. Visualization
12. Music Video 23. Word-for-Word Script
PROJECT
SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
The scripts you develop should be for the designated topics. Keep in mind that you
may be asked to film these scripts as part of a later class project, so don’t do
anything that you couldn’t potentially reproduce in class as part of an actual video.