Writing a Video Script

• Screenshots of the Media Services script templates are shown below. » Each template includes sample text, which you will delete and replace with your own.» If your script includes both a “Dialogue” and an “Interview” section, you should utilize both templates.

Script Samples

Script Format

• Interview Script» Includes a column for “Interview Questions” to ask your subject. Use the “Possible Responses” column to

type what the answers you believe the subject will answer with. • Dialogue Script - Use this format for videos that include characters, a host or a narrator.

» The “Notes” column includes the key points you want to convey through your video. This column is where you write out the “How, What, Who and Where” from page 2 of this document.

» The “Monologue/Dialogue” column is for the words the characters and/or host use to convey your main points.

Screenshot of script template 1 here Screenshot of script template 2 here

Writing a Video Script

How do you determine the overall style of a script? 1. Know your audience. Primary audience

demographics will help inform the type of approach you want.

» Ex: Writing for baristas could be fast-paced, informed and casual. Writing for regional directors could be more formal and professional.

2. Define the overall style of the video. » Ex: A series of testimonials, a how-to video,

music video and/or a soap opera. 3. Additional questions to ask about style and tone:

» Will the script convey complex thoughts or simple ones?

» Will there be any humor or will it be more formal?

» Does the tone you want match the content?

Who is delivering the script content? 1. Develop characters based on the content and style.

Ask which type of characters can best convey the key points.

2. Remember: These are characters – not just a district manager or barista. Give them a name, a family, a professional goal, a hobby outside of work.

3. Knowing the characters will assist in how you write the dialogue.

» Ex: When a character receives a drink, does she say, “thanks,” “merci” or “right on”?

Where is the best location – or setting – to present the content? 1. Does the script take place in a conference room,

back room of a store, in front of a store or more than one location?

2. Does the setting match the content and style?

What is the content of the script?1. What are one to three key points you want to

convey?2. Define the length of your script and match your

content as closely as possible to that timing. » EX. A three-minute video may have one

minute of character interaction and two minutes of interviews.

3. Ensure scripting is right for your project. » Ex. If your project includes only unscripted

testimonials, without any other pre-planned content, use the Interview Script Template.

The Building Blocks of a Video Script: How, What, Who, Where

Overview: A script is an exercise in creative writing that communicates visual content and style in as complete a manner as possible.

Build your script style to match the audience you intend to reach.

Clearly define the key content you want to include.

Establish characters who will best communicate your key content.

Set your script in a location that is appropriate for your characters, style and content.

In Summary

Writing a Video Script

• Read your script aloud to accomplish two goals:

1. You will hear what the language will sound like when spoken. Knowing how the language will sound allows you to make any changes to attain more natural dialogue or narration.

2. To determine the length of your video, set a stopwatch while you read your script aloud. The stopwatch time will reflect the approximate length of your video on the screen.

• Think about your favorite television program. Who are the three main characters? What about them is engaging? How do they interact with each other?

» Take a few of their characteristics and apply them to one of the characters in your script.

• Building a script is really about linking your content together into a story format. Think of what the beginning, middle and end are to your story.

» This will help you organize your script, as well as build emotion into your video.

• A script should describe the visual style as well as convey the spoken word. When content and style are clear, it allows the video team to determine what to shoot and how to edit.

• Video can be emotional. Use that to your advantage. Video uses action to convey something that printed materials cannot.

» Ex. Steamed Milk Routine – Video not only shows the steps, but lets baristas know that it is easy and encourages them to them to try it for themselves.

• Let the audience know how the content will benefit them. Will it make a task more efficient? Are you highlighting a new product that customers would want to know about? Are you introducing a new safety measure?

• Each character needs to have a reason for being in the video. Ask what they provide to the story or what information they specifically deliver to the audience. Videos often use a host to provide context to a demonstration or allow an expert to provide testimonials.

• Avoid using “marketing speak” or “corporate speak.” If you are speaking like a commercial or a textbook, you are not effectively communicating through video.

• Your Public YouTube Channel

• Cinematic Jargon

• Your Own Resource Here

• Interview Tips from Videomaker Magazine

• Your Own Resource Here

Things to Keep in Mind

Tips Resources