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Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

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Page 1: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Writing the Script

From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Page 2: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Write for the Ear, not the Eye

Keep it simple and conversational

Let the pictures do the speaking.

Example- NOT: From watching his hard work at rehearsal, it is evident that Taylor is dedicated to the theater program.

BETTER: Taylor’s dedication shows… (video of Taylor)

Page 3: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Use the Active Voice

Active: Subject – Verb -- Object

Avoid the “to be” verb and use action verbs.

Example- NOT: The puppy was trained by Grace.

BETTER: Grace trained her puppy.

Page 4: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Use Ellipses to Mark Pauses

OK to pause to break up sentences.

Adds a dramatic emphasis. Let it breathe.

Example- NOT: Grace trained her puppy, but her parents learned lessons too.

BETTER: Grace trained her puppy…her parents learn lessons too.

Page 5: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Use Words to Introduce Characters

Use a line in the script to introduce important characters. Show introductory video of person

OK to use titles for ancillary characters.

When describing someone, title goes first, then the name.

Example: Trapeze artist Halley Smith shows off her…

Page 6: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Strength of Sentence is at the End

Final part of sentence has the most resonance.

Decide what you want to emphasize and put it at the end for maximum impact.

Example: NOT: In an instant, there was jeopardy for Peter’s dream.

BETTER: Peter’s dream was in jeopardy..in an instant.

Page 7: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Set up visuals. Don’t Describe them

Don’t describe what viewers can see for themselves.

Example: Story about a sheep dog whose rear legs are paralyzed, so he uses wheels for his legs while herding sheep

NOT: Duke uses a wheelchair to herd sheep.

BETTER: Duke goes to work for the cause.(over video)

Page 8: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

SOT’s for emotion

Use SOT’s that are subjective, that give opinion or convey feeling.

Use narration for the facts.

NOT: Thirteen homes were destroyed and more were damaged…

BETTER: Even though we lost our home, we have a new appreciation for life.

Page 9: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Don’t Steal the Thunder from SOT’s

Set up the SOT so the character has the most powerful words.

NOT: Mary considers the damage minor, compared with losing someone she loves.

BETTER: Mary keeps everything in perspective. (Then let Mary tell how she is coping.)

Page 10: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Watch your Pacing

Keep the story moving along.

Pace stories in an appropriate and varied way. Moments of tension—quick lines. Moments of reflection – longer sentences with room to breathe.

Use short pops. Can even be everyday sounds. Door slamming, cash register sound, birds chirping

Page 11: Writing the Script From Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling by Kenneth Kobre

Other tips

Avoid clichés.

Use 3rd person narration. Stay objective.

Use analogies for large numbers. Example: bigger than three football fields.

Read it aloud before recording.