Best practices and guidelines for writing video scripts.
Scripts for all formats must be submitted to your instructor and/or designated faculty editor for review before editing. These will be graded for grammar, spelling, punctuation, use of language and appropriate style based on the Associated Press Broadcast and Reuters style guidelines.
Note that this applies to scripts for all video formats including tracked pieces (contain reporter narration) and nat sound/documentary-style pieces.
Soundbites should be no longer than :12 seconds unless there is an extremely compelling reason to hear from this person for a longer duration. An editor should take the best part of the soundbite and break this up with action.
Never edit out excepts of interviews and place interview clips from the same subject directly next to each other. This is unethical because an editor is then manipulating someone’s words. Instead, use action shots (with accompanying audio) to break up the portions of the interviews that will be used in conjunction.
Tips for structuring stories
Here are a few tips from veteran reporter/producer, Amy Buckman…
— Remember to take control of your video presentation by scripting it out before you start editing.
— Tell the story like you’re telling your friend/roommate what happened at the end of the day.
— Focus on the three most important points.
— Talk about the aspect of story that has the accompanying best video.
— Capture the viewer at the top.
— Use most compelling soundbites. Other than that, you can probably make the points more succinctly in voiceover,
— Look for nat/sot breaks that make sense.
— Use a standup for facts that aren’t illustrated by video.
Below are a list of terms to know, followed by examples of scripts for a tracked story and a nat sound story.
Terms/abbreviations used:
Tracks (abbreviated in scripts as T, followed by a number to note the order it falls within the script such as T-1, T-2, etc): Narrated versions of the reporter’s writing.
Soundbites (abbreviated in scripts as SB, followed by a number to note the order it falls within the script such as SB-1, SB-2, etc): Clips of videos which function as on-camera quotes of interview subjects.
In Cue (abbreviated in scripts as IC): Notes the start of the soundbites.
Out Cue (abbreviated in scripts as OC): Notes the end of the soundbites.
Nat Sound (abbreviated in scripts as NAT, followed by a number to note the order it falls within the script such as NAT-1, NAT-2, etc): Ambient sound which is used to break up soundbites or to simply enhance the flow of the piece. Examples- the sound of a roaring engine during a car race, the sound of a crowd cheering at a car race, etc.
Tracked Stories
Tracked reporter pieces have narration from the reporter, along with soundbites and nat sound breaks (optional).
Sample Tracked/Narrated Script:
Here is a great tracked piece by former PN student, Imani Abdus-Saboor.
Title: Talking Stick Learning Center Homeschooling Haven
Track 1:
Since 2006, Talking Stick Learning Center has worked to build a quality-learning environment for parents and children seeking alternative schooling.SB 1- Asha Larson – Facilitator
(IC) The young people all work on their own projects, depending on what their interests are and we have guest speakers. (OC)Track 2:
Gioia Marchiano, age 11, has been in the program since the beginning.SB2- Gioia Marchiano- Student
(IC) Almost all the people here are my friends and I’ve known a lot of them for a really long time. (OC)Track 3:
Lack of socialization is often associated with homeschooling, however Talking Stick Learning Center debunks the myth.SB 3: Asha Larson
(IC) The young people socialize here in their program. (OC)SB 4– Finn Hawley- Student
(IC) I was only shy in public school. Here it lets you express yourself. I like how you can be unique . (OC)Track 4:
Due to the physical violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and unhealthy sexuality associated with institutionalized schools, homeschooling offers a safer environment.SB 5– Anni Varady- Student
(IC) I feel like its easier to avoid the people who wouldnt be as nice as there would be in school because there are bullies that just follow you in school when you have classes together. (OC)Track 5:
The customized and individualized lesson plans for the children prove to be quite beneficial.SB 6- Zoey Gray- Student
(IC) They give us the option to work on what we want to and I think we’re probably more interested in it than if we’re just forced to do something that we’re not really into.SB 7- Finn Hawley- Student
(IC) You’re not like, okay I have to get this test done by tomorrow. I don’t have to study all night long to do it. (OC)Track 6:
Today, Talking Stick Learning Center offers several programs for children ages 4 through 15 years old. The non-profit organization provides a great resource for homeschoolers in the greater Northwest Philadelphia region. (Tag out:) Reporting from (say what neighborhood you’re at), Name, philadelphianeighborhoods.com
Nat sound pieces
Nat sound pieces, aka: documentary-style pieces, are a very popular format for PN students. Unfortunately, many students simply edit together a series of soundbites and try to pass this off as an adequate example of this format.
Nat-Sound pieces must have breaks in between soundbites. This means that we must stop hearing from an interview subject and see/hear action that substantiates what they are saying with action shots/accompanying sound.
Here is an example of a short nat-sound piece produced by Neil Ortiz for 6ABC. Please note that this raw version does not have lower thirds. They were added in by production staff later for the broadcast version.
Sample nat sound script with Vimeo link:
Title: Salsa Night
NAT 1:
Isabelle Garcia- Salsa Night Instructor- North by Northwest, Germantown, Phila
IC: “Good evening everybody…
OC: North by Northwest.”
NAT 2:
1.5 Seconds of bongo sound up full (labeled “NAT 2- bongos ”)
SB 1:
Isabelle Garcia
IC: “Salsa Dancing
OC: Passionate Dance.”
NAT 3:
IC: “Basic one, two, three
OC: Five, six, seven”
SB2:
Jose Rivera
IC: “I think we have…
OC: Basic with Isabelle Garcia”
NAT 4:
Salsa song up full (labeled “NAT 4- Salsa Music ”)
SB 3:
Unknown person (*** I messed up and didn’t show him on camera because my piece got chopped down. Do do the same thing)
IC: “The music is…”
OC: “Consumes you.”
NAT 5:
Lady laughing sound up full (labeled “NAT 5- lady laughing.”)
Pad out (leave shot up of lady laughing with salsa music for about 8-10 more seconds)