Two-column script Helpful means of organizing shots and video ALL VIDEO information goes in the left column ALL AUDIO information goes in the right column Be as detailed as possible Use the ‘table’ function of your word processor to create a 2-column table

Video  Audio VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS ALWAYS GO HERE.  BE AS DETAILED AS POSSIBLE.  VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS ARE IN ALL CAPS. The audio portion of the script goes on the right hand side and is double spaced.

Video Audio Any additional directions should be listed in 2-COLUMN FORMAT TIP: CREATE A 2-COLUMN SCRIPT BY USING THE TABLE FUNCTION IN YOUR WORD PROCESSOR.  CHOOSE A 2-COLUMN TABLE WITH 15-20 ROWS.  ADD ROWS AS NEEDED. Any additional directions should be listed in parentheses before the copy. Also, indicate who is speaking: narrator, character, etc…

Video  Audio (Special instructions include details about the audio: e.g., UP, UNDER, ESTABLISH) Example___________ (Theme music up, establish, then under) Narrator: Water - the single most important element on earth. EACH BOX IN THE LEFT COLUMN SHOULD CONTAIN NO MORE THAN A SINGLE SHOT EACH SHOT MUST EXACTLY MATCH THE AUDIO

Video  Audio ALSO IN THE LEFT COLUMN: SPECIFIC VISUAL DIRECTIONS (CUTS, DISSOLVES), GRAPHICS, TITLES, SPECIAL EFFECTS, Lower Thirds (NAME AND TITLE). Be as detailed as possible with instructions, music and sound effects Write out everything just as it is meant to be spoken aloud. Keep script conversational

FADE UP ON AERIAL SHOT – BRYANT-DENNY STADIUM Sample Script Page VIDEO AUDIO FADE UP ON AERIAL SHOT – BRYANT-DENNY STADIUM (MUSIC UP: “YEA ALABAMA”) DISSOLVE TO LS, DENNY CHIMES MUSIC CONTINUES DISSOLVE TO LS, REESE PHIFER HALL (MUSIC UNDER) NARRATOR: “One of the best kept secrets in higher education, the University of Alabama…

Scripting notes Narration, dialogue should be as conversational as possible and appropriate for the characters Strive for natural flow and read copy aloud once written Contractions, informal verbiage acceptable if appropriate for topic

Scripting notes A great deal of information can be communicated in 30 seconds Scripts must be 30 seconds, no more (read them aloud)

Scripting notes TV is a visual medium, don’t be afraid to exploit this and create visually stimulating messages Music and sound effects are also of incredible importance, use them when appropriate Just like advertising, one key goal is to “break through the clutter”

Production Elements Dialogue Action Standup (speaking to camera) Soundbite (Interview) Voice-Over with B-Roll Graphic Tag

AIDA Formula Attention Interest Desire Action