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)

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.

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.

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…

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.

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)

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.

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.)

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

Other tips  Avoid clichés.  Use 3 rd person narration. Stay objective.  Use analogies for large numbers. Example: bigger than three football fields.  Read it aloud before recording.