1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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 ROWS.  ADD ROWS AS NEEDED.
Any additional directions
should be listed in
parentheses before the
copy.
Also, indicate who is
speaking: narrator,
character, etc…

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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…

7. 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

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

9. 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”

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

11. AIDA Formula
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action