(2) Brainstorming can generate creative thinking. It is playing around
with ideas.
Write down whatever ideas come to your mind, as bizarre or
outlandish as they may seem to you. Don't be afraid to be innovative. Narrow
down your usable ideas through discussion with the production team.
(3) An outline is a general description or explanation of material,
listing major steps or points.
Outlining is arranging topics into major
categories. An informal outline can provide a sufficient framework from which
to write.
(4) A treatment is a scene-by-scene description of the proposed script.
It answers such questions as: Will the production be in the studio or in the
field?
What production modes will be used?
What are the results of the
audience analysis?
(5) There are several kinds of scripts: news, documentaries, training
tapes, or fictional. The news writer must objectively report the news. The
information should be clear and concise. The training tape should be accurate
and interesting.
The documentary must parallel reality.
Spot announcements
should be attention-getting.
(a) An audience analysis should be done before the script is written.
Factors such as age, sex, rank, MOS, education level, reading level, ethnic
background, religious beliefs, and knowledge of ideas presented should be
considered.
(b) The TV script writer should know the limitations and capabilities
of cameras and the audio recording equipment. Understanding the range of audio
and visual special effects is necessary to produce a program that can be
technically acceptable.
(c) The following are a few questions to ask yourself while writing:
Where are you going to put your emphasis?
Is the script practical to produce?
Are the scenes easy to visualize?
Is the format correct?
Is the dialogue narrative realistic?
Is the style natural?
c. The full script is divided into two vertical columns, one is double
spaced for spoken narrative (audio), and one for video. The audio column has
all narrative. Music and sound effects are identified as well as directions
for talent.
Narrative is double spaced, using upper and lower type.
Directions, however, are capitalized and single spaced.
For less complex
productions, the full script is not necessarily a rigid document inhibiting all
production personnel.
It simply tells you what is expected each moment of
production. This can be modified. The full script is a plan and details are
added as the production develops.
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