Video Script Writing by Rick Allen Lippert
When writing an outline, start with the general and then get specific
Tell them what you’re going to tell them, Tell them, and Tell them what you told them
Don’t include full dialogue or narration — paraphrase
Don’t specify shots unless it’s totally necessary
The focus is on content, not the visuals
Now is the time to present to and get approval from the client
Expect changes
Good writing comes from rewriting
There are pros and cons to presenting a copy of the script draft to your client when you go over it. Depending on the client, it could empower them and allow them to feel more involved, or it could distract them. Either way, try to keep the focus on you, on your descriptions of the script instead of just reading it
Two reasons to revise — tighten up sentences and word choices, and to include the clients thoughts and notes
Commercial Genres — price and item, testimonial, voice on camera, product comparisons, institutional (slice of life)
Other notes for commercials:
Use adjectives sparingly
Keep sentences concise
Use action verbs (no “is”)
Describe music feel (especially if you don’t already own the rights to something)
Include call to action
Writing PSAs
Any style like a commercial
Rely on viewer’s sense of duty
Narration is not always needed
Scripts can look identical to commercials
May or may not need call to action
Always read scripts aloud
Start storyboarding, if required
Prep shooting breakdown (equipment, locations, props, costumes, people, etc. required)
Video Foundations: Cameras and Shooting by Anthony Q. Artis
Types of Cameras
Consumer Cameras — personal use cameras, $200-$1500, smaller imaging chips (reduced quality), fewer manual controls
Prosumer Cameras — smaller form factors than broadcast cameras, $1500-$10000, most have XLR inputs, larger imaging chips, interchangeable lenses, more manual controls
Professional Cameras — $10,000-$50,000, XLR inputs, interchangeable lenses, large imaging chips, many manual controls, larger form factors
Super-Chip Cameras — very large imaging chips, interchangeable lenses, $6,000-$20,000, blurs the line between prosumer and professional cameras even more
DSLR Cameras — (digital single lens reflex camera) $1,200-$3,000, no XLR inputs, but very large imaging chips, interchangeable lenses (which can be cheaper and smaller because they’re photography lenses), greater image possibilities with lower costs than prosumers but video is an afterthought
“Must Have” Features — HD, records to media cards, manual controls
“Nice to Have” Features — XLR inputs
Extras — large imaging chips, peaking functionality
Camera Anatomy
Record Check — you can check the last thing you recorded without going to playback
Zoom Controls (primary and secondary) — often on top of camera, one is pressure sensitive, secondary is smooth (sometimes)
Mic/Line Level Switch
Gain Control — allows you to accommodate for shooting in different light levels
Zebra Control — turns on a zebra stripe effect (unsure why)
Always take time to correctly set your settings when you get a new camera and check often
Set your file formats — file type, definition type, resolution, frame rate (NTSC v PAL)
Next to frame rate, a P stands for progressive and an i stands for interlaced. Interlaced is created by scanning the odd number lines and then even number lines to generate the image (looks like traditional broadcast, slightly rougher). Progressive is composed of a single image (more filmic look, looks better as stills or in slow mo)
Try to always use manual focus. Fully zoom on the subject (the eyes if it’s a person), then adjust focus and pull back to set shot to composition. Shot should remain in focus even if you zoom or pan the camera, as long as neither the camera or subject move from their spot.
Your chances of being out of focus increase if your scene is dark. Creating a lens hood from tape and cardboard can help you be able to see the LCD screen in bright light.
Consider getting a secondary monitor to use instead of the built in LCD screen, allows you to better see any noise from gain, any peaking, and your focus.