A simple form divided for your audio/narrative and your visual suggestions is an easy tool, allowing detailed instruction. Identified in the upper left hand corner by type, length, and due date, it will be your skeleton key for the project.
Unlike the editing of a report, text or brochure, writing for video and multimedia uses as many of the senses as possible. You must do more than engage the mind of your reader. To optimize a production's potential, an audience must see, hear and experience the impact of not only your words, but the total effect of pictures, sound and production.
Your narrators have an important role. Use their voices as instruments in areas where their particular tones or use of phrasing would be most effective in making your point. A musical background of various pieces and "live" or "canned" sound effects enhance your visuals and narrative. They also should be appropriately selected for each application.
Visuals do not have to be literal representations of your writing. Often, they are better placed as additions or interpretations. For example, a recent 30-second spot for local Ronald McDonald Houses opened with the phrase, "Hundreds of children in Kansas become critically ill or are injured each day." Instead of a bar graph showing these statistics, the producer chose to place pictures of some of these children on a background artwork of the state. Their faces personalized the message to the viewers and identified the importance of action better than any chart's complexity.
Normally, it is better to use your opening to establish your purpose and excite personal interest in your topic. This lends itself to a more "flashy" presentation. Having established your general subject, it then is easily expanded to cover your supporting points and information — the make-up of your "body." Endings can be characterized by summation and reiteration. Often, visuals representing previous areas again are seen.
Next month, I'll present a list of my ten top "Do's and Don'ts" when crafting a script. I look forward to your questions and comments. Those actually in the writing process are welcome to send troubling script sections by e-mail for personal and general comment. Until then, happy Valentine's Day!
Go To Page: 1 2
