Reserve the right-hand column
for information about the audio
aspects of the production: dia-
logue, music and sound effects. For
dialogue, indicate who is speaking
and the dialogue they will deliver.
Describe music and its relative
loudness level, and how it might
fade out at the end. Describe any
sound effects, like “birds chirping”
or “slamming door.”
It turns out that there are varia-
tions in the style and formatting
of scripts from writer to writer.
If someone unfamiliar with the
project was given the script, would
they be able to produce a video
that’s true to your vision? That’s
the real test of a script. If so, the
script has done its job.
SOFTWARE TOOLS
It’s possible to write a script with
software like Microsoft Word, Pag-
es or Google Docs, but specialized
software makes it easier. There are
some free scriptwriting tools avail-
able, most also have a paid version
with advanced features.
EDUCATION
Scripting an educational video: What’s the objective?Four examples of free software include Writerduet
(web-based), Trelby (Windows, Linux), Causality
(Mac, Windows, Linux) and Highland 2 (Mac).
Many pros use Final Draft scriptwriting software;
it’s been around since 1990. There’s an iPad/iPhone
version for $9.99, or the full version for $199.99 (Mac,
Windows) with student discounts ($99.99) and a 30
day free trial.FINAL TIPS
Have your computer speak your work verbally.
You’ll be able to hear mistakes that are sometimes
overlooked when you read your own work. Look
for the text-to-speech feature in your computer’s
operating system.
Make sure that all the content you’ve included in
your script directly supports the accomplishment of
the learning objectives. So, remove any content that is
extraneous to that goal.
First drafts are rarely dazzling. Use good time man-
agement so you can take breaks. For example, you’ll
come back with fresh mind hours — or better yet a
few days — later.
Maybe you can’t write a brilliant opening scene
first, it’s OK. There is no need to start at the begin-
ning. Start wherever you can. Just get started!The two column script format is common in video production. The format makes it easier
to connect the audio and video elements.
David G. Welton teaches in the Radio/TV/Film Department at
Butte College in Northern California. For fun, he runs a vintage
recipe site with his 93-year-old mom at NanasRecipes.com.