Looking at a few videos we found that when writing a script we must concentrate on the following factors:
We need to have something to say - don't just talk about something irrelevant!
Try writing one syllable words - this allows us to take a different look on the writing.
Evoke atmosphere - We should be descriptive throughout the script and provide an atmosphere in the script so it's not plain and boring.
Provide context - We should make sure we're actually TALKING, not just telling the audience a bunch of facts, tell it like a story.
Simple chronological order - When writing a script we need to make sure everything is in order from beginning to end.
Looking at an Allan Little piece he talked about how a sentence should be around 16 words average. So we should follow this when writing our scripts so we're not rambling on, but also so our sentences aren't too short and snappy.
Source: D Day Talk Allan Little - Boxing Day 2004.
Allan also discussed 'What makes a good piece of writing?'
I picked up on certain writing techniques he mentions such as; the use of alliteration to make it more catchy, but also avoiding repetition throughout the script as it becomes boring. Allan thinks we should use similies and metaphors and exaggeration, but don't make it too over the top as it needs to be realistic and accurate.
During the lecture we also discussed the PAGE F TEST whilst writing a script.
We should make sure our script is;
P RESICE
A CCURATE
G ERMANE
E QUITABLE
F LOW
When writing a script, we must check facts with reliable sources, if we don't our facts become unverifiable and less important. It could also cause distress if we use the wrong sources especially if writing a very sensitive piece or something which involves a family. When writing a news report or article we should also note down when we accessed the information as stories are always updating changing and could become inaccurate.
sally bercow bbc twitter
ordered to pay £15,000 + damage six fig costs in liberal case
lord mcalphone child sex scandal
bbc also paid defamation (ruin rep) damages £185,000
When researching a story we should do in depth research and look at everything! After finding facts and a relevant story, we can narrow the research down and eventually come up with a story and an interesting lead. However, when we research into the story, we must look at the story objectively and take both sides of the story - even if we believe one side we cannot be seen to interfere or take sides - this ensures balance and considers peoples representation.
TIE WRITING
When having two or more stories, news reporters try use tie writing. Tie writing is when you try to naturally link two stories together, this is to help naturally go from one story to the other.
Eg: moving on, on the other hand, therefor, however, moreover, furthermore.
The script must be in the correct order to form continuity and balance. Usually the story starts with
THE LEAD IN - COMING UP
THE PACKAGE
TAG - PAY OFF - EG: RUBY ROGRS, BBC, HULL.
The introduction should be 10-15 seconds, the 2 way 10-15 seconds and the live tag should be 10-15 seconds.
THE LEAD:
The lead is extremely important in a news report as it's what the audience see's straight away, if it's boring and doesn't entice the audience in, nobody will watch. The audience shouldn't respond in a 'so what?' way, they should want to know 'what's in it for me?' and feel drawn in to watching the piece.
The lead should be:
-Attention grabbing-Concise - dont overload facts
-Fresh + new
-Use an active voice
-Be creative
-Have a conversational tone
-Use narrative
Source: www.channel4.com/learning/breakingthennews/schools/channel4newsroom/ad_leadinscripts.html/
The report should be interesting and informative, however don't weigh down the leads with facts or it will become too much information for the viewer to take in, not to mention boring. The facts should always be in the main body, not the lead or the sign off.
When speaking the presenter/reporter should use an active voice:
subject -> verb -> object
EG: england beats argentina, celebrations on the pitch as they take a step closer to world cup glory
conversational tone -> tease audience
And finally, we should always make sure there if synergy between what we're watching and what we're saying - if you're watching a clip of a corner shop, but talking about wild life animals it's not going to make sense at all and the visual footage will be completely irrelevant.
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