Hi, everyone! For those I haven't met yet, my name is HB and I'm a writer for everything from comics to news articles to white papers and most recently, transmedia video scripts.
In the last week alone, I've written three very different scripts based on how the end product will be produced and I thought I'd share a few tips. It's very different from writing a creative screenplay, so I hope this helps!
Writing for VO:
- Reading something in your head is different than saying it out loud. Read your script aloud to catch any tongue twisters or overuse of certain consonants, awkward timing, or accidental rhyming. (see what I did there)
- Don't be afraid to add some directions, but I recommend that you keep it to a minimum, such as dramatic pauses or emphasis on a certain name.
- I write for different hosts and narrators but many of them lately have been in London. To make things easier for them, I write those scripts with British English spelling and use Grammarly to catch any errors in that regard. It just makes readthroughs that much smoother. Sure, they know that honor = honour, but if you're not used to seeing it, your brain hiccups and there goes a take.
-If you're writing VO for a documentary, check with your producer or decide upfront whether you will use present or past tense. It gets confusing really fast if you unconsciously switch back and forth .
Writing for teleprompters:
- Again, read your script out loud to catch any weirdness. You'd be surprised how smooth something reads in your head until you say it out loud. As both a writer and occasional host, I value this step more than you know!
- Include pronunciations as necessary, especially when it comes to names. I totally biffed a name on live TV once. While no one said anything (even in the YouTube comments, gasp) I knew, and I don't recommend it.
Writing for ad-lib:
- Sometimes, the host just needs a bit of guidance. In this case, I was tasked with writing loglines and synopsis for a documentary that will feature a celebrity and a host who already know one another. The production team needed guidance on how to steer the story and possible topics to discuss to keep that narrative on track. In this case, I used more of an outline than a script but it ties together the film crew with editor and talent so everyone goes into each shooting day with an objective. I suggested a few shots to set the tone and offered video links as examples. Don't be afraid to play director here, I was timid about doing so but then they asked for more, so... just go for it and they'll figure it out when they shoot.
I hope this little guide gives you a window into my work. Who here also writes for transmedia and what advice do you have for those who are new or transitioning into this medium?
