VIDEOTAPE SCRIPTING

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the format of a script that accompanies a video news release.

When you write a script to go with a video news release, make sure your pictures tell the story. The narration should supplement them, not overpower them.

Figure 14-51. - Video news release

A video release (fig. 14-51) is similar in appearance to the radio news releases shown in Chapter 13 (administrative information, four-unit heading, release line, etc.), except you use two columns for the actual script. The left column is devoted completely to the video, or visual, section and the right column to the audio, or sound, section of the release.

Note that all of the information in the video column is in capital letters. This tells the news director that the information is there for information purposes only and is not to be read by the talent.

Below each video entry (except the first), in parentheses, is the phrase NAT SOUND. This tells the newscaster he will speak over the natural sound recorded when the scene was shot. If there was no natural sound present, you will use "SIL" for silent.

At the beginning of paragraphs two through four in the audio column are the words ON CUE. This instructs the newscaster to look at the television monitor in the studio and wait for the scene described in the video column to appear before continuing.

In a standard video news release, lines average five words in length and are read at an average pace of 28 to 32 lines per minute.