Writing scripts

1. Writing scripts Words-first or pictures-first? This is an argument as old as television. Words-first is quick but crude and inflexible; pictures-first is more 'artistic' but takes time. There is, though, a compromise. The secret is to write your script first but to record it last. Each section of script should be roughly timed and, once the shots have been edited in sequence, adjusted according to the pictures- shortened, lengthened or paused for a couple of seconds of actuality sound. Remember: if you have a choice between changing the words and changing the pictures, always try first to change the words. It is much easier for you to re-write your words than the picture-editor to re-cut the pictures. Finally, when the

2. entire film is edited for pictures and interview insert, you record the script from the start while the tape-editor mixes the actuality sound with your voice _ keeping it under or bringing it up for effect where there is a gap in commentary. Does it take longer? Yes, but not much longer. The more you do it, the quicker it becomes. • Finally: remember that television is a language. It has its own grammar and vocabulary. To learn it, you need to practice it. Only then will you be able to speak in pictures as well as words.

3. THE TECHNIQUE OF 'WRITING TO PICTURE' There are two competing theories about writing for television: picture-first editing ' and who believe the words are more important when editing a news video-report and those who believe the pictures are more important.

4. TEXT-FIRST EDITING: METHOD: The reporter writes the text [usually after viewing the raw pictures] and records the text on the tape, leaving spaces for pieces of interview or 'sound-bites'. The tape-editors then cuts the pictures to the reporters recorded text [and drops in the pieces of interview]. In other words, the tape-editors have to make the pictures fit the words. If the pictures are too long for the script they have to be shortened; if too short they have to be lengthened.

5. ADVANTAGE: quick and easy DISADVANTAGES:the pictures are often cut arbitrarily, and 'butchered' without regard to their aesthetic length or order. Generally, the text tends to be too long and only approximately matches the picture.

6. PICTURE-FIRST EDITING: METHOD: the pictures are edited first and the reporters then writes his words to fit the picture sequences that the tape-editor has cut. Finally, he records his script against the pictures. ADVANTAGES: The pictures take precedence and are given there full aesthetic value. Television after all visual medium. Generally, report looks more polished and professional. DISADVANTAGES: The scripting process takes time, skill and practice.

7. COMPROMISE EDITING • METHOD: This is a five-stage process: • The reporter views the rushes i.e. the raw pictures shot by the cameraman. • He writes his text and times each piece of text to second [if necessary using stopwatch]. But he doesn’t record his words. • He shows his written text, with timing to the tape-editor. The tape-editor then cuts the pictures with this mind.

8. When there is a conflict between the reporter's text and the tape-editor sequences, the reporter shortens lengths, rearrange or re-writes his words to fit edited pictures. He may also add pauses for natural sound to act as a form of punctuation. In exceptional cases he may ask the tape-editor to change or re-edit the shot(s). But, given a choice between changing the words and changing the pictures, the reporter should always try first to change his words.

9. When both the reporter and the tape-editor are satisfied that the words fit the pictures, the reporter records his text.