Preproduction: The Script

1. Preproduction: The Script Specifically the Interview Script

2. Key Terms • A/V Format: • Another name for the two-column AV script (audio/video) • Traditional script format with video information on page-left and audio information on page right. • Classical Dramaturgy: • Technique of Dramatic Composition. • Event Order: • Way event details are sequenced. • Fact Sheet (a.k.a. Rundown Sheet): • Lists the items to be shown on camera and their main features.

3. Key Terms • Script: • Written document that tells: • What the program is about. • Who says what • What is supposed to happen • What and how the audience should see and hear the event. • Show Format: • Used in routine shows to list the show segments in order of appearance. • Single Column Drama Script: • Traditional script format for TV and motion picture plays. • All dialogue cues are written in a single column.

4. Interview Scripts • Quick Overview: • REMEMBER the: • EFFECT to CAUSE Model!  

5. How To Prepare Interview Scripts • Think about these questions: • Do I begin in an attention getting way – to keep listeners from turning off the program? • What message am I trying to get across to the viewers? • Does my interviewee feel comfortable with the questions? • Have I chosen my words wisely? Will my vocabulary please or aggrevate? • Have I made assumptions that I shouldn’t make about my viewers’ knowledge of the subject matter?

6. How To Prepare Interview Scripts • Interview scripts should be double spaced. (See example on my website that will be posted Monday night, Sept. 12th.) • Number pages in the upper right-hand corner. • Number the lines, too. • Ex. Refer to “Line 12 on Page 4”. • Sentences should be completed on same page they begin. • Don’t staple scripts.

7. How To Prepare Interview Scripts • A floor plan or location sketch should be created. • Enables the director to plan camera an talent positions. • When preparing to film you must interpret the floor plan and/or location, adjust if needed, and make sure all roles know what to do.

8. Examples of Floor Plan • 1 Guest, 1 Camera • Interviewer and guest are given the same framing and appear with equal prominence. • Useful if you aren't sure who will be doing most of the talking or if the talk-time is spread evenly between the interviewer and guest. • Casual setting, especially suitable for less formal interviews.

9. Examples of Floor Plan • 1 Guest, 1 Camera • Moving the camera to one side gives a different feel. • Guest is much more prominent and becomes the main focus. • The interviewer can face the camera at the beginning and end of the interview, but not usually during. • Leaves the interviewer with profile framing so your 1-shots will be reserved for the guest. • From time to time you can zoom out to a 2-shot, then back in to the guest.

10. Examples of Mobile Plans • Shoulder-Mounted Camera • Easy and flexible method for recording interviews. • most common technique for field shoots • standard technique is pictured here with the camera situated just to the side of the interviewer. • different feel to tripod/pedestal interviews. • Less formal, less restricted, and involve more movement.

11. Examples of Mobile Floor Plan • Tripod Mounted Interview • Advantages: • Nice steady shots • Reduced fatigue for the camera operator • Disadvantages: • You are much more restricted in terms of movement and framing. • You have another piece of equipment to carry around.

12. Mobile Checklist • Field Kit Checklist • Camera, tripod and plenty of tapes • Batteries/power + multiboxes and extension leads • Microphones • Audio mixer, headset and leads • Lights, stands and gels • Video Monitor • White balance cards • Shot-log sheets, pen, etc.

13. Microphones & Lighting • These are important things to remember when creating your floor plan. • We will be seeing how this affects shots in tomorrow’s lesson.