Journalism requires quick and concise writing
Good writing:
- have something to say
- read books
- manipulate language
- plan english
- single syllables
- know your medium
- aim - what do you want your script to achieve
- short sentences
- be direct
- clarity and precision
- use adjectives sparingly
- conversational
- simplify
Consider writing techniques which can help the reading of your story:
- alliteration - e.g. players taking polo in the park
- avoid repetition - say things once, tease out thoughts and set them up
- wordplay - e.g. it's a new Dawn for Jennifer
- rule of three - one or two is too few, three is just right
- similes and metaphors - useful to add comparisons and context
- personification
- exaggeration - giving emphasis
- relatable comparisons - e.g. swimming pools & football pitches
The page 'f' test:
Precise
- use language correctly
- spelling and grammar
- clear and concise
Accurate
- check facts with reliable sources
- inaccuracy can cost you
- ensure info is up to date
Germane
- is it relevant - are all the facts necessary
- know your story - do wider research
- distill idea to single headline - effectively sell your story
Equitable
- ensure balance - be objective
- consider representation and tackle subjects with sensitivity and fairness
Flow
- structure carefully and walk the viewer through the story
- tie writing - using scripting to naturally link or corner turn from one point to the next
Write it in the correct order:
- Write the lead in first (intro to story read by anchor), then the package and then your tag
- Don't repeat the lead with your package
- Beware wordy writing
- Overkill of facts and figures
- leads and tags - brief and to the point
- facts and figures - simple
- identify key questions
How to write good lead / tag:
- attention grabbing
- concise and not overloaded with facts
- should sound fresh and new
- be written in an active voice
- be creative
- conversational
- use narrative to tell the story
Distilling idea into clear toppling - clarifies purpose - they can then decide whether its relevant to them. Think of longline that would be used in pitch. Often need to tease the viewer - entice them to want to know more. Give them enough but not the whole picture.
Once / fact light
- dont weight down leads with facts
- a lot of leads are fact free
- facts belong in main body of the piece
- one sentence is one thought
- tell the viewers the key elements that they want to hear
Finding an active voice
SVO method
- subject
- verb
- object
Writing about the person doing the action then what they do then the target of the action.
Things to avoid:
- 'journalese' - artificially exaggerated or embellished language.
- overly clinical references
- generally used cliches
- slang
Write to pictures:
- look at pictures
- listen to sounds
- talk to picture editors
- deliver what you have written
- polish
- don't be too literal
Writing for live news / studio content
- script using segue words
- don't forget the viewer - 'you'
Headlines and coming ups
- it is a menu of main stories
- top story - heavy / important impactful news
- know your audience
- sell your story
- match the headline
- read out loud
- tempt the viewer
- check the facts
- make it easy to read
- the producer is responsible
Scripting OOV / SOT
- scripting this sort of story requires the ability o discern good sound bites from interviews and script in and out of them
- studio script must indicate when and where the video is supposed to start and its duration
- ensure presenter is aware when to stop reading the VO and allow the SOT to take over
- put SOT on separate source so sound can be mixed in gallery
- presenter should be in vision when the piece is finished to do final PTC
Scripting in a News Package
- if possible work out key elements of your film on paper before filming
- work out shot list and scripted elements such as PTC
- scripting will allow you to be sure you know what you need to shoot
- give reporter purpose - make them active in the film. Doing something relevant on camera. Audience feel vicariously connected to the piece and have greater understanding and empathy.
Who is involved in the story:
What are they doing now?
What happens next?
Deciding how to tell your story
- access
- time
- duration
- angle
- essentials
Narrative
- thinking of your package as a whole
- story arc
- chronology - don't mess around with the timeline
- most up to date and pictures first
- story told through strong central characters
- 5 W's
- view, log and transcribe your interviews
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