A video script is a process that compiles your technology and knowledge into a written document that will serve as the center and guiding line for the video you will create. Create a video script. This day was funny for me because I was brainstorming my ads and jotting down ideas on a blank sheet of paper. In this way, I never imagined the duty behind that, and I will learn from it.
Today, I will share six main questions that video scriptwriters would never forget when creating a script for their ads. These are not from a reputable book but from my experience as a video script writer in my communication degree program.
Be creative in all processes; don’t ignore your creativity because you may think that it is unachievable or would consume your time in the creativity process. “When something is hard for you to realize, that may be a unique achievement in the world,” I say.
1) Does your script fulfill the intended goal?
Your script must fulfill its intended goal, because you wrote it to achieve a main purpose. Maybe convince your audience to do something, take action, or believe something. This intended goal can also be a commercial purpose if you script a script for your clients.
2) Is this engaging?
Engagement is a metric that most advertisers emphasize when they create content, because if your content doesn’t engage your audience, you are doing it for the invisible audience. Keep it in mind. Your script must engage your audience.
3) Is there a hook?
Having a hook is important to engage your audience. Imagine you are a fisher going fishing without lures. Do you think you have a 1% chance of catching a fish? Build a hook in the first 30 seconds of your script to grab engagement.
4) Is there a single, clear message?
Write a single and clear message; avoid slang. A unique script is important; don’t copy and paste some other writer’s script, because if your audience identifies your script in other content, you will lose credibility.
5) Does it make sense without additional explanation?
Build a story with your script; the screen or voice-over must follow your main purpose, never jump off your main purpose, and avoid a direct sales pitch.
Your audience will think that your purpose is in their wallet.
6) Is the ending satisfying?
The end of your script is your last chance to achieve your purpose. Be creative. NO SALE SPEECH.
Remember, the video should be 01:30–02:30 in length, so your script should account for this timeframe.
I did know these six things before, but now I’ve got it, and my journey as a scriptwriter starts, and you are ready to join me.
Let’s go be creative.
There are other questions you can think of to outline your goal.
- Why do I want to tell this story?
- What’s my angle?
- Who will be watching this?
- What should they take away from this?
- Why will they care about this story?
- What value will this provide?
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