The Scoop on Video Scriptwriting Fees and Contracts

Join the conversation at Linkedin 's Video Scriptwriter's group. We're having a a lively, informative discussion on structuring fees and client contracts as it relates to video scriptwriting and producing. This an open group and available for viewing by anyone.

Why Use a Video Script Instead of an Outline?

I posted my August 18 blog entry on How to Get Comfortable with Writing a Video Script in a couple of video groups on Linkedin. A member of one of the groups asked "Why use a video script when you could just use an outline?"

Yes, you can certainly shoot a video with only an outline. You can also shoot a video without a video script or an outline. Go to YouTube. You'll find loads of videos with people talking straight to a video camera. And that approach can work.

But does that approach work in all situations? No.

Here's an example. Imagine you're a marketing manager of a large company, and you get saddled with the job of creating an investor relations video.  Your company would probably want to create a video with higher production values to make an impact on potential investors. Instead of trying the "do-it-all-yourself" approach, you decide to outsource the video production.

An investor video may require an in-depth look into the various parts of your company. It could include video coverage of work sites, branch offices, and departments. It may need interviews with key management personnel as well as narration during some parts of the video.  This requires a lot of planning and coordination.

An outline in this situation is simply not as useful as a video script. The script is the blueprint used by both client and video production personnel.

You may need to circulate the script to your superiors and colleagues for feedback and approval. Seeing the complete text in script form lets you flag any factual errors or legal issues before production begins. And, of course, the narrator needs to see the actual text.

Since this type of video would not be shot in sequence, the video director needs the writer's script to create a shooting script, which breaks down the scenes by locations and allows the director to see what needs to be shot at each locale and to block the scene appropriately.

The video editor also needs to see a script so he knows how to sequence the shots and insert music, graphics, and narration at appropriate points.

A video script also shows to all stakeholders the full power of the audio-visual medium. An outline simply does not make the same impact.