Each student will produce a video script for an informational or instructional program which must have a running time between three (3) and four (4) minutes. Unless approved by the instructor in advance the format for single-camera video scripts will be used. This project may be conceived as a module of a larger project, in which case the larger project may be described in the treatment and may be referred to in the script.
Examples of Acceptable Projects.
To help students focus on a project that may interest them, here are some examples. These are by no means inclusive, so feel free to pitch me any idea that meets the assignment guidelines above.
1. A promotional video for the student's employer, church, club, organization, etc.2. An instructional module to help explain some aspect of a course that is inadequately covered in current materials.
3. A short documentary dealing with some aspect of the student's personal or professional life. While existing short video packages may be used, the bulk of the content must be fully scripted, meaning that every word spoken and every action taken in the video is written out.
The Treatment.
The term treatment is used differently in the world of motion pictures and the video world, so whenever anyone asks you to submit a treatment, make sure you understand what they expect.
In film, a treatment is an outline of the plot in block paragraphs, with no dialog or visual information included.
In video, a treatment is an instruction manual for how a program will be produced. The treatment and script together should provide an Executive Producer (who represents the investors) a clear picture of how to develop the budget.
For this course, we will use an abbreviated form of a treatment that is essentially an expanded version of the cover sheets we have been using for the continuity assignments. While the exact elements may vary with different types of projects, the outline below should be used as a guide.
1. Client: Most projects that meet the guidelines for this assignment will have a client.2. Writer: Your name.
3. Title: This is important because it frequently will help your potential audience find the program. An informational/instructional program should have a straight forward title so that it can be located in catalogs by people interested in the content.
4. Run Time:
5. Target Audience: Usually described by age and gender, but may be defined specifically (e.g. freshmen dorm residents at KU).
6. Audience Objectives: These are required for informational/instructional projects. As with the continuity projects we have already done, these should be numbered and contain each item of information the audience should retain, each emotion they should feel and each specific action you hope they will take or be able to perform after viewing the video.
7. Cast List: Describe each major role and the type of talent appropriate for it.
8. Materials List: Describe any special props, costumes, etc. Also include notes on music and sound effects that will be required in post-production.
9. Locations/Settings List: Number and describe locations or sets that will be required for the project.
10. Narrative Description: This is a short description of what is going to happen during the program. This can usually be accomplished in a couple of paragraphs and should not exceed one page. Take great care with this section because it will be read first by busy executive producers and will determine whether or not they go on to the script.
The Treatment should have the same left and right margins as the script (one inch in this case) and be printed in 12 point Times with headings in bold face. Double space between items, but single space otherwise. Indent lists for clarity.
An example based upon the GPCA promo script (downloadable as gpca-1c.doc) is shown below:
Client: GPCAWriter: David Kintsfather
Title: "1993 National Promo"
Run Time: 4:00
Target Audience: GPCA members from the West coast who attend the 1992 National Specialty
Audience Objectives:
1. Know that the 1993 National will be in Allentown, PA.Cast List:2. Know that there are lots of recreational and educational things to do in PA.
3. Know that there will be a professional video made of the 1993 National.
4. Feel excited about attending the National in 1993.
5. Make reservations to attend the 1993 National.
6. Make plans to order the video (whether or not they can attend the 1993 National).
1. A large, male Great Pyrenees who will wear costumes.Materials List:2. A petite, female Great Pyrenees who will wear costumes.
3. A male voice that can sound rather "goofy."
4. A female voice that can sound responsible and inviting.
1. A French-looking beret for the male Pyr.Location List:2. Pioneer costumes for both Pyrs.
3. A railroad costume for the male Pyr.
4. SFX for an airport and a train station.
5. Closing music that suggests PA countryside.
6. Video packages of-
a. KU-TV truck
b. Allentown Liberty Bell Museum
c. Philadelphia Zoo
d. Longwood Gardens
e. Valley Forge
f. Daniel Boone Homestead
g. WK&S Railroad
h. Blue Mountain & Reading RR
i. Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
j. Hershey Park
k. Gettysburg
1. Suburban living roomNarrative Description:2. ABE Airport exterior
3. George Washington Motor Lodge (w/ dog show in progress)
The video will open in a suburban living room with 2 Pyrs surrounded by travel brochures. Through thought voices (no attempt will be made to sync their lip movements to the dialog), the Pyrs will narrate a series of video packages illustrating tourist attractions in Southeastern PA. Between packages the video will cut back to the Pyrs in the living room, and they will be wearing costumes illustrating the theme of the upcoming package. The video will close with music and credits keyed over an Amish wagon and other scenes of rural PA.
