Skip to main content
Solutions
Content Strategy & Ideation Content Creation & Workflow Publishing & Promotion Performance & Optimization
Customers
Enterprise Agencies Media SMBs
Talent
Find Writers Join Talent Network Job Board Writer FAQs
Industries Plans Get Started Login 1 (866) 501-3116

Industries

Agriculture Art & Design Automotive Building Materials Cannabis Career Construction Counseling Customer Service Dental Education Energy & Environment Engineering
Fashion & Beauty Family Practice Food & Beverage Gaming Health & Wellness Healthcare Higher Education Home & Garden Human Resources Injury Law Interior Design IT & Security
Insurance Legal Manufacturing Media & Entertainment Medical Law Nutrition Parenting Payments Personal Finance Real Estate Relationships
Retail & Ecommerce Religion & Spirituality Restaurant and Bar SaaS Sales Senior Services Software Sports & Fitness Technology Transportation & Logistics Travel
x Close Menu Solutions
Content Strategy & Ideation Content Creation & Workflow Publishing & Promotion Performance & Optimization
Industries
Agriculture Art & Design Automotive Building Materials Dental Gaming Fashion & Beauty Family Practice Cannabis Career Construction Counseling Customer Service Injury Law Interior Design IT & Security Retail & Ecommerce Education Energy & Environment Food & Beverage Personal Finance Healthcare Health & Wellness Higher Education Home & Garden Human Resources Transportation & Logistics Insurance Legal Manufacturing Media & Entertainment Medical Law Nutrition Parenting Payments Real Estate Religion & Spirituality Restaurant and Bar SaaS Sales Senior Services Software Sports & Fitness Technology Travel Relationships Engineering
Customers
SMBs Agencies Enterprise Media
Plans Talent
Find Writers Join Talent Network Job Board Writer FAQs
Get Started Login 1 (866) 501-3116
  1. Blog Home
  2. Writing
  3. Katharine Miller
  4. How to Write a Stellar Short Video Script

How to Write a Stellar Short Video Script

How to Write a Stellar Short Video Script
Writing your first screenplay may seem intimidating, but the format is easier to learn than you might think.

We've been talking a lot this month about the increasing need for writers to diversity their skills, whether that includes design, image use, or, in this case, script writing. There are structural and contextual basics to all screenwriting that can be learned and mastered-- whether you're interested in producing a web short or a three-hour epic. Here's how to write a script for a short video:

Script = Video Blueprint


Just as an architect's blueprint is the foundation for the construction of a building, so too is the script for shooting a video. As the writer, you are essentially the "architect" of what will be shot and recorded by the camera. A video script is a chronological run-down of scenes, shots, action and dialogue specifying who is saying and doing what, and when they're saying or doing it. Each page of the script represents roughly one minute of screen time. Most shorts run from three minutes to twenty minutes in length, which gives you somewhere between three to twenty pages of script, accordingly.

See also: When Video & Written Content Intertwine [Interview]

Master the Standard Script Format


The physical content of each page is as follows:

  • Scene and shot descriptions, in caps, flush left.

  • Action, also known as narrative description, is in upper and lower case and is written in short paragraphs -- also flush left.

  • Dialogue and narration, as well as the characters speaking it, are tabbed and positioned down the middle of the page, flush left from of the tab. Names of characters speaking are in caps and dialogue or narration in upper and lower case.

  • Other designations such as "fade in" and "cut to" are also in caps, and placed flush left and flush right, respectively.


See an example script to determine if you've got it right.

See also: 5 Ways to Generate Leads on Youtube

After Format... Story!


After the technical formatting is in place, the most important element of the script is content: the story. Regardless of the type of video or its length, its purpose is to tell a story, either literally or figuratively. If you don't know where to start, it's best to stick to the basic three-act dramatic story structure.

What are your tips for writing a video script? Share your thoughts with us below.

To Read More About Writing and Design, Click the Links Below:


5 Design Skills Every Writer Should Master
How to Convey Authority in Design
Responsive Web Design and the Issue of Optimal Viewing Across Different Devices

Published by Katharine Miller on Monday, July 28, 2014 in Writing.

Sign Up For Your 30 Day Free Trial Today!

You agree to Scripted’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Login
©2011-2023
Our Company
About Us Privacy Terms of Use GDPR Trust
For Members
Enterprise Agencies Publishers Customer FAQs Newsletter Customer Sign In
For Writers
Writer Services Agreement Writer FAQs Writer Sign In
Additional Resources
The Scripted Blog Industries Podcast Technology Affiliates Competitors
Social Buttons