Tips for Writing a Great Video Script

Have you chosen your video contest topic and finished your research? Now it’s time to start writing your video’s script! 

It’s important to write your script before you begin filming. A well-thought-out script helps outline your key points and keeps you organized while shooting. And past judges of the World of 8 Billion contest agree that a powerful message can be the key ingredient to a winning video.

The 3 Parts of a Video Script Outline

Scripts for the student video contest often consist of three main parts: an introduction that grabs the viewer’s attention, the main point that addresses the problem, and the conclusion, which contains a call to action or a takeaway for the viewer. 

Helpful Tips for Writing an Award-Winning Script

1. 1. Establish your goal and audience
      Before you start writing the script, identify your video’s main goal and target audience. Both will help you stay on track when writing your first draft and keep your message focused.
   2. Write like you talk
      A conversational tone helps you stay within the contest’s one-minute time frame. Use concise sentences to get your points across. Writing like you speak will allow viewers to get to know you better and connect to your message.
   3. Annotations are key
      Annotations, or additional notes, make the filming process quicker and smoother. In addition to dialogue, your script should include: 
      • Scene changes in parentheses or italics
      • When there is a voiceover or when you are speaking on screen
      • Scene descriptions, including details such as the props to be used, the team members in a particular shot, and their actions (e.g. pointing, dancing). 
      • Notes about wardrobe. For example, if you’re a news anchor in your video, you might note that you are wearing a suit and are holding a microphone. Other team members could then assist in setting up and providing the necessary props. 

Check out a sample of a video script below. Notice how the left column contains the audio or dialogue, while the right side has annotations for the visuals.

Please note: While many websites offer AI-generated scripts, the World of 8 Billion student video contest requires that the creative concept of videos, including the script, be original and generated by the student.

4. 4. Practice makes perfect
      Once your draft is ready, review your lines and annotations. Practice reading it out loud, both on your own and with your group. Read it as many times as needed until you feel confident with the pronunciation, cadence, and timing. Even Hollywood actors need to rehearse their lines before filming! 
   5. Edit, edit, and edit again
      While you’re practicing your lines, you may find parts of your script that need revision. Similar to writing an essay, you will often go through several drafts to achieve a quality script. While editing, use the judging rubric as a guide. In addition, ask for feedback from your peers or a teacher to gain new ideas for improvement.
   6. Have fun!
      Writing your script is one of the fun parts of the video-making process! Don’t forget to add your personality, humor, and creative flair. Your viewers will sense if you had fun and will be more engaged. 

For additional resources on video scriptwriting, please refer to Steps 5 and 6 from our Project Organizer. 

Need to draw out or visualize your scenes? Read our blog on how to create a storyboard.

Image credit: students doing homework in park (11891365 ©diego_cervo | DepositPhotos