Video Production Script

Video Production scriptwriting is often a collaborative process between clients and video producers. In the case of our company, we use what is called a “Dummy Script”.

A “Dummy Script” is typically a 1st edition a video script, usually written by a client and submitted to a video production company. The idea behind the script is that it should only represent the meat and potatoes of the content of a video, but not the polished nature of a finalized script. They mostly introduce us to your company and ideas, and provide a starting point to work off of. In some cases they may be close to the finalized nature of a spoken aloud script.

A dummy script could be a collection of thoughts on a paper, or a loosely organized word document. Any collection of information, however polished, suffices in moving the project (and script) forward. After receiving the script, we make several changes to it inline with any Pre-Production discussions, which you can then approve of or tweak.

What elements play the biggest role in changes to a “Dummy Script”?

Time - Typically, a script for video will need to be written with consideration of time and pace. For example, if a video is being used as a paid ad, it may have requirements to be under a minute long. Thus, if the provided dummy script measures too long, we’d need to discuss cutting out certain segments of it.

Clarity and Consolidation - Essentially, keeping true to the goal and tone of the video. While time plays a role in consolidation, clarity also plays an important role in how a script will be changed over the course of Pre-Production. The general idea is to swiftly address the value of the topic in discussion, and have a clear call to action if necessary.

Wordings and Inflections - A new script will often need to be polished over to add in (or subtract) words to reflect a more natural speaking tone. In other words, sometimes scripts will sound good on paper, but come out strange when spoken aloud.

Realism, considering project scope - In some cases, a script may tell a story that is beyond that of the scope of the project.

Are Dummy Scripts mandatory?

No. In fact, many clients provide us scripts that are already nearly complete from the start. However, each project is different, and in some cases one project may need more attention to the script than another. Regardless, we always defer to the judgment of our clients.