In this lesson, we will work on the script for our idea. You should have 3 ideas from the previous idea module, and now, it’s time to pick one you'd like to make. Do not over think which idea you’d like to pick, go with the one you feel passionate about making, the others will still be there later. You’re a creator, you make videos, so you need to make videos. Spending time umming and ahhing between which video might be a tiny bit better for these reasons, and figuring out what the algorithm will like, is frankly wasted time. Pick an idea, and script it.
I like to put on some low-fi beats that don't have vocals so I don’t sing along in my head, which I know doesn’t match the energy of the edits I do, but I think if I listened to that kind of music, I’d be exhausted pretty quickly. The only exception to that, is if I’m making a video that relies heavily on a certain piece of music. Where I actually script and storyboard the film around a particular song - that’s quite rare though, and generally is a bigger production sort of thing.
From there, I keep writing things that come to mind, literally all my ideas around the subject. Then I move and delete things that fit something that looks like a 3 act structure. Let's have a look at that process in full.
So the video I’m making alongside you here is a video about “Energy”, and how we only have so much energy to give, so it’s important to try and put that energy to the right things.
[WORK ON SCRIPT / IDEA HERE (include thoughts on structure and having a hook)]
“I’m a very throw it all down in a way that looks kind of messy, but actually works well for me” kind of guy - it’s the same with my edits. It’s just my style, other people prefer everything to be on one layer. I like to be non-destructive, which generally means keeping stuff just in case you need it later. Which is probably why my scripts look so messy.
I might reach a point where it feels like it’s in a good place, but I have some homework to do.
I also think letting your subconscious work on it a bit is okay. I’m a big believer in that. Leave it for a bit, and let your mind work on it whilst you’re doing other things - when you revisit it the next day, you’d be surprised how much your perspective might have changed on certain aspects. So that’s precisely what I will do; I’m going home for the evening and want to revisit it tomorrow.
*next day
[WORK ON SCRIPT / IDEA HERE]
Ok so, I’ve completed my script to a point where I feel happy to start filming. [Go through it a little]
Your task for this module is to get into the zone and write your script. You can do this any way that works for you; you might want to start by using some of my notes from this lesson, and also the PDF template from previous tasks if you’ve used that.
Whilst you’re writing your script, please keep in mind these key points.
• Don’t be afraid to write more, amend and edit it. Scripts change and develop over time, it’s ok to lose large sections you don’t feel works with the story anymore.
• Get rid of all distractions. If that means turning your phone screen down, or putting on headphones to music. Do whatever you need to, to get your head in this video.
• Think about your visuals. What will be happening on screen when I’m saying this? Or maybe there is no VO, and it’s all visuals. That’s cool too. It’s really about doing what works for you and the story you’re telling. But do your best to visualise the video as you’re scripting.. Play it in your head.
The more you explore your inspirations and your own character to produce your content, the more success you will have. Most of all, like every part of the process, have fun with it; this is your opportunity to create freely!
