Do you have some video scripts writing experience you are willing to share?
I actually planned to write something like tips for writing an effective video script, but I'm definitely not supportive of pretentious things and titles. Just because you write a script of two doesn't make you be an expert in these kinds of things. On the other hand, I have to admit that clients ask and appreciate good video scripts. The clients are willing to pay, and I'm willing to learn and improve.
Obviously, the most ideal situation is to write your script, hand it over, and then a client takes care of all animation and voice over work. However, that's like one in five cases or even worse. Usually, I get something they call a storyboard. That's a simple excel file with "scenes" if you can call them that way. I have a short description of the animation or a scene to be included in a video followed by the number of seconds it's supposed to last. So, I just fill in the excel fields with my text/script. Some storyboards are properly structured. Some are just ridiculous. Yet, it's not up to me to comment. I just do my job. And, I almost forgot, I have to warn the client when the time frame just doesn't make any sense. Meaning, you just can't put five lines in two seconds, or some other obvious mistakes.
The next point is the duration of the video itself. The clients just say, I want or need a script for a video that is one or two or five minutes long. I'm not sure if it's just me, but this information doesn't mean much. Why? Depending on the numerous factors, especially the narrator and his speed, you may have to write two or five pages to cover one-minute long video or animation. Now, imagine a situation where you have to bid accordingly. Do you submit an offer based on the number of minutes the video is supposed to last or the number of pages or words you are supposed to write for it? This is something I would really like to know.
Also, the extremely annoying problem of revisions. To some point, I really do my best to support and understand my clients. They want to get the best possible results for the money they invest. OK. I also want to earn my money fair and square, but this attitude, you will submit new versions until I say this script sounds good for me is definitely not OK. I have the first round of revisions with the client. Then, I have to synchronize my writing with the animator or video producer. Finally, there's this guy who reads my stuff. He also has some ideas or complaints I have to include. No wonder, I'm totally exhausted and nervous when I have to work on a new script.
Have I forgotten something to ask? Ah yes, am I supposed to read it out loud once I'm done with the writing? That's not my job, or is it? I write the best I can according to something called the conversational tone criterion. Right? That is supposed to be enough. I mean, if I have to write it and read it, then I'm going to record, and even learn how to do animation or make videos. But then I'm going to charge a thousand dollars per video. What's my job exactly?
If there's an experienced video scripts writer out there with some willingness to share real life experiences that would be great. The way I see it, there is a serious opportunity to earn some money here. Yet, I want to make sure that my writing process is quick, efficient, not particularly complicated, and most importantly successful. Or, maybe I should team up. You know, find some guys who are great in animation and video production. Eventually, we can find someone to take care about the narration itself. We can sell all-in-one package solutions and split the money later. Can I earn more and find more work working in a team for video making and production or as a lone wolf, as I'm doing it right now?
I honestly believe that there's plenty of room and clients for everyone. So, I'm not spying on my potential competitors in a smooth way. That's a ridiculous thing to think or say. I would be also happy to share everything I know in return. After all it is not a rocket science. I prefer this forum way, rather than to read a dozen ebooks or watch hundreds of YouTube videos or pay for some courses. Any word of advice here is strongly appreciated.
Obviously, the most ideal situation is to write your script, hand it over, and then a client takes care of all animation and voice over work. However, that's like one in five cases or even worse. Usually, I get something they call a storyboard. That's a simple excel file with "scenes" if you can call them that way. I have a short description of the animation or a scene to be included in a video followed by the number of seconds it's supposed to last. So, I just fill in the excel fields with my text/script. Some storyboards are properly structured. Some are just ridiculous. Yet, it's not up to me to comment. I just do my job. And, I almost forgot, I have to warn the client when the time frame just doesn't make any sense. Meaning, you just can't put five lines in two seconds, or some other obvious mistakes.
The next point is the duration of the video itself. The clients just say, I want or need a script for a video that is one or two or five minutes long. I'm not sure if it's just me, but this information doesn't mean much. Why? Depending on the numerous factors, especially the narrator and his speed, you may have to write two or five pages to cover one-minute long video or animation. Now, imagine a situation where you have to bid accordingly. Do you submit an offer based on the number of minutes the video is supposed to last or the number of pages or words you are supposed to write for it? This is something I would really like to know.
Also, the extremely annoying problem of revisions. To some point, I really do my best to support and understand my clients. They want to get the best possible results for the money they invest. OK. I also want to earn my money fair and square, but this attitude, you will submit new versions until I say this script sounds good for me is definitely not OK. I have the first round of revisions with the client. Then, I have to synchronize my writing with the animator or video producer. Finally, there's this guy who reads my stuff. He also has some ideas or complaints I have to include. No wonder, I'm totally exhausted and nervous when I have to work on a new script.
Have I forgotten something to ask? Ah yes, am I supposed to read it out loud once I'm done with the writing? That's not my job, or is it? I write the best I can according to something called the conversational tone criterion. Right? That is supposed to be enough. I mean, if I have to write it and read it, then I'm going to record, and even learn how to do animation or make videos. But then I'm going to charge a thousand dollars per video. What's my job exactly?
If there's an experienced video scripts writer out there with some willingness to share real life experiences that would be great. The way I see it, there is a serious opportunity to earn some money here. Yet, I want to make sure that my writing process is quick, efficient, not particularly complicated, and most importantly successful. Or, maybe I should team up. You know, find some guys who are great in animation and video production. Eventually, we can find someone to take care about the narration itself. We can sell all-in-one package solutions and split the money later. Can I earn more and find more work working in a team for video making and production or as a lone wolf, as I'm doing it right now?
I honestly believe that there's plenty of room and clients for everyone. So, I'm not spying on my potential competitors in a smooth way. That's a ridiculous thing to think or say. I would be also happy to share everything I know in return. After all it is not a rocket science. I prefer this forum way, rather than to read a dozen ebooks or watch hundreds of YouTube videos or pay for some courses. Any word of advice here is strongly appreciated.
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