Beyond the Storyboard

by Dirk Fischer, Educational Technology Consultant

Few people get into video to increase the amount of paperwork they have to do, but three documents a script, a production schedule and a taping schedule can save hours of time on a project.

The Script
Scripts describe what you are trying to achieve. They can be very elaborate or very sparse. What's important is that the script steers you toward what needs to be videotaped, audiotaped, created as a graphic and so on. Common script formats are side-by-side, with the video needed in one column and the accompanying audio in the other, and film-style, which looks like the script for a theatrical play:

EXTERIOR (DAY)
A man walks up to PBS 45 & 49's front door

VOICE OVER
"It's important when you visit us..."

CUT TO INTERIOR
(shot of same man)

The Production Schedule
Here the main idea is to estimate the amount of time you will need for the production. Break the script down into all the shots and plan what equipment and people are needed and estimate a time for each. Try the 30/15 rule more complex shots take 30 minutes, less take 15. Don't forget travel and set-up time!

The Taping Schedule
This can be the same as the production schedule with one crucial difference: group the shots by location to decrease the amount of time spent tearing down, moving and setting up again. Planning ahead to maximize shots that can be taped in one location can save hours.

Keep these documents with you while videotaping. The taping schedule sometimes known as a "shot sheet" will get the most use as you note the tape name (you did pre-label your tapes, right?) and the time code of each shot on the shot sheet for later use while editing.