Basic TV Reporting, 2nd Edition

Using The Shot-List

Try to start writing as soon as you have completed your shot-list, before the mental picture of your edited story begins to fade. Put three words–a second’s worth of script–on each line of a ruled pad, or program your computer to do so. It is surprisingly easy to lose track once you have strung 30 or 40 seconds’ worth of script across a page.

Do not waste time ‘polishing’ your prose as you go along. Complete as much of the script in rough as quickly as possible. First thoughts often turn out to be best, and in any case you may not have very much time for elegance.

It’s not necessary always to start working out your commentary from the opening shot, especially if you are prone to writer’s block. Select any key scene–in the ...