Who is it for?
We need to know how familiar viewers are with the subject. That tells us which terms to explain and which details they already understand.
Planning your video script
We review your brief and research the subject before writing. We then recommend what the video should cover and how to present it.
Before writing
Agree what the video needs to cover
We’ll put together an outline for you to review before we write the full script. You can check the main points, flag anything missing and decide who needs to approve the wording.
For a product video, this might mean choosing the features to demonstrate. For staff training, it might mean working out the steps someone needs to follow.
What we need to know
We’ll ask about the audience, where you’ll use the video and what you want someone to do after watching.
What should viewers do?
You might want someone to compare two products, learn a procedure or make an enquiry. Be specific about what the video needs to help them understand or do.
Where will they watch?
Tell us where and how you’ll show the video. At an event, a speaker may introduce it. A social clip usually has to make sense on its own.
What is the main point?
Try stating the main point in one sentence. Then list the facts or examples that will help explain it. We can use this to decide what belongs in the script.
Script preparation
Research and consultation
We’ll read the material you’ve already prepared and ask about anything we don’t understand. You’ll have a chance to check the facts before the script is approved.
Your website, presentations, reports, product guides and existing videos can save time. Let us know which documents are current and point out any wording or claims that have already been approved.
We may speak with sales staff, technical specialists, customers or presenters. A support team can explain the questions customers keep asking. A technical specialist can check the steps in a demonstration.
If you have example videos, tell us what you like or dislike about them. Their length, tone or use of animation may be useful references.
- Product and service information
- Audience needs and questions
- Feedback from people approving the video
- Brand and style guidelines
- Claims that need checking
- Previous videos and references
Choosing a script format
We can prepare a full script, interview questions or a combination of the two.
Write the spoken words
Animation, voiceover, television commercials, training, presenter and autocue videos often need the spoken words approved in advance. The script also describes the accompanying shots or graphics.
Prepare interview questions
We agree on the topics and choose people who can describe their own experience. We prepare questions for the interview, and each person answers in their own words.
Scripted sections and interviews
A video can combine a scripted introduction, interviews, voiceover, demonstrations and graphics. We write the sections that need exact wording and prepare questions or notes for the rest.
Preparing for interviews
We decide which subjects each person can cover from experience. We also plan the footage we’ll need to show what they’re describing.
During filming, the producer asks follow-up questions when an answer needs more detail or an example. The question list is a guide, and we can follow up on something unexpected.
Concept, treatment and script
For an animation or commercial, we may prepare a concept and treatment before the script. You review each document before we move on.
The proposed idea
A short description of the proposed video. For example, a customer could explain a problem they faced, followed by footage showing how they use your product.
The scenes and style
A fuller outline of what happens in the video. It explains the sequence of scenes, who appears, where we’ll film and how we’ll use animation, graphics and music.
The words and screen directions
The script contains the narration or presenter dialogue, with notes for the shots, graphics and action. Our next process page explains how we write it.
Reviewing the plan
We send you the concept, treatment or outline for comment. This is the time to raise missing information, changes to the tone or an idea you don’t think will work.
A straightforward interview video may only need a short outline and question list. An animation or television commercial usually needs more detail about the scenes and wording.
Pictures and sound
Plan the shots as well as the words
For a product demonstration, the pictures can show each step while the narration explains anything the viewer needs to watch for. We plan the shots and words together so they follow the same sequence.
Dialogue and narration
Decide who will speak, what needs to be explained and how the video will end. Include any claims or phrases that need exact wording.
Shots and graphics
List what we can film, such as people at work or a product demonstration. Identify any existing footage, graphics, titles or animation we’ll need.
Facts and examples
Find a source for each statistic or claim. Gather customer examples, results or footage that will help explain what you’re saying.
People, props and locations
Check who needs to be available, what equipment or props we’ll need and where we can film. Allow time to arrange access and permissions.
Distribution
Plan any extra versions before filming
Tell us if you need a full-length video and shorter social clips. We can allow for different openings, captions and framing in the script and shot list.
Where it will be shown
Website, presentation, event, training portal, internal communication or paid campaign.
Running time
Any time limit, such as an ad length or a slot in an event program. Leave enough time for demonstrations and pauses.
Social media versions
Shorter cutdowns, vertical or square framing, captions and openings that make sense without the main video.
Brand and accessibility
Style guides, approved language, captions, translations and any accessibility or compliance requirements.
Before we write the first draft
We’ll confirm the outline and check that we have the information needed to write. We’ll also agree who will review the draft and who can approve the final script.
The source material
Key information, references, claims, examples and any points that still need to be checked.
The approved outline
A concept, treatment or outline that shows the main message, tone, structure and visual approach.
Script or question list
The documents we’ll prepare: a full script, interview questions, narration outline or run sheet, depending on the video.
Who gives feedback
Name the people who will check facts, brand requirements and compliance. Choose one person to collect their comments and send us the agreed changes.
Once you’ve approved the plan, we start writing the script.
Common questions
Video script planning FAQs
Does every video need a word-for-word script?
No. For interviews, we usually prepare questions and an outline, and the person answers in their own words. Animation, voiceover, commercials and presenter videos often need a full script so the wording can be approved before recording.
What is the difference between a video brief, concept, treatment and script?
The brief sets out the audience, purpose and requirements. The concept is the proposed idea for the video. The treatment describes the scenes, style and structure. The script contains the spoken words and notes about what appears on screen.
Can Dream Engine research the subject for us?
Yes. We can read your existing material, research the subject and audience, review similar videos and speak with staff or customers. We’ll agree how much research is needed and include it in the quote.
Can you work from our existing draft or internal documents?
Yes. A rough draft, presentation or internal guide can be a useful starting point. We’ll read it, ask about anything missing and suggest what to include in the video.
How do you plan an interview-led video?
We decide what the video needs to cover and choose people who can speak from experience. We prepare questions and plan the supporting footage. During filming, the producer can ask for more detail or follow up on an example.
When do we give feedback?
You review the concept, treatment or outline before we write the full script. A smaller project may combine these steps. At the start, we’ll agree what you’ll review, when feedback is due and who will approve it.
Do social media versions need to be planned before filming?
Yes, where possible. A short social clip may need a separate opening or ending, and vertical footage needs different framing. Tell us which versions you need so we can allow for them in the script and shot list.
Need help planning your script?
Tell us what the video needs to explain and when you need it. You’re welcome to send a rough draft or a few notes.
