An Introduction to Writing for Electronic Media: Scriptwriting Essentials Across the Genres

358 Pages·2007·6.11 MB·English

by  Robert B. Musburger

An Introduction to Writing for Electronic
Media
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An Introduction to Writing
for Electronic Media
Scriptwriting Essentials
Across the Genres
Robert B. Musburger
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Musburger, Robert B.
An introduction to writing for electronic media : scriptwriting essentials across the
genres/Robert B. Musburger.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-240-80852-5
1. Mass media–Authorship. I. Title.
P96.A86M87 2007
808’.066302–dc22
2006102959
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 13: 978-0-24-080852-9
ISBN 10: 0-24-080852-5
For information on all Focal Press publications
visit our Web site at www.books.elsevier.com
09 08 9 10 11 -5 4 3 2 1
Printed in the United States of America
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To Pat — friend, companion, lover, wife, and editor.
For so many years of happy work, play, and living
life to its maximum.
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Contents
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xv
1 Getting Started: Loading the Application
and Sharpening the Pencil 1
Introduction 1
Background 1
Script Variations 11
Media Differences 11
Basic Writing Skills 13
Language of Discrimination 25
The Law and Censorship 27
The Audience and Distribution 30
Summary 32
Be Sure To... 32
Exercises 32
Additional Sources 33
2 Media Production for Writers 35
Introduction 35
Writer’s Relationship with Production 36
What Is Production? 37
Why Production for Writers? 38
The Language of Production 39
Video Production Techniques 45
Audio Production Techniques 48
Digital and Web Production Techniques 49
Summary 50
Be Sure To... 50
Exercises 51
Additional Sources 51
vii
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viii CONTENTS
3 Spots: Public Service Announcements, Program
Promotions, and Commercials 53
Introduction 53
Background 54
Public Service Announcements 56
Promotional Announcements 57
Commercial Announcements 58
Audience Analysis 60
Ethics 64
The Law 66
Writing Spot Copy 74
Copywriting 77
Copy Formatting 81
Instructions for Dual-Column Format Using
Microsoft Word 82
Instructions for Single-Column Format
Using Microsoft Word 85
Production Values 89
Summary 90
Be Sure To... 91
Exercises 91
Additional Sources 92
4 News 93
Introduction 93
The Fourth Estate 94
Print Newswriting Basics 94
Electronic Newswriting Basics 98
Newswriting Guidelines 99
Interviewing 105
Know Your Stylebook—Objectivity and Fairness 106
Radio Newswriting 108
Television Newswriting 117
Internet Newswriting 130
Summary 134
Be Sure To... 136
Exercises 136
Additional Sources 137
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CONTENTS ix
5 Documentaries 139
Introduction 139
Background 140
Types of Documentaries 143
Script and Production Patterns 144
Sponsored Documentaries, Biographies, and Docudramas 146
Docudramas 147
Documentary Preproduction Process 148
Documentary Formats 149
Writing a Documentary 151
Summary 153
Be Sure To... 153
Exercises 154
Additional Sources 154
6 Informational Productions 157
Introduction 157
Background 158
Writing Corporate Media Scripts 161
Writing Educational Media Scripts 175
Summary 176
Be Sure To... 177
Exercises 177
Additional Sources 178
7 Animation 181
Introduction 181
Background 182
The Production Process 184
The Writing Process 187
Writing Techniques 194
Summary 199
Be Sure To... 200
Exercises 200
Additional Sources 201
8 Games 203
Introduction 203
Background 204
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