THE SYNTAX OF ONLINE WRITING

 

Syntax is the arrangement of words and sentences to convey an idea and meaning.

For online media, there are unwritten rules that a writer follows to while writing news stories. Unlike literature, news is written for information and for people who may not have very high literacy level.

Keeping the audience in mind, online writing demands simple and short sentence construction, which are easily comprehensible(Understandable).

 The purpose of the news is  convey information and opinion directly, leaving no chance for ambiguity. So that  instead of being long winding sentences, using direct language is essential in news writing. Likewise, the words used should not have any double meaning or complicated sentence construction.

As mentioned earlier, the language of news writing should be simple, clear and brief. As news is supposed to convey facts, important points should come first, followed by less important and then the least important.

A reader needs to get the complete facts after reading the first paragraph. The rest are elaboration on what has been written earlier.

Online News Story

It is a good practice to use colloquial or Writing for Online Media in conversational language . 

 Use present progressive tense as much as possible to convey the immediacy of news.

 Keep the headline in active voice and be specific rather than general in conveying the information to your readers.

 You should avoid using definite and indefinite articles in the headline.

The principle of online writing is clarity, conciseness, continuity correctness, commonness, credibility and completeness . 

If you  have a good functional vocabulary and knowing synonyms of words will help you avoid repeating the same word in a sentence.

 

 Choice of Words and Phrases

Words are symbols and carriers of meaning .

Strong words and superlatives like the best, finest, and brightest should be avoided as they are relative and we have no means to ascertaining the claims.

 The words we use should be concrete, specific and and  having credibility of what we  write. You should also try to use short words.  The use of words, which are commonly understood and are easy.

Simplicity of words and language is the driving force of online media writing.

Phrases, which are foreign to targeted audience, should be avoided.

Instead of saying

                                                               i.      ‘it was raining cats and dogs’,

it is better to say,

                                                             ii.      ‘it was raining heavily’.

 

Similarly, do not use the word ‘very’ too often in your news writing to convey magnitude.

 

Sentence Construction

Then number of words in each sentence should not exceed 16-18.  Also  a single idea needs to be conveyed in one sentence. while writing news stories,   avoid complex sentences and  they are often used in feature writing as part of creative liberty.

The rule of simplicity and clarity is essential for online media writing. Sentences form the basic bricks of the news structure and hence, they should convey its salient features clearly. It should be brief and crisp and convey concrete meaning with one idea in each sentence.

It is desirable to use short sentences, as they are easy to understand and takes less time to comprehend.

It is advisable to avoid long complicated sentences conveying multiple messages.

If the sentences is long, it could be broken into smaller sentences, through  re-writing. Ideally, a sentence should not contain more than 16-18 words.

It is important that sentences flow effortlessly one after the other in a logical, and gradual manner. Abrupt break and moving from one idea to another without any connecting link should be avoided.

Punctuation marks should be used wherever necessary to convey the important idea.

 

Structure and Paraphrasing (Interpreting)

Reading a long text on a computer screen or a mobile phone can be a strain to the eye. That is one of the reasons why it is advisable to write short sentences and keep shorter paragraphs.

It is better to break up the body text into smaller paragraphs each containing not more than seven or eight lines.

Each paragraph should convey an idea which should be logically taken forward in the next paragraph.

Sometimes, pictures and info graphics are used to break the monotony of a textually heavy page.

Using bullet points and pointers helps in highlighting the important points in a news story.

Although there is no fixed rule for paragraphing and structuring the body text, the online writer should keep in mind two important features of online behaviour.

1.       Firstly, the attention span of the readers is short and constantly flickering due to diversions on the web page like advertisement and scrolls.

2.       Secondly, the story should be able to sustain the interest of the reader.

Check Your Progress:

1. Briefly explain the syntax of online media writing.

2. What do you think is the reason for keeping online media writing?

3. In online media writing, which are the elements added to break the monotony of a text-heavy page?

 

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Writing Television Script

Planning is an essential part of a serious production, and the script forms the basis for that plan. The script usually begins the production process.

 Scripts do the following:

• To Help the director

1.    clarify ideas and develop a project that successfully communicates to the viewers.

2.    coordinate the entire production team.

3.    determine what resources will be needed for the television production

A script is then developed based on this outline and decisions are made concerning the camera treatment for each segment.

 1. THE PRODUCTION PLAN –

THE UNSCRIPTED PRODUCTION PLAN

There are some types of program that cannot be scripted. For example, sports events cannot be controlled; you never know where they are going to go. However, the director still needs to think through a quasi-script, or what is often known as a production plan.

  THE OUTLINE SCRIPT: SEMI-SCRIPTED PRODUCTION 

The type of script used will be some production situations where talent improvise as they speak or perform—when the “script” simply lists details of the production group, facilities needed, and scheduling, and shows basic camera positions, and so on. The script may just list the order of topics to be covered. 

An outline script usually includes any prepared dialogue, such as the show’s opening and closing.

If the show is complicated, with multiple guests or events occurring, a show format is usually created. This lists the program segments (scenes) and shows the following:

• The topic (such as a college day celebration).

• The amount of time allocated for this specific segment.

• The names of all talent involved (hosts and guest

• Facilities (cameras, audio, and any other equipment and space needed).

• External video content sources that will be required.

 When the director has decided how he is going to interpret the script,

1.       each scene will be subdivided into a series of shots;

2.       each shot shows the action from a specific viewpoint.

3.       The shots are then numbered consecutively for easy reference on the script, in the order in which they will be screened.

In a live production, the program is shot in the scripted order (running order). When taping a production, the director can shoot in whatever order is most convenient (shooting order) for the crew, actors, and/or director. The director may decide to omit shots (“drop shot 25”) or to add extra shots (shots 24A, 24B, etc.).

He or she may decide to record shot 50 before shot 1 and then edit them into the correct running order at a later time.

THE SCRIPT AND PRODUCTION PLAN

Format

The show format lists the items or program segments in a show in the order in which they are to be shot. It may show durations, who is participating, 

shot numbers, and the like. Example CARING FOR THE ELDERLY/Tirunelveli Saranalayam

Total duration: 15 mins 1.

OPENING TITLES AND MUSIC 00:10 2.

PROGRAM INTRO 00:30 3.

PROBLEMS OF MOBILITY 2:20 4.

INJURIES 02:15 5.

DIET 02:45 6.

 DAILY ACTIVITIES 03:40 7.

EXERCISES 01:20 8.

AIDS THAT CAN HELP 01:15 9.

CLOSING 00:25 10.

END TITLES 00:10 15:00

 

 

FULLY SCRIPTED SHOWS

When a program is fully scripted, it includes detailed information on all aspects of the production, as described in the following subsections.

The full script is used differently by various members of the production team. 

For the director, the script has two purposes: 

• as a reference point when developing treatment, 
• estimating the duration of sequences, planning camera moves, 

 The director’s assistant(s) follows the script carefully during rehearsals and taping, checking dialogue accuracy, noting where retakes are needed, timing sections (their durations, where a particular event occurred), and perhaps readying and cueing contributory sources, as well as “calling shots” on the intercom—for example, “Shot 24 on 

Scenes 

Most productions are divided into a series of scenes. Each scene covers a complete continuous action sequence and is identified with a number and location (Scene 3—office set). 

 

Shots

 When the director has decided howis going to interpret the script, each scene will be subdivided into a series of shots; each shot shows the action from a specific viewpoint.

 The shots are then numbered consecutively for easy reference on the script, in the order in which they will be screened. In a live production, the program is shot in the scripted order (running order). 

The director may decide to omit shots (“drop shot 25”) or to add extra shots (shots 24A, 24B, etc.). He or she may decide to record shot 50 before shot 1 and then edit them into the correct running order at a later time.

 

Dialogue 

The entire prepared dialogue, spoken to the camera or between people. The talent may memorize the script or read it off tele   prompters or cue cards.

Equipment

The script usually indicates which camera/microphone is being used for each shot (Cam. 2 Fishpole). Basic Camera Instructions Details of each shot and camera move (Cam. 1 CU on Joe’s hand; dolly out to long shot). 

Switcher (Vision Mixer) 

Instructions For example: cut, fade. 

Contributory Sources 

Details of where video recordings, graphics, remote feeds, and so on appear in the program.

 

SCRIPT STAGES

 The fully scripted show is developed in several stages, as described in the following subsections.

1. Draft/Preliminary Script/Outline Script/ Writer’s Script

The initial submitted full-page script (dialogue and action) before script editing.

2.  REHEARSAL SCRIPT

A script prepared for television and used for pre-studio rehearsal. The script details the locales (settings), characters, action, talent directives, and dialogue (Table 5.3).Rehearsal script: Script prepared for television and used for pre-studio rehearsal. Script details the settings, characters, action, talent directives, and dialogue.

3. CAMERA SCRIPT

A revised script for camera rehearsals, augmented with details of production treatment: cameras and audio, cues, transitions, stage instructions, and set changes (Table 5.4).

Camera script: 

·         A revised script for camera rehearsals, including the details of the production treatment: cameras and audio, cues, transitions, stage instructions, and set changes..

·         The camera script outlines for each camera operator the exact size of shot and precise camera moves the director expects throughout the scene. 

·         For example, s/he might note that s/he wants to shoot the scene in five different ways:

1 - wide shot of whole scene
2 - reaction shots of other characters in scene from WS perspective
3 - MCU on two-shot of Liz and Rico
4 - CU Liz
5 - CU Rico

Fact sheet/Rundown sheet: Summarizes information about a product or item for a demonstration program, or details of a guest for an interviewer.

 Outline script: Usually includes any prepared dialogue, such as the show opening and closing.

Preliminary script/writer’s script: Initial submitted full-page script (dialogue and action) before script editing.

Running order: In a live production, the program is shot in the scripted order.

Shooting order: When taping a production, the director can shoot in whatever order is most convenient for the crew, actors, and/or director.

Show format: Lists the items or program segments in a show, in the order in which they are to be shot. It may show durations, who is participating, shot numbers, and so on.

Synopsis: An outline of the characters, action, and plot. This synopsis helps everyone involved in the production understand what is going on.

 Treatment: A film treatment, or script treatment; it is more than an outline of the production and less than a script. It is usually a detailed description of the story that includes other information such as how it will be directed.

 

4.FULL SCRIPT

 It simply informs everyone about what is expected at each moment of the production. 

Rehearsal time is too precious to use up explaining what is expected of everyone as you go. The full script is a changeable plan of how the production will proceed that has details added to it as the production develops.

 Fully scripted approaches can be found in newscasts, drama productions, operas, situation comedy shows, documentaries, and commercials. 

 The full script can be a valuable coordinating document, enabling you to see at a glance the relationships between dialogue, action, treatment, and mechanics. During planning, of course, it helps the team estimate how much time there is for a camera move, how long there is for a costume change, whether rearranging shooting order will give the necessary time for a makeup change, the scenes during which the “rain” should be seen outside the windows of the library set (the audio effects introduced), and the thousand and one details that interface in a smooth-running show. 

SCRIPT BREAKDOWN DEFINITION

What Is a Script Breakdown?

A script breakdown is an important filmmaking process that allows you to identify all the script elements needed to prep, schedule, and budget a film production.

 A breakdown happens at a scene level. The person tasked with the job will create scene breakdown after scene breakdown until a full, start-to-finish script breakdown is completed. This will be used to determine technical and creative requirements for each department.

A script breakdown element is an object, person, or process that is identified when creating a scene breakdown, such as:

 

·         Cast / Characters

·         Extras

·         Props

·         Set Dressing

·         Costumes

·         Makeup

·         Vehicles

·         Stunts

·         Special Effects or VFX

·         Livestock

·         Sound

·         Music

·         Special Equipments

·          

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Television Production Script

 

 

 A script is an entire program committed to paper. It includes dialog, music, camera angles, stage direction, camera direction, computer graphics (CG) notations, and all other items that the director or script writer feels should be noted.

Generally, the script must be created very first, because it will be the source of every other area. The script, usually contains general information on characters, locations, stage directions, and dialogue. A director visualizes the scenes and assesses the possible treatment. The director must also anticipate the script’s potential and possible difficulties.

There are many different kinds of television programs, each with unique requirements of the script. Most programs fit into one of the following categories

•Lecture. 

The lecture program format is the easiest format to shoot; the talent speaks and the camera shoots almost entirely in a medium close-up.   Other names for the lecture format are BTF (big talking face) or talking head. This format has the lowest viewer retention( the action of keeping something or of being kept.) and is often the mark of an amateur.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-4mcXhXT6A&ab_channel=SunNews

•Lecture/Demonstration. 

The lecture/demonstration format lends itself to the numerous cooking shows, how-to shows, and infomercials seen on television today. This format is more interesting to watch than a lecture alone because of the action and many props used by the performers.cookery show

•Panel Discussion. 

The many Sunday morning network programs that bring a group of professionals together to discuss current news and political topics are examples of the panel discussion format. Also included are the popular daytime talk shows. These programs are not difficult to produce, as long as there is a limited number of people on the panel. Panel discussions are driven by the program’s content, not action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83VhpFRB2R4&ab_channel=HongBaoMedia

•Interview.

  The interview format is often shot with only one camera. To get various camera angle cuts between the interviewer and the interviewee, the interviewee is shot for the entire duration of the interview. The audio picks up the questions asked by the interviewer , but the camera only shoots the interviewees' face.  The interviewer does not say anything, but simply “nods” naturally as if listening to the answer to a question. When collecting nod shots, the interviewer faces the direction where the interviewee was positioned during the interview. In the editing room, the angles and not shots are cut together to create what looks like a conversation between the two people.

interviwe with lash award winner rap

•Documentary. 

A documentary program is essentially a research paper for television; the topic is researched, the information is outlined, and the script is written. 

The audio in a documentary may be either off-camera narration, or on camera narration, or a combination of both. The audio portion f the script should be roughly written out before any shooting begins. In the process of writing, a shot sheet is develop. 

 When shooting, the shots on the list are captured.. Additionally , the director watches for other shots that include specific items, people, or anything that adds to the program's content and would be interesting to the viewers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmtXC_n6X6Q&t=44s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MFKy7DJsCY&t=17s  death of budha

story of India

•Drama. 

This term includes both dramas and comedies. The drama format requires a different kind of talent, actors. Actors take on a role in a program and perform as someone or something other than themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfU1MbUHu5U&t=10s

 •Magazine. 

The magazine format originated from programs like “60 minutes,” but has become more than news-oriented programming. A regular news broadcast presents each story in two minutes or less. A magazine format program is comprised of feature packages that address a single story. This allows more interesting detail to be included about each story, but fewer stories to be included in each program. 

anne frank

•Music Video. 

The music video has become a common and influential force in our culture. Items such as clothing shoes, fashion accessories, and hairstyles gain popularity when seen in a music video. Music videos also serve to promote a band or a new song or album, in the hopes of increasing the sales of CDs and concert tickets. Most music videos are one of three types:

villu pattu

•Concert Style. 

 A concert style music video may include a compilation of different concerts the band has performed, a studio performance, or a various locations. 

1. •Story Style. The audience hears the music, but never sees the band. Instead, actors act out a story line that is supported by the lyrics of the song.  rasputin
2. •A hybrid of a concert style https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWpVoQk924kand a story style music video.earth song
1. When producing a music video, copyright permission is the first and foremost consideration. Do not break the law! 
3. •Public Service Announcement/Ad (PSA). Generally, Public Service Announcements/Ads are 30 or 60 seconds in length. The purpose of a PSA is to inform the public or to convince the public to do (or not to do) something in the interest of common good. Anti-drug and anti-drinking and driving campaigns are examples of PSAs. A typical television ad, on the other hand, attempts to convince the public to purchase goods or services.air pollution

Visualization

Visualization is the ability to mentally picture the finished program. Visualizing a program is similar to daydreaming. The visualized details of a program should be put on paper, so that others can share the vision. Only when everyone, the crew an cast included, shares the vision for the program can it become a reality. Until computer graphics technology was sophisticated enough to realistically reproduce onto the screen the creatures and worlds he visualized in his mind. 

Storyboards

 Some professionals use storyboards to help with visualization. Storyboards resemble comic books, in that they present a sketch of the way image on television should look. The disadvantage in using storyboards is the considerable time and talent required to draw each scene. 

Research

 Both documentaries and interviews require that the program topic be researched. When interviewing someone, it is important to be proficient enough on the topic to hold a conversation that is interesting and informative. When developing a research paper, the research information is often organized on note cards. The notes are then turned into individual paragraphs of the paper. In television, the individual paragraphs become scenes.

The Program Proposal 

The program proposal is created by the scriptwriter and provides general information about the program, including: 

1. •The basic idea of the program. 
2. •The applicable program format. 
3. •The message to be imparted to the audience.
4.  •The program’s intended audience.
5.  •Budget considerations. 
6. •Shooting location considerations.
7. •A rough program shooting schedule.

 The program proposal is presented to an executive producer for approval, either in written form or orally in a meeting.

 https://wecommunication.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-write-tv-show-proposal.html

The Outline 

If a program proposal is accepted, creating an outline is usually the next step. All dramas, lectures, lecture/demonstrations, and documentaries use the same kind of outline. It is very brief, and not at all like the outline written for a research paper in school. An outline includes comments, noting the direction of the program. In any of the formats described, the developed outline is submitted to the executive producer will either: 

1. •Disapproves it. 
2. •Tweaks the outline a bit. 
3. •Gives suggestions to modify it. 
4. •Approves it. - If approved, the next step is writing the actual script.

Drama Outline

 An outline for a drama breaks each major event in the story into the fewest number of words possible and places each on a different line. It is a brief, chronological listing of the program's progression. The dialog is either nonexistent or minimal-just enough to relay the main point of each scene. 

Music Video Outline

 The Outline Concert style music videos do not require an outline. Only those with a story line corresponding to the lyrics and music require an outline. The second step in producing a music video may be to obtain copyright permissions or once obtained, begin outlining and scripting. By this point, the executive producer should have heard the music and approved the quality and suitability of the lyrics. 

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