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Writing for news

Screenwriting

Have something to say
Read
Manipulate language
Plain English
Single syllables
Know your medium
Aim of storytelling
Short sentences
Be direct
Clarity and precision
Conversational
Simplify the language

Consider writing techniques
Alliteration
Avoid repetition
Wordplay
Rule of three
Similes and metaphors
Personification
Exaggeration
Relatable comparisons

The PAGE F test
Precise
Accurate
Germane
Equitable
Flow

Write it in the correct order
-       Lead-in first
-       Then package
-       Then tag
Don't repeat the lead-in within your package
Beware wordy writing
Leads and tags - brief and to the point
Facts and figures are simple
Identify the key questions

How to write a good Lead and/or tag
Attention grabbing
Concise and not overloaded with facts
-       A good rule of thumb is one sentence, one thought
Should sound fresh/new
Be written in an active voice
-       SVO - Subject Verb Object
Be creative
Conversational in tone
-       Write as if you are imparting some important news to a friend, almost a gossip voice
Use narrative to tell the story

Write to pictures
-       What you are saying
Don't be to literal

The producer is responsible for overseeing and much of the screenwriting process

Headlines and coming ups
Top story - heavy/important and impactful news

Top line
Know your audience - who are you talking to?
WIIFM? Sell your story
Build, don't repeat
Tease
Simple

Scripting OOV/SOT is important

Scripting a news package
If possible, workout key elements of your film on paper before filming
Work out your shot list and scripted elements such as the PTC

Deciding how to tell your story

There are almost infinite ways to tell a single story
Decisions will be made with regard to the following considerations
-       Access
-       Time
-       Duration
-       Angle
-       Essentials
Narrative
Storytelling is not simply a composite of facts, figures and information

Prepare for the edit
Prior to editing, you will need to view, log 

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