Video production varies along a continuum, usually divided into two types: scripted and documentary-style or doc-style videos. In each style, the processes and purposes are unlike one another, therefore producing an unlike result.
Scripted Videos
Definition and Application: Scripted videos are stories that are premeditated in advance to convey a particular message or narrate a specific story. More often than not, scripted videos encompass some element of fiction and are used in an imaginative way to tell a product, service, or brand story.
Production Process:
Pre-Production:
Concept Development: First of all, conceptualizing a story and developing it that would cater to the needs of the brand.
Scripting: Elaborate scripting is done that includes dialogues, actions, and scene descriptions. This is necessary so that the flow of the storyline gets smoothly carved out, and all the points are well-covered.
Storyboarding: It covers visual storyboards, mapping every shot to understand how the video would look. Camera angle, lighting, and camera movements are part of it.
Production:
Filming: This is where the actual shooting takes place, and the script along with the storyboards are near to what has been created. The stage involves logistical activities of the actors, locations, and equipment to take the intended scenes.
Direction: A director covers the shoot to make sure the performances and technical aspects align to the vision.
Post-Production:
Editing: The footage is edited into a coherent story. This involves the actual cutting of scenes, putting them in place according to the sequences, and adding transitions.
Special Effects and Graphics: Include more elements, such as motion graphics, overlaying text, and special effects, to make it even more powerful.
Sound Design: Music, sound effects, and voiceovers enhance what the viewer is seeing and may create an intended mood or message.
Example: A video for an Amazon client, if scripted, could summarize the journey of a user with a certain product, showing its features and benefits through a well-crafted storyline.
Doc-Style Videos
Definition and Usage: Doc-style videos are unplanned; they show real stories using interviews and natural footage. The doc-style videos will be miniature documentary videos that would run from 30 seconds up to a couple of minutes.
Production Process:
Pre-Production:
Creating an Outline: Instead of writing a full script, an outline is prepared, focusing on key points and interview questions. This also includes the identification of the subjects and the scheduling of interviews.
Research: Knowing your subjects and contexts well is important for raising insightful questions that will help you shoot relevant footage.
Production:
A) Interview Filming: The subjects are interviewed, and natural, unscripted responses from them are recorded. In regard to this, there is a possibility of capturing genuine stories and emotions.
B) Capturing B-Roll: Extra footage, known as B-roll, is captured to provide context and visual interest. These are shots of the environment, action people, and related activities.
Post-Production:
Editing: An editor creates the story by piecing together interview clips and B-roll footage. This is a very critical process, as many times this is where the story is actually told in the edit suite.
Adding of Graphics: Adding Lower-third text overlays, logos, and other graphics that drive home important points and can further explain things.
Sound Design: Adding the music and sound effects to enhance the storytelling and maintain viewer interest in what's onscreen.
Example: A documentary-style video about a lock company would include interviews with designers and users, portraying the uses of the product in the real world and personal experiences.
Key Differences
Story Development:
Scripted Videos: The story is developed during the pre-production stage; a very clear idea of what is going to be shot, regarding the sequence of events in the story, has already been visualized.
Doc-Style Videos: The story takes shape during post-production, driven by the interviews and footage carried out.
Flexibility:
Scripted Videos: It follows a certain direction, leaving little room for changes during filming.
Document-Style Videos: This is more flexible, as the storyline may be adjusted according to the responses in the interviews and also unplanned situations.
Engagement Created Within Viewer:
Scripted Videos: These try to entertain and educate through a tight and polished storyline.
Documentary-Style Videos: The foundation of authenticity and trust is laid upon the viewer by showcasing reality and unplanned moments.
Conclusion
Whether you go for scripted or doc-style videos depends on your message and how you want to interact with your audience. Scripted videos can offer control and creativity in their most professional sense, while doc-style videos can really offer authenticity and personal touch. Each of these styles has different strengths it can boast of and thus can be engendered as a powerful tool in your marketing strategy.
