Hack 7. Create a Two-Column Script

Two-column scripts clearly separate the audio and video portions of a scene. This approach provides more detail to help during the preproduction and editing processes .

Most people have seen a script at some point in their lifetime, whether for a play, a television show, or a movie. These are the traditional form of script, or screenplay , which focus on dialogue. They make mere mention of the actions the actors should perform.

A two-column script focuses on both the dialogue of the scene and the specific shots to be used. The two-column format provides visual instructions, allowing directors, editors, and everyone else on the crew to know what should appear on screen. Two-column scripts can be created before or after shooting and are especially helpful when working on a documentary or reality-style project.

1.8.1. Understanding the Two-Column Concept

Dialogue in a traditional screenplay typically looks like this:

LAFEU.

He cannot want the best.

That shall attend his love.

COUNTESS.

Heaven bless him! Farewell, Bertram.

[Exit COUNTESS.]

Although you can envision this scene in your mind, it is difficult to ensure we all imagine the same setting. Storyboards are one method of communicating what you "see" in your mind [Hack #6]. A two-column script provides another method. The dialogue in the previous example might look like Table 1-1 in a two-column script.

Table Dialog in a two-column script

Video	Audio
TWO SHOT Lafeu is on a blue velvet couch and Countess is standing to his left.	Lafeu: He cannot want the best. That shall attend his love.
TRACKING SHOT Countess walks toward the door and leaves.	Countess: Heaven bless him! Farewell, Bertram.

As you can tell, there is more detailed information about the setting. But for this type of entertainment, a two-column script is probably more work than is necessary.

So, when should you use a two-column script? Well, there is no hard and fast rule, but if you do not have a script and you have captured your footage, a two-column script could become your most prized possession.

1.8.2. Setting Up a Two-Column Script

If you own Microsoft Word, setting up a two-column script is fairly straightforward:

1. Create a new document.

2. Choose Table Insert Table….

3. For the number of rows, enter 10.

4. Click OK.

After the table has been inserted into your document, you should enter the headings of Video in the first column and Audio in the second column.

1.8.3. Writing with a Two-Column Script

If you are writing your script before shooting your scene, you will want to include descriptions of any action to occur on screen. In addition to descriptions of action, you will want to include information about camera movements. This type of script can be tedious to write, but it will effectively communicate your vision to everyone working on the project.

When working on a documentary, or anytime you are attempting to weave a story after footage acquisition, a two-column script might become your only roadmap to successful completion. With such projects, it is important to note both the tape number[Hack #3] and timecode [Hack #48] of the footage you would like to use. A good set of tape logs[Hack #5] will also prove invaluable during this process. Table 1-2 shows an example of what a two-column script looks like, when including tape and timecode information.

Table An example two-column script

Video	Audio
DVH001 - 02:04:14	(voice-over - to be recorded)
David sitting at his computer, playing Solitaire.	Working aerial search and rescue takes years of training…
DVH032 - 00:25:15	DVH011 - 01:13:50
CU of walkie-talkie.	Air Five, we have a 920-Alpha at the Crest. Please respond.
DVH003 - 00:49:29	10-4. Responding now.
David running to his helicopter, speaking into the walkie-talkie.
(con't)	(voice-over - to be recorded)
	…and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Don't worry about being frame-accurate with your scripts. Frame accuracy is important only during the editing process. The preceding script uses the HH:MM:SS timecode format.

The previous script has a few interesting items. In the first row, notice the video is from footage that has already been shot but the audio is coming from a voice-over, which has yet to be recorded. We know the voice-over has not been recorded, because there is no tape number and no timecode associated with it.

In the second row, the video is a close-up shot of a walkie-talkie and the audio is coming from a different tape. Since there is no visual cue to indicate what is being said over the walkie-talkie, I have chosen to use audio from another tape that I feel moves my story in the direction I would like to take it. In fact, the audio from tape DVH011 is background audio that was obtained by accident.

Rows four and five are of the subject, David, running toward his helicopter while speaking into his walkie-talkie. Again, the voice-over portion has not yet been recorded.

1.8.4. Editing with a Two-Column Script

If you are editing a project and you have a two-column script, your job is going to be a lot easier than without one. You are provided both the tape number and timecode of the audio or video you need, so most of your initial decisions will be made for you. The majority of your early work will require you to locate the most suitable out-point for your edits, and then you will just have to make your edits smooth [Hack #46]. For the most part, however, you should be able to concentrate on the storyline of the project.

After you have digitized your footage, you simply need to locate the referenced audio or video and add it to your timeline appropriately. As you move down your script, you will move to the right on your timeline, continually layering in the audio and video together. If you've ever worked with a lot of footage and no script, you'll love the focus a two-column script provides… not to mention the amount of time it saves.