Commercial Script Template
Commercial Script Template
Commercials require a lot of planning. Each visual and each piece of audio are typically confirmed and run by the client before you even walk on set. The most comprehensive way to start planning your commercial is with an AV script.
With StudioBinder’s AV script writing software, you can outline your commercial down to the second. There’s always going to be a surprise or two on set, but a detailed AV script minimizes them.
How to make a commercial script
A script for a commercial looks very different from a script you would write for a movie or a TV show. AV scripts allow you to more clearly understand your video’s timing and what audio will be paired with what images. We’ll use StudioBinder to illustrate each step, but this is the process you’ll go through however you want to make your script.
Steps in this guide
Step 1
1. Define your goals
No two commercials look the same. So before you start writing, you’ll want to have a good idea of the type of commercial script template you’re creating. Is it for radio or TV? Is it fifteen seconds spot or a two-and-a-half-minute infomercial? The answers to these questions will affect how you structure your script.
For example, you can add a description at the top that lays out the focus and tone of your project. Then you can add segments and rows to build out the ideal structure.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Build structure by creating segments and banners.
- Remove columns that you don’t need.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Bold or italicize certain pieces of audio to make them stand out.
- Add hyperlinks for audio samples if necessary.
Step 3
3. Plan your images
Unless you’re doing a radio spot, your commercial will need visuals. This goes in the right hand column. You can write out shot details, character actions, blocking — whatever you need to relay how the imagery should look.
This can act as a de facto shot list.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Add hyperlinks to reference images or shots.
- Add images to the image column.
Pro Tip — When planning shots, clarity is king. Only write down the information that is absolutely necessary.
Step 4
4. Time the script
Timing is vital when creating commercials, since they are time-sensitive more often than not. To ensure your script fits within the allotted time, read it aloud while timing yourself and then you can manually add the running time.
This method provides a general sense of the script's duration and helps you make necessary adjustments once you know the overall runtime.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Time yourself using the stopwatch.
- Adjust the script to fit the necessary time constraints.
Step 5
5. Share with collaborators
You’ve finished a draft of your script, but it’s only a draft. Commercials typically require a lot of sign-offs, especially from clients. So make sure to share your script with your collaborators and clients before you give it the green light.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Add collaborators to comment directly.
- Resolve comments once they are addressed.
Conclusion
Your commercial is ready to shoot
Congratulations! You’ve finished your AV script. With a detailed blueprint for what you want to capture, your shoot will go even more smoothly.
This commercial script template is just one of our many AV script templates.
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