Using AV Split-Scripts for Your Video Projects
A flexible way to organize your story
In my last entry, I discussed different strategies for managing chaotic conditions at a client’s place of business. Now, I want to introduce an important tool I use to manage both filming days and the aftermath of capturing footage. This tool is none other than an audio-visual split-script.
A common tool used by broadcast journalists, AV split-scripts have been a vital foundation for planning my storylines. This pre-production step may seem challenging for a documentary-style project since it requires a story outline for content and information from interviews that haven’t been filmed yet. The key to doing this is to conduct some research beforehand and anticipate what your interview subjects might say. Ideally, you can conduct a pre-interview with your subject matter experts to gather more information and guide the story.
I like to treat this document as a flexible framework that I can refer to if I get lost during the editing process. Your storyline can quickly spiral out of control after you capture your interviews. It’s essential to have this framework not only when you go into filming, but also when organizing post-production. It provides a foundation from which you can build your plot. Certain key information may need to be rearranged, and certain interview subjects may be prioritized differently, but overall, the beats should align with this original framework.
What is an AV Split-Script?
At its core, the AV split-script is a written storyboard. It generally consists of two columns: one titled "Visual" and one titled "Audio." Under the "Visual" column, you describe the shots, who is on camera, and what they are doing. In the "Audio" column, you note the narration or interview clips you anticipate. Although you don’t know exactly what your interviewee will say, you can simply write in the audio column "response to question X." Therefore, preparing your interview questions in advance will be crucial for writing this document.
I use a slightly modified AV split-script with a third column titled "Shot." Under this column, I list the specific shots that will be used to capture what is in the "Visual" column. It’s also helpful to intermittently add timing to estimate your final runtime.
From here, you can start piecing together a rough framework for your storyline. I have found it extremely helpful for generating questions that may elicit interview clips that add extra punch to the storytelling. I also note any opportunities for adding natural sound and potential b-roll sequences.
Benefits of Sharing the Document
Sharing this document with the client helps make these visual opportunities possible and sets expectations for the filming day. There are several other aspects of filming and storyline creation that I like to share with clients as part of an overall video treatment plan, a tool that I wil. For now, I have included an example of my version of an audio-visual split-script below. Feel free to use it as a template for your next project.
