Final Script Time

This past week we had to turn in our final script project in Media Scriptwriting class. We had worked for a few weeks on this project. We had requirements that we had to have a proposal with information on our idea, a title, an idea of a target audience, and a summary of our script. Finally, our script had to be a minimum/maximum of 10 minutes. The idea that I chose was to write a radio documentary on peoples involvement with missions. I decided I wanted my target audience to be "older" people 55 and over. I really wanted to focus on how God can use anyone, no matter how old, to further His kingdom. I set it up as an interview format where I interviewed 3 different people, a high school student, a college student, and a retired teacher about their various mission experiences. I ended up discussing three topics with the guests, their individual missions experiences, their thoughts on how everyone can get involved, and God's call. I wrote their "lines" in first person as if they are in a conversation with the listener.
I really enjoyed this assignment, but it was also somewhat difficult because of all of the writing. In my opinion, if one ever has a choice of what to write about, they should pick something they think is interesting or are passionate about. For me, writing this final script has been fun because I really enjoy missions.

Fun and Difficult, how does that work?

Recently, we have been working on several "larger" assignments in Media Scriptwriting. I have enjoyed and have had fun with these assignments because I can be creative and write about what I want. However, this past week we have observed several sitcoms and talked more specifically about how much hard work it can be. Today we discussed how much writers write and rewrite weekly to come up with episodes and story lines. I think I could do this for a little while, but not for a career. I enjoy being creative and writing, but I don't know how I would do under the pressure. Also just working on writing assignments for the end of the semester, is difficult. All of this being said I have gained great experience in creativity and writing thus far in the semester.

The Writers are back!

These past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to watch some TV and see how the writer's are beginning to get used to writing again. Maybe good or bad, I watched a lot of TV and saw several examples of how writer's work. For example, I watched Jay Leno's monologue a few nights. Some of his jokes were funny and you could tell the writer's did a good job, but then some of them got no laughs. Also, I remember seeing a promo on NBC for "The Apprentice" where they said "will Oma go Homa" and I remember remarking to my dad that the writer's must be getting a rough start back. Just thinking about how hard it is to write in the entertainment world, and having to always come up with new material re-enforces the need to write everyday. When I started the class I didn't really enjoy writing or realize how honestly helpful it can be. However, now I really understand and want to write.

Scriptwriting is everywhere!!

I had the pleasure to work camera for the Indiana Wesleyan University Telesale several times this week. During the times in which my camera wasn't live I tried to watch a lot of the rest of the show. I was so surprised that the majority of what was said was scripted. The talent either had script in their hands or read every word on the teleprompter. I know Dr. King has said how everything is scripted, but for some reason I am just beginning to realize it. I also have realized how we have to write conversationally. Much of the time I was watching Telesale I had to remind myself that they were just having a conversation, but it was written in the script. I hope to continue watching the media and seeing how important scriptwriting is.

Strike coming to an end?

The WGA Writer's Strike has greatly impacted the television industry and the entertainment industry as a whole. The strike began on November 5, 2007 and has been on individuals minds for months now. I know I know I am one of many who have missed their favorite show a few times, because of the Writer's Strike. Although this is frustrating for both the viewer and the writer, an agreement may have been reached. Last Saturday, the LA Times reported that writers and studios may have reached an agreement. The last major issue is a negotiation for compensation pertaining to TV shows streamed online. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it seems that both sides have reached an agreement. Hopefully we will hear more about an agreement in the next week or so. I don't know about you, but I am ready to watch new episodes of my favorite shows again.

Writing For Radio and then Television

I have enjoyed Media Scripwriting thus far, learning how to write for specific types of media. Last week, we looked at writing for radio. It was fun, but because I work in the radio station, I felt the pressure to do a good show. On Tuesday we were assigned to write a 30-second spot for 94.3 The Fortress. I ended up writing a promo highlighting artists from this area that we also play on The Fortress, like Everyday Sunday, Jon Mcaughlin, and Sevenglory. Then on Thursday we each read our radio spots that we had written. Everyone's sounded really good and I look forward to hopefully producing some of them for the radio station. Tomorrow we are going to talk about writing for television. This should be an interesting discussion too because everyone can show their creativity once again. I will let you know how the class goes.

The Influence of Writing in Media

Throughout this week we discussed all of the different ways that writing is used in the Media world today. I had never really thought about how every type of media has some type of writing involved. There are the obvious "writing oriented" media such as television and newspapers. However, there are also other media outlets where writing is a major part. For example, there is radio. Virtually everything you hear on the radio is written from the commercials to what the DJ talks about on the air. Also, in television writing is not only in the shows, but also all of the commercials. It has been interesting since the writer's strike, we have really seen the major influence that writers play in the media world. I urge you to pay more attention to television, radio, and internet and realize all of the writing that goes on.