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HOW TO BEST PREPARE YOUR SCRIPT FOR RECORDING
When writing any kind of script it is always important to know whom you are writing it for. To prepare and write a script used for audio recording you need to keep in mind you are writing it for the talent, the engineer and the producer. There are several things to take into consideration when properly preparing a script. These include script format, font size, filenames, visual layout and organization.
Choosing a Script format
There are several formats in which your script can be delivered. The most common are Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and PDF. Whichever format you choose, it is essential your text is visible both on the computer screen and on the printed page. If you are writing your script in Microsoft Word, make sure you are using proper margins on all sides, so that no text is omitted when printed. We would hate to miss essential copy that needs to be recorded. If you are using Microsoft Excel, please make sure all text is visible within the gridlines. When scripts are written in Excel, it is common for some text to get hidden by gridlines, so always proofread scripts before sending into production. Another format that is sometimes used in script writing is PDF. If you decide to use this format, please keep in mind we do not have the ability to change this text in any way. So, before sending a final script, make sure the font size and the layout follows what is defined below.
Whichever format you choose, please proofread your text, be sure it will make sense to someone who is looking at it for the first time and follow some simple guidelines below and your script will be ready to record.
Font Size
When a script is brought into the studio, you should note that both the actor and the engineer are looking at it for the first time. Therefore, it is important that the script is easy to read and understand. To achieve this, we recommend using between a 14 and 16-point font. We also request that you use only plain sans serif fonts, nothing fancy.
Filenames
When you are writing your script you will need to provide filenames for all audio you need recorded. For organizational purposes you should use a naming convention that makes sense to you and your team. The filenames should appear at the beginning of each file. This makes it clear to the engineer and the editor that there is a new file. The filenames should not exceed 32 characters, including the filename extension because of limitations in different operating systems.
Visual Layout and Organization
The organization of your script is also a key factor in preparing a script for recording. Please make sure what needs to be recorded is clearly defined. It is helpful to our voice-over talent if directions for voice inflection and tone are provided. If different characters are needed within a script, voice and emotional direction are extremely beneficial to the actor. Please leave out any extraneous material as it only makes the script more confusing for the engineer and the talent. If it is impossible to remove such information, please be sure the text you would like to record is clearly marked.
Another helpful layout technique is in the spacing of the script. If you have the ability to change the spacing of your script, we suggest double-spacing it. When it comes time to record, the engineer needs to take notes for the editor, so space between the copy allows more room for the engineer's markings. It also gives the narrator a place to make notes the themselves, such as stress marks, etc. Like the font size, the spacing also makes it easier for all to read. We also ask that all scripts be printed on one side only.
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