Every video project — no matter if it's a massive Hollywood production, an indie student film or a BCC video — needs to start somewhere. This starting point is what we refer to as pre-production. As the name implies, it's the phase before production, or more simply put, the prep time before the shooting begins.
Pre-production is an essential step for creating effective BCC videos for numerous reasons. More specifically, pre-production is when crews write their video scripts and storyboard all necessary shots, even before picking up a camera.
Let's review why scriptwriting and storyboarding are necessary for creating BCC videos and how they can be done effectively.
Why pre-production is essential in BCC videos
Before a group can start filming a BCC video, they first need to know what behavior they will focus on in the video and how they will film their vision. This is where scriptwriting and storyboarding come into play. They both help define the core objective or message of a BCC video. They set the stage for how the production will communicate its message. Storyboarding, in particular, provides a visual layout of the video. It helps everyone involved know what to set up and shoot, minimizing opportunities for miscommunication.
Pre-production ultimately ensures that the narrative and message remain consistent throughout the project, and scriptwriting and storyboarding are two of the main steps of pre-production.
Effective scriptwriting for BCC
There are many ways to write a script, but we've seen a tried-and-proven formula that works consistently for our workshop attendees. Participating workshop crews more often made an effective BCC video following a "Problem - Solution - Outcome" structure. Here's how it breaks down:
Problem: Introduce a problematic behavior or practice and show why it's problematic.
Solution: Introduce a solution for the problematic behavior and show how viewers can apply this solution in their daily lives. For example, demonstrate proper handwashing to prevent disease.
Outcome: Show how the solution has improved the lives of those who have implemented the solution and stopped the problematic behavior.
This is an effective approach to BCC, as it follows a structure similar to the three-arc structure of storytelling: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. This structure resonates with audiences because it mirrors a familiar storytelling format. This format not only educates but also inspires and motivates viewers, showing a clear path from problem to resolution. This approach is particularly effective in BCC videos because it not only informs but also encourages viewers to take concrete actions that lead to positive changes.
Creating an impactful storyboard for BCC
A storyboard is a series of panels that visually represent every shot of a video project. It's similar to a script, but it's more of a blueprint for the crew to visualize what they're shooting. Usually, storyboards are drawn and include information like what type of shot it is, what the subjects are doing and how the camera should frame the shot. Here's a real example from one of our workshops, where the crew set out to make a storyboard for a video on handwashing:
