Why TV Visuals?
It is an unfortunate fact that most modern TV viewers have a very short attention span. A comedy such as Yes Minister – which is now regarded as a classic – would simply not get made nowadays, because of the large number of scenes which involve two characters discussing a matter from either side of a desk. In modern times, longer shots have been more or less replaced by quick editing.
The purpose of visuals in the modern climate is to hold the attention of the viewer, primarily during longer scenes where the dialogue is drawn-out. For example: a long, wordy conversation between a corrupt cop and a mafia boss might struggle to hold the attention for long periods of time, so it is important for the script writer to also provide a visual location that the director can use to cut to. For example, it could be that the conversation takes place during a United game, so that shots of the match can be cut into the scene to keep the viewers awake.
Alternatively, the scriptwriter could have the conversation take place whilst the two men are watching their children play in the park: not only does this provide visual elements, it also provides a theme of innocence to contrast with the two criminals.
Don't Use Dialogue When Visuals Will Do the Job
Dialogue is an essential part of writing for TV, but that doesn't mean that every piece of plot has to be told by it. If the viewer are shown a visual of a large man knocking at a front door, which is then opened by a woman who screams with fear upon seeing him, then the viewer doesn't need speech to realise that the women knows the man, and isn't his biggest fan.
It is important for a script writer to remember that before they begin writing any dialogue, to ask themselves if the dialogue is really necessary to tell the story: more often than not, the answer will be no.
How To Use TV Visuals to Hold the Viewer's Attention
1. Visuals can ensure the plot is progressing. A good chase between the cop and the armed killer down a busy street will not only increase the plot, as the killer is finally brought into custody, but will also give the viewer something exciting to see.
2. Portraying emotion: whether through tears, laughter, or the cold eyes of a man with no mercy, it is a simple fact that human beings are fascinated with other people's emotional reactions to different situations. A great shot of a great actor or actress can say more than a page of dialogue.
3. Increasing tension. Consistent, quick shots can really build tension - the cops are about to knock on the killer's door, cut to a shot of the killer raising a knife, cut to the innocent, caring neighbour entering in through the back door just to check everything's okay.... The viewers will want to know what's going to happen, guaranteed.
Shaun Edwards - Shaun Edwards graduated from the University of Essex, UK with a BA in Creative Writing. SInce then he worked for a variety of different ...
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