The Pros & Cons of Scripted vs Unscripted Video

Whether you’re working in news or branded content, producing documentaries or explainer videos, showcasing customers or breaking big stories, you will need to know when to use a script — and when you shouldn’t — in your videos.

Narrative, or fictional, pieces aren’t the only place a script can work well. There are pros and cons for using a script in branded content or in journalism just as there are pros and cons for unscripted video in these fields as well. Here’s what you need to consider when deciding how to approach your video production.

Scripted Video

PRO: Scripts work great if you want to add humor to a piece that you wouldn’t get naturally through interviews or improvisation.

CON: Interviews won’t sound as authentic. Unless you’re paying great actors to do your video, it can be hard for people who have had to memorize lines for an interview or customer testimonial to sound natural.

PRO: Having a script and specific shot list can make production go more smoothly. Since everything is planned out, you won’t be dealing with as many unexpected variables while filming.

CON: The video may feel more produced, which can put up a barrier between the film subject and the viewers, who may feel like what is being depicted isn’t real or normal.

PRO: You have more control over the message you are trying to send through your film. You can get information across more precisely and have a better understanding about what the viewers will take away from the video.

Unscripted Video

PRO: The story can unfold organically, interviews will be authentic, and you may get answers or capture footage that you wouldn’t have thought of showing otherwise.

CON: It can take more time to edit as there is usually more footage to go through to select the right clips for the piece.

PRO: You can go for a more journalistic, documentary film style that will create an authentic connection with your audience.

CON: In order to have some control over your message, you’ll have to shape the interview questions to get specific answers. This might mean that you don’t get as many organic moments.

Some great places to use a script are with explainer videos, how-tos, parts of a documentary where you’re detailing a lot of information, and animated news pieces that explain an issue. If you’re filming a documentary in the field, capturing customer testimonials, or trying to portray things as they really are, you might want to keep it unscripted.

Still not sure how to approach the decision on whether to use a script for your next production or not? We can help you out.

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By D. Simone Kovacs, Storyhunter Editor