I’m not a copywriter, but I write copy.
I don’t consider myself a copywriter, but I do write copy for films and videos (in English and Dutch). Moreover, recently I’ve also done re-writings for two corporate films, because the first/original copy did not really suit the video. You can watch one of those in a new blog post.
Why?
I think that writing copy for a video involves different considerations due to the distinct nature of the medium. Here are some key differences and reasons why copy for video is often handled by filmmakers:
Visual element:
Videos are a visual medium, and the narrative often relies heavily on images, motion, and sound. The copy for a video needs to complement and enhance the visual storytelling rather than being the sole focus.
Timing and pacing:
Timing is crucial in videos. Copy needs to be synchronized with the visuals, and the pacing must be carefully considered. The spoken words or on-screen text must align with the flow of the video.
Narrative structure:
Filmmakers are skilled in crafting narratives and structuring stories. Video copy often needs to follow a specific arc, incorporating elements like setup, conflict, and resolution to engage the audience.
Audience engagement:
Filmmakers understand how to captivate an audience visually and aurally. Copy in videos is often designed to engage viewers quickly and maintain their attention throughout the video.
