How can you write a script for cross-platform projects?

1 Know your platforms

Before you start writing, you need to research and understand the platforms you are targeting. Each platform has its own characteristics, such as screen size, interactivity, attention span, and tone. For example, a web video might be shorter, more casual, and more interactive than a TV show. A mobile app might require more visual cues, less text, and more feedback than a website. A social media post might be more personal, engaging, and viral than a newsletter. Knowing your platforms will help you tailor your script to suit their strengths and limitations.

2 Define your core message

Regardless of the platform, your script should have a clear and consistent message that connects with your audience. Your message is the main idea or goal of your project, and it should be expressed in a simple and memorable way. For example, your message could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire your viewers. Your message should guide your scriptwriting decisions, such as what to include, what to omit, and how to structure your story. Your message should also be aligned with your brand identity, values, and voice.

3 Use a modular approach

A modular approach means writing your script in smaller and independent units that can be rearranged, edited, or reused as needed. For example, you could write your script in scenes, segments, or chapters that can be combined or separated according to the platform. A modular approach gives you more flexibility and efficiency when adapting your script to different formats and requirements. It also helps you avoid repetition, redundancy, and confusion in your content.

4 Consider interactivity and engagement

One of the advantages of cross-platform projects is that they can offer more interactivity and engagement to your audience. Interactivity means giving your viewers the ability to control, influence, or participate in your project. Engagement means keeping your viewers interested, curious, and emotionally involved in your project. You can use various techniques to enhance interactivity and engagement in your script, such as asking questions, inviting feedback, offering choices, creating challenges, or providing rewards.

5 Test and refine your script

The final step in writing a cross-platform script is to test and refine it on different platforms and devices. Testing will help you identify and fix any issues or errors in your script, such as typos, glitches, or inconsistencies. Testing will also help you evaluate and improve the quality and effectiveness of your script, such as clarity, coherence, relevance, and impact. You can use various methods and tools to test your script, such as prototyping, user testing, analytics, or feedback.