Prerequisites

• University degree in media or human sciences.

Course Description

Writing to picture is an essential skill in visual storytelling, where narration and imagery must work together to convey meaning, emotion, and clarity. This course explores the dynamic relationship between spoken and visual language, teaching participants how to write scripts that enhance images rather than simply describe them. Through practical exercises and critical analysis, participants will develop the cultural, linguistic, and aesthetic awareness needed to craft compelling and balanced scripts for television and video journalism.

Course Objective

By the end of this course, participants will:
• Distinguish between the functions of written and visual language in broadcast storytelling.
• Analyze the symbolism of images and their journalistic and written connotations.
• Create scripts that complement visuals and establish editorial and aesthetic balance.

Course Outline

• Written language and visual language:
- Differences between writing for radio and television.
- Concept of visual language.
- Concept of written or spoken language.
- Audience’s visual and verbal perception.

• Creative visual composition:
- Journalistic and symbolic meanings of images.
- Balance in the use of picture symbolism.
- Picture sizes and their visual and written connotations.
- Building editing plan: enhancing the shot’s value.

• Creative relationship between picture and text:
- Short sentences and dynamic live style.
- Importance of openings: the first sentence and the first shot.
- Importance of punctuation and audio in the transition from an idea to another.
- Importance of the conclusion: the final shot and the open end.

Course Benefits

• A graduation certificate by Al Jazeera Media Institute.