Tutorial: Scriptwriting Secrets

I've been writing news and documentary scripts for television for the past 20 years. In this video, I reveal some of my storytelling formulas and dissect some of the TV documentaries I've written for Iwitness on GMA Network Inc.; the storytelling structure i used, the styles and themes i incorporate in the documentaries. I also analyze one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs and her storytelling structure for "Champagne Problems". If you want to watch the full documentaries featured in this video, just click on the following links:
Pigil-Hininga (Braving the Abyss) • I-Witness: 'Braving th... ; • I-Witness: 'Pigil Hini...
Minsan Isang Taon • I-Witness: ‘Minsan sa ...
Uuwi na si Udong • I-Witness: 'Uuwi na si...
Ang Tunay na Mabangis • I-Witness: "Ang Tunay ...
note: copyright for the full docus remain with GMA News and Public Affairs

[@shairaalcazar5836]

Grabe sana naging prof ko si Ms. Kara nung college! Hahahaha. Mas madili iabsorb pag sya nagexplain. Haha

[@cetina6346]

Agree 100%

[@emerf.espano5257]

whats with ms kara's voice? goosebumps here goosebumps evrywhere deym

[@theyoung-dayangvoices1314]

Agree!!

[@champagnepapi4095]

Omg same thoughts! Even as am writing this comment haha

[@JoyOfMia]

Parang nanonood ka parin ng iwitness, ang galing

[@JoyOfMia]

Parang nanonood ka parin ng iwitness, ang galing

[@ellechanted]

Parang programmed na nga 'yung utak ko na makinig sa kanya hahaha skl

[@robgumba5163]

Grabe i'm having goosebumps habang inuulit nyo po ang mga extro nyo sa dokumentaryo. Huhu

[@johnrgutz]

Video request: how to interview different types of people e.g. a professional, a child, a concerned citizen.

[@KaraDavidChannel]

Will try to come up with a tips on interviewing. Pero may naka lineup na akong 2 tutorials on writing. Pero il line this up

[@champagnepapi4095]

Yay thank u Ms. Kara!

[@juanantonio7457]

Sana po

[@ruthangelicabainza5365]

I'm not a journalism student, but I enjoyed watching this video. This is the kind of vlogs worth watching. Enjoyable (even for people like me), intriguing, and educational. I'll binge Kara David now hehe. (and the fact that she is a TS fan!! I also love her documentaries. A genius and a master in her field.)

[@xaiburpolarbear9840]

gulat ako dun sa laptop, swiftie, ta's totoo nga HAHHAHAAHH ang ganda din nung august, magaling talaga mag story telling si mareng Taylor, interconnected din mga stories ng mga songs niya sa evermore at folklore. Thank youuu

[@darelperido7419]

Trueee yier mas lalo ko siyang nagustuhan

[@batallerjohncedric1310]

Words can't explain how GMA REPORTERS, DOCUMENTARIES and especially you Ms. Kara David inspires me to become a journalist, kayo po ang pinanghahawakan ko na pag-asa to become a journalist, not really sure with my dream to become a journalist, dami pong pangarap🤣 but someday I know if it's really for me, it's for me. As long as you're here for us aspiring journalist, we'll continue to dream and make it happen, I really want to see you Ma'am, as my idol and co-worker as a journalist in the future, really hope it will happen, no more choices na po. GMA NEWS AND PA agad ang application😄 thankful for all of your team documentaries that gave us Filipinos an honor, awards na nagangat sa pilipinas at nagmulat sa mararaming mata na sa katotohanan ay sarado, me as an example😄. More contents po to come and more lessons for us to learn, 💙 u po Ms. Kara.

[@steshka1015]

Good luck sa dream mo!

[@josevladimiraustria2736]

Kapareho sa Extro ng KMJS sa story na may pamagat na Lola igib : _"Dahil hanggat walang maayos na suplay ng tubig sa kanilang sitio. Ang kanyang araw-araw na sitwasyon, mananatiling ganito hanggang sa huling patak ng kanyang buhay"_ At yung story ng KMJS sa matandang kumukuha ng kawayan para gawing basket ang Extro nya: _"Kung ang kawayan, pilit pinayuyuko ng hangin. Si Lola Gloria, pilit pinahihina ng kanyang edad. Pero ang kawayan at si Lola parehong di kayang padapain ng panahon."_ Kapareho ng teknik ni Maam Kara.

[@ernestyap.]

This is very helpful Ms. Kara! As I am a Communication student, from Holy Angel University. Thank you Cabalen!

[@aristotlecatap8622]

Comm graduate from Tarlac state university

[@richardmarkpanaga4511]

Comm student from Baliuag University❤

[@Rikogala]

Bangis. Outro ni miss kara sa I-witness always give me chills

[@charlyndelaluna4273]

Grabe, I'm COMM student po and you're one po sa mga nagpu-push sa akin to pursue my dreams in making documetaries huhuhu. Magiging journalist ako! Law of Attraction! ❤️🦋 Thank you po Ma'am Kara David! ❤️

[@Anung_Bago]

lhat na po ng docu mo Ms.Kara napanood ko na 💚 ..

[@jengreen9924]

I know why she loved Taylor Swift. They are great in story telling in common! Swifties also here...

[@gcelmaningastactay8793]

Sayang. I cannot use your tips Ms. Kara. Tapos na yung creative writing class but, ipipilit ko pa rin gamitin ang mga tips mo po even hindi connected sa pagsusulat ang Subject na tinuturo ko ngayon. Hihi. Thank you Ms. Kara for these free tips! God bless you and your team ❤️

[@chef_morrisdanzen]

This is one of my most informative 8 minutes I’ve watched on KZbin . Thank you Miss @KaraDavid

[@khoki.khiko0816]

Swiftie rin pala si Tita Kara😍

[@jojostwowheels]

present, past, future. Magandang storystelling technique po yan. thank you po.

[@annalielopez6371]

MS. KARA DAVID SUPREMACY 🤩✨

[@alexcastillo1233]

I-WITNESS: television's finest hour!

[@dominicsantos4659]

not gonna lie, also gma's docu in general. sobrang lupet 🥰

[@maryjoyjalandoni463]

💖💖💖

[@mcjancadapan2549]

Super true. Walang kapantay

[@TeacherLowelVlogs]

Agree.

[@chuakooleenashley3282]

Analyzing the love triangle sa folklore since ano ba meaning ng folklore? Cardigan Betty August ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@faithv-a891]

Yaas

[@rxxmitsuya]

Nakangiti lang ako throughout the entire video. My inspiration. God Bless you more and your family, Ms Kara David.

[@daniellabonnin4268]

Same huhuhu

[@richardmarkpanaga4511]

same❤

[@newbeeontheblock]

Galing nman po ninyo mam.God bless po❤🙏

[@lawpiniero2478]

After watching this, I've realized that you're really a gem of Philippine documentaries po. This is very substancial. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!😊❤

[@wiscoafterhoursv]

"5:17" Well i found a program that generator money It totally changed my life 𝔾𝔼𝕋𝕄𝕆ℕℂ𝔸𝕊ℍ. ℂ𝕃𝕌𝔹 අනුගාමිකයන් ඇති කර ගැනීමට හොඳ ක්‍රමයක

[@CKis01]

One of the most epic and most impactful docus you'll ever watch. Even my youngest brother is a fan.

[@UrbanGardeningSavvy]

Thank you for sharing your content. I need this for my channel. 💚🪴😜

[@deynamical1969]

I really want to pursue a communication course back then when I was in high school but due to some circumstances, I graduated sa Engineering course ngayon (Electronics and Communications Engineering) and told myself na I will work na lang behind the scenes sa mga TV shows as an engineer.But with this, pinaalala niyo po sakin kung ano yung first love ko, it's journalism. ❤️😭 Thank you po Miss Kara David for making me realize what I really want. Hoping to meet you na journalist na rin po ako. Waaaaa

[@markulayarts7141]

Marami nanaman akong matutunan neto 🤧 thanks po!

[@aldrinterrencegoco1304]

If you were my teacher Ms. Kara I would certainly fall in love with writing. Thank you for sharing your tips. You are one of my inspirations.

[@paoadventurer]

Hello mam fan nyo po ako simula nung bata p ako. mga docus nyo ni sir howie severino tlga laging pinapanuod ko tlga simula noon. kaya nahilig din tlga ako s mga ibat ibang documentary films mapa foreign o localman. at ngayun nagagamit ko paminsan ung storytelling style nyo sa mga ginagawa kung travel vlogs dito sa youtube. Maraming salamat dito sa vlog tutorial n shinare nyo dahil my napulot nanaman ako bago. youre an inspiration mam more PAOwer and more docus to come hope to meet you in person po godbless 🙏🏽❤️⚡️

[@erwinplamosvlog]

8:47 minutes lang yung video nya pero ang dami kong natutunan. Grbe. How much more pa kaya kung sya yung prof ko sa college. Subrang galing mo po Maam Kara David ❤️

[@checkma8s]

sa mga vjdeo ko walang scripts pero mas maganda talaga may script... im here for the tips

[@bryanclarkararao5413]

got chills with thee narration ng extro, but now nakikita ko na kung paano sinasabi aghhhhhhhh

[@MoimoiJusto]

Sobrang husay mo talaga Mam Kara! Magagamit ko po ang estratehiyang ito sa pagtuturo ko. Salamat po!

[@jassiedelacruz7362]

Ms. Kara pa decode po sa Exile na kanta ni Taylor... ang lalim ng hugot nun.. at ano po nagamit na formulas mi taylor at style of writing.😘😘😘😘

[@saintsulla1769]

Si joe alwyn ang nagsulat nang kantah at si taylor swift and else

[@VenuslockScript]

Mam Kara gumawa po kasi ako ng story about my life mula nung pagkabata ko until now may script na po ako pero di ko matatawag na script. Gusto ko kasing gawan ng ebook o video something. Ok lang po ba na i sent ko sa inyo para ma check? Kung pwede lang naman po.

[@karisac.changcoco8644]

I'm a Senior High School student and an aspiring broadcaster/ journalist!! thank you po Ms. Kara!!

[@harvestmoon4194]

Agos...Lalim.. Sisid...Ahon...Tubig...Daluyong..Lunod...etc.etc.. (Ahahahaha)

[@jrmgose1989]

Simple effects, simple transitions, simple background music but still very entertaining. Hindi boring panoorin dahil sobrang informative ng lahat ng videos. Thank you Ms. Kara 💙

[@baltazarivanc.5578]

Thank you po!

[@dontdoitrightinfrontofhers2801]

look at the lap top's back "swiftie" 😍😍😍😍

[@dellandtv]

yes thank you maam kara napakalaking tulong po nito 😁

[@kilik100]

I'm not a scripwriter nor interested in scripwriting pero pinapanood ko pa din. Galing ni Ms. Kara magdeliver ng lines, parang mini documentary about scriptwriting hehe👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Ganiadventure]

Wow, nainspire uli ako idol na gumawa ng local movie dahil sa mga ibinahagi mong mga tips.

[@lhoyddy]

It brings me back to my trainings and lectures in Feature writing. This is so insightful. Thank you for this Ma'am Kara David!

[@tiyobri]

Ayun may bago na naman akong natutunan. Thanks Maam

[@ralphandres850]

Kaya pala the best talaga ang GMA sa paggawa ng mga ganitong docus,Kara David! 👏🏼👏🏼💯

[@iamrexperfection3101]

Kita ko ang "Swiftie" Sticker! Swiftie ka po pala Ms. Kara! SWIFTIES UNITE!!!

[@marvinjayyy]

Ma'am Kara I'm an avid fan of yours po! I love your documentaries po and the way you present it. Continue to inspire more people po, pagpalain po kayo ng diyos!

[@minseofilm8504]

Sa present, past and future kadalasan ay makikita always in the Korean Dramas. And other tips you've taught as well.

[@emmansamar3843]

Grabe talaga Ms. Kara David, lahat po ng documentaries niyo, nakakamangha po. As an aspiring scriptwriter, sobrang nakakatulong po nito! No wonder, professional na po kayo sa field of journalism. ♥🙌

[@KianAbadier-sp7wu]

Goosebumps to you're voice!! I hope maging professor kita san kalo ba na university

[@sydney8734]

Kara is not a Swiftie for nothing. She's also a genius story-teller 👏

[@steshka1015]

I would not understand the song if di sya inexplain here

[@celsagurra8732]

Thanks for sharing your expertise Ms. Kara David. I enjoyed watching your documentaries.

[@Iifeandmoney]

Finally, I grew up watching Iwitness before.. I even argued with people who discredited their talents (Jay Taruc etc..) Their artform was underappreciated for so many years. Hopefully, KZbin help these talented individuals to get more attention so they can create their own documentaries without restrictions from networks. Nag subscribe po ako Ms. David😊

[@jassrab7230]

Very educational content po! I enjoyed watching po! Salamat po sa pagshare sa experiences and knowledge Maam Kara! Godbless always!

[@vincentsantos1234]

This is master class for free. I have my lecture notebook na po for your lessons. More power po Mam Kara

[@rentechph1]

One of my idols.

[@heystephen4800]

You're such a script writer genius!

[@apriljoytabugsoc3797]

Hindi po ako magaling magsulat at Hindi po ako kumuha Ng journalism pero enjoy na enjoy po akong panuorin si ma'am Kara Kasi Ang galing2x Niya po magturo at napakagaling Niya pong mag explain Sana po naging teacher ko din si ma'am Kara dati Nung Sana kolehiyo pa ako para marami po akong natutuhan sa pagsusulat🥰🥰 Godbless and stay safe always po 🥰🥰

[@carlosmiguel4585]

What I love about Kara's Documentaries are not only those powerful scripts and message but also her calm, relaxing and pleasing voice. Like how she utter every word. Wahh, she's so wholesome. ✨

[@ahnrahel]

Salamat po dito ❤

[@pajaclovea.6580]

As a beginner writer, I learn a lot in this video and I'm glad she is a swiftie too

[@motivationalbhsdiary9230]

Wow! salamat ma'am so very informative,Sana maging script writer din ako. ❤️❤️❤️

[@EmpedsCasul]

MARAMING SALAMAT PO MISS KARA ♥️ MAY BAGONG KAALAMAN NA NAMAN AKONG NATUTUNAN! MORE VIDEOS TO COME PO ♥️

[@jedidiahcoronado5707]

Thank you Ma'am Kara. Very informative. Nakaka-inspire mag sulat.

[@MUSIKANIJAYSON22]

I remember dati sa sobrang pag hanga ko kay Ms. Kara David, nag email pa ako sa kanya. 😍 Sobrang nagagalingan ako sa kanya, halos napanuod ko na lahat ng documentaries nya, kapag bakasyon, marathon ng docu nya ang pinapanuod ko sa mga pamangkin ko.

[@KuyaNardTV]

THIS IS SO EXTREMELY EDUCATIONAL!!!!! HOPING FORMORE CONTENT PA PO! GRABEEE😢❤😢❤

[@Mq8868]

Tagal na po akong fan ng mga documentaries niyo lalo na yung "Daang ilog" at "Kutkot" na may kinalaman sa mga mangyan. Ang galing niyo po Ms. Kara👏

[@wj_nero5285]

It's 2:43am Po but pinili Kong manood, tinamaan ng ligaw na KASIPAGAN. Great and helpful video, looking forward for more helpful videos.

[@ParengCastor]

Thank you mam kara! Malaking tulong po ito sa mga tulad rin po naming guro 🥰 para mas maganda ang magawa naming lessons for the kids.

[@KaraDavidChannel]

Please tell your students to subscribe to my channel because i come up with content on a weekly basis. Also, pa-attribute na lang po sana sa inyong lessons that it’s my own personal tips. This is not the standard for all documentaries. Salamat

[@jianfredotamon6529]

I'm a big fan po ninyo Ms. KARA DAVID. I really love your Documentaries talaga po. 🥰

[@jodenpangilinan9209]

Hi Ms. Kara, question po. In making documentaries po. Alin po yung nauuna? Yung script pu ba or yung video? Alin po yung susundan?

[@joycegarcia1106]

Very informative 😭😍Thankyouuu 😍

[@yambabelles1871]

Wow,thanks po. You inspired Me. Idol ko po kayo. More tutorial pa po please.😉👍☺️

[@tiffanyannecomedoy3612]

Thank u po Ms.Kara favorite ko po kayo na documentarist. ❤️

[@silverscout]

POV: English project 🧍‍♂️

[@jassywap4186]

Thankyouu Ms. Kara for sharing. Very educational. ❤️

[@VicZablanVoiceLesson]

Ang galing talaga ni maam Kara. No wonder maraming award ang i witness. Kasi ang ganda ng structures ng paraan ng pagkasulat. Napaka organize. Marami akong natutunan sa video tutorial at tips nnito. Maraming salamat po maam. God bless you always.

[@chrisc4451]

dito ako na-inspire kung bakit ako nag Mass Comm., pati na rin kina sir Howie Severino, Jay Taruc at Atom Araullo during 5andUp Days.. 🙃

[@josephalcantra2873]

Maam kara ikaw po ang pinakapaborito kong Documentary. Napakaganda ng pag kukwento mo lalo sa sa "I WITNESS" and Also ung PINA SARAP💖💖 napakagaling po Ninyo. IDOL🙏💪👏👏

[@robinsantiago5354]

Napakagaling po, this will help me as Communication arts student❤️

[@sirjmcafe]

Wow. Ang helpful naman nito! Astig po kayo Mam Kara! Kudos!

[@joemariemirasol4918]

Thank you po Ms. Kara nakatulong po sa akin gumawa mg script for my video project for Tourism, from PUP❤️🙏

[@LimeArt09]

Nanonood po ang mga ABSCBN journalist. Char hahahha. They should learn from the likes of you ma'am

[@aljohntapia2941]

As 3rd year communication student I badly needed this ❤

[@GD-pl6gz]

New subscriber here! Looking forward for more informative videos. Dami kong natutunan sa video palang na to.. 🥰

[@idelynbersaluna8353]

I'm learning so much. Ikaw po ay nagiisa ms. kara...!!!! wow po

[@aracasanova8627]

Thank you Miss Kara, I'll use it po! Sobrang ganda ng voice mo po huhuhuh I love you po!!

[@benychinglojera2846]

Superb tutorial incorporated with her vivid experiences. Kudos po Ms.Kara😊😊

[@kevinking5974]

Apakagaling talaga!! LEGENDARY ❤️

[@xnndrx88]

Thank you Ma'am kara , malaking tulong po ang video nyo 💜💜💜💜

[@jonathanmontealto6811]

Thank you sa libreng pagtuturo. Godbless po

[@KLMNOP_30M]

Huhu Ms. Kara. I saw you magkaharap tayo sa Plaridel sa entrance we're both talking to cats doon kaso nahihiya ako magpapicture sayo that time. I really admire you. Sobra. 😍😍😍

[@mivrel1179]

Napaka helpful po. Very insightful. Thank you, Ms. Kara.

[@edgardobanal575]

Tnx very-very much idol Kara, magagamit ko din yang style mo na yan. 👍👌👍 Very helpful sa akin itong tutorials na ito, malapit na akong makabili ng Vlogging camera. Tnx again.

[@ellamae5707]

Waah! Thank you po. Biglang bumalik yung passion ko sa pag susulat. Grabe lang kung ikaw po yung naging prof ko non... Short discussion but insightful. Thank you ulit!

[@ailyns.205]

Bravo! salute Ms. Kara! Thank you for imparting your knowledge.

[@clairedupalco2811]

Totoo po lalo na yung TIP #1 mo napansin ko po yan. Connected talaga sila sa isa't isa . Before I am not fond of watching documentary, but when I saw "Alkansya" (tandang-tanda ko pa yun) sa I Witness na ginawa ni Mam Kara David sabi ko " hala, himala tinapos ko at hindi ako naboringan" kaya simula nun always na akong nakaabang sa CHANNEL 11 which is the News TV ng mga bagong documentary sa I WITNESS. HEHEHE iba ka talaga Mam Kara David 😊 Idol ko po kayong dalawa ni Mam Jessica Soho. ❣️

[@nilobapa3423]

Napakahusay at hindi nakakasawa panoorin! Idol ko po kayo🥺❤️ More video pa po. God bless u’re channel.