9.1 Script formats

TV script formats are essential tools for conveying information in production. From single-column screenplays to dual-column shooting scripts, each format serves a specific purpose in the creative process. Understanding these formats is crucial for effective communication among the production team.

Script elements like scene headings, action lines, and dialogue work together to paint a vivid picture of the story. Proper formatting, including font choice, spacing, and page margins, ensures consistency and readability. Mastering these elements helps writers create professional, production-ready scripts.

Types of script formats

• Script formats in TV production refer to the various ways in which scripts are structured and presented to convey the necessary information for production
• Different script formats serve different purposes and are used at various stages of the production process, from the initial writing phase to the final shooting stage

Single-column vs dual-column

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• Single-column scripts, also known as master scene scripts, present all elements of a scene (scene headings, action lines, character names, dialogue) in a single column format
  • Commonly used for the initial writing stage and table reads
  • Easier to read and visualize the flow of the story
• Dual-column scripts, also known as two-column scripts or split-page scripts, divide the page into two columns
  • Left column contains scene headings, action lines, and character names
  • Right column contains dialogue and parentheticals
  • Used in the production phase as they provide more space for technical notes and director's comments

Screenplay vs shooting script

• Screenplays are the initial version of a script, focusing on the story, characters, and dialogue
  • Used to pitch the story and attract talent to the project
  • Serve as the foundation for the shooting script
• Shooting scripts are a more detailed version of the screenplay, including technical information necessary for production
  • Contain scene numbers, camera angles, shot descriptions, and transitions
  • Used by the production crew during filming to ensure all necessary elements are captured

Differences in formatting conventions

• Various script formatting software (Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter) may have slight differences in their default settings
  • Margins, font sizes, and line spacing can vary between programs
• Television scripts often have specific formatting requirements based on the network or production company
  • Page count limitations, act break placement, and commercial break indications may differ
• Understanding and adhering to the specific formatting conventions of the project is crucial for professional script presentation

Elements of a script

Scene headings

• Also known as sluglines, scene headings indicate the location and time of a scene
  • Formatted in all caps
  • Typically include three elements: interior or exterior (INT./EXT.), location, and time of day (DAY/NIGHT)
  • Example: INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Action lines

• Action lines describe the visual elements of a scene, including character actions, settings, and any necessary descriptions
  • Written in present tense and active voice
  • Provide a clear picture of what is happening on screen
  • Example: John enters the room, nervously fidgeting with his tie.

Character names

• Character names appear above their respective dialogue and are formatted in all caps
  • First appearance of a character in the script is often accompanied by a brief description in parentheses
  • Example: SARAH (30s, confident) enters the room.

Dialogue

• Dialogue is the spoken words of characters, appearing beneath their character names
  • Each character's dialogue starts on a new line
  • Dialogue should be concise and reveal character traits, motivations, and plot information
  • Example: JOHN I can't believe this is happening.

Parentheticals

• Parentheticals appear beneath character names and provide additional information about how a line should be delivered or a character's action
  • Used sparingly to avoid cluttering the script
  • Example: SARAH (sarcastically) Yeah, I'm sure that'll work out great.

Transitions

• Transitions indicate how one scene or shot moves to the next
  • Common transitions include CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:, and FADE IN/OUT
  • Used to convey passage of time, change of location, or a shift in tone
  • Example: FADE OUT.

Formatting guidelines

Font and spacing

• Scripts are typically written in a 12-point, fixed-width font (Courier, Courier New) to ensure consistent page count and readability
  • One page of a script usually equates to one minute of screen time
• Scripts use specific line spacing and indentations for different elements
  • Scene headings, action lines, and character names are left-aligned
  • Dialogue is indented
  • Parentheticals are indented and enclosed in parentheses

Page margins

• Scripts have standardized page margins to ensure consistent formatting across different software and printing methods
  • Top and bottom margins are typically set to 1 inch
  • Left and right margins are typically set to 1.5 inches
• Adhering to these margins helps maintain the "one page equals one minute" rule of thumb

Scene numbering

• Scenes are numbered consecutively throughout the script to help with organization and referencing during production
  • Scene numbers typically appear to the right of the scene heading
  • Example: INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY (SCENE 1)
• Scene numbers are important for scheduling, budgeting, and communication among the production team

Continueds and mores

• When a character's dialogue is interrupted by an action line or extends across multiple pages, "CONT'D" is used to indicate the continuation
  • Appears in parentheses next to the character name when the dialogue resumes
  • Example: JOHN I can't believe this is-- Sarah enters the room, interrupting John. JOHN (CONT'D) --happening right now.
• "MORE" and "CONT'D" are also used at the bottom and top of pages to indicate when a scene or dialogue continues across page breaks

Script structure

Teaser vs cold open

• A teaser is a short scene or sequence at the beginning of a TV episode that precedes the opening credits
  • Designed to hook the audience and set up the main storyline
  • Often ends with a cliffhanger or a compelling question
• A cold open, also known as a pre-credits scene, is similar to a teaser but is not necessarily connected to the main plot of the episode
  • Can be a self-contained comedic or dramatic moment
  • Used to grab the audience's attention before the main story begins

Acts and act breaks

• TV scripts are typically divided into acts, with act breaks serving as natural points for commercial breaks or narrative shifts
  • The number of acts varies depending on the format and runtime of the show
  • For example, a one-hour drama might have four acts plus a teaser and tag
• Act breaks are indicated in the script by placing "ACT BREAK" or "END OF ACT" at the appropriate point
  • Often accompanied by a cliffhanger or a significant plot development to maintain audience engagement

Tag vs epilogue

• A tag, also known as a button or stinger, is a short scene that appears after the final act and before the end credits
  • Often used for comedic effect, to tie up loose ends, or to set up future storylines
  • Not all episodes or series include tags
• An epilogue is a more extended scene that takes place after the main story has concluded
  • Provides additional closure, reveals the consequences of the characters' actions, or sets up the next episode
  • Epilogues are less common than tags and are usually reserved for significant plot developments

Commercial breaks

• For TV scripts, commercial breaks are an essential consideration in the structure and pacing of the story
  • Act breaks are strategically placed to accommodate commercial breaks
  • Cliffhangers or compelling moments are often positioned before commercial breaks to maintain viewer interest
• The placement and duration of commercial breaks may vary depending on the network and the show's format
  • It's essential to understand the specific requirements and adapt the script accordingly

Script revision process

Table reads and feedback

• Table reads involve the cast and creative team reading through the script together, often for the first time
  • Allows for initial feedback on the story, characters, and dialogue
  • Helps identify areas that need improvement or clarification
• After the table read, the writer incorporates the feedback and makes necessary revisions to the script
  • This process may involve multiple drafts and iterations

Colored pages for revisions

• As revisions are made to the script, new pages are often printed on different colored paper to easily distinguish them from the original pages
  • For example, first revisions might be on blue pages, second revisions on pink pages, and so on
  • This helps the production team quickly identify and incorporate the latest changes

Locking the script

• Once the script has gone through the necessary revisions and has been approved by the creative team, it is considered "locked"
  • No further changes are made to the script unless absolutely necessary
  • Locking the script allows the production team to move forward with planning, scheduling, and budgeting
• In some cases, minor revisions may still occur during the production process, but these are typically kept to a minimum to avoid disrupting the established plan

Script breakdowns

Purpose of script breakdowns

• Script breakdowns are detailed analyses of a script that identify all the elements needed for production
  • Used to create schedules, budgets, and shooting plans
  • Help the production team understand the scope and requirements of the project
• Breakdowns are typically created by the assistant director or production manager

Elements included in breakdowns

• Script breakdowns include a comprehensive list of all the elements featured in each scene, such as:
  • Cast members and their characters
  • Extras and stand-ins
  • Props and set dressing
  • Costumes and makeup
  • Special effects and stunts
  • Locations and sets
  • Equipment and vehicles
• Each element is assigned a unique identifying code or color to facilitate organization and tracking

Scheduling and budgeting

• The information gathered from script breakdowns is used to create production schedules and budgets
  • Schedules are designed to optimize the use of time, resources, and locations
  • Budgets are developed based on the identified elements and their associated costs
• Effective scheduling and budgeting rely on accurate and thorough script breakdowns
  • Any missing or incorrect information can lead to delays, cost overruns, or logistical challenges during production

Best practices for script writing

Clarity and conciseness

• Scripts should be clear, concise, and easy to understand
  • Use simple, direct language and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentence structures
  • Be specific in descriptions and action lines to paint a vivid picture
• Concise writing helps maintain the pace of the story and keeps the reader engaged

Avoiding overwriting

• Overwriting refers to the use of excessive or overly descriptive language that can slow down the pace of the script
  • Avoid lengthy, detailed descriptions of settings or characters unless absolutely necessary
  • Trust the director, actors, and production team to interpret and bring the script to life
• Focus on conveying the essential information needed to tell the story effectively

Showing vs telling

• Effective scriptwriting relies on showing the audience what is happening rather than simply telling them
  • Use action lines and visual descriptions to convey emotions, relationships, and plot points
  • Avoid excessive exposition or characters unnaturally explaining things for the audience's benefit
• Showing allows the audience to experience the story and draw their own conclusions

Maintaining consistent tone

• The tone of a script should be consistent throughout, reflecting the overall mood and genre of the story
  • Use language, pacing, and character interactions that align with the intended tone
  • Avoid jarring shifts in tone unless intentionally used for dramatic or comedic effect
• Consistency in tone helps create a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience