If you are interested in video production, you might wonder how TV and film scripts differ from each other. After all, they both tell stories through moving images and sounds, but they have different formats, purposes, and audiences. In this article, we will explore some of the key differences between TV and film scripts and how they affect the creative process and the final product.
One of the most obvious differences between TV and film scripts is their format and length. Film scripts usually follow a standard layout with Courier 12 font, one-inch margins, and 55 to 60 lines per page. They also have specific rules for sluglines, transitions, dialogue, and action. Film scripts typically range from 90 to 120 pages, depending on the genre and the pace of the story. TV scripts, on the other hand, have more variations in their format and length, depending on the network, the show, and the episode. Some TV scripts use the same layout as film scripts, but others have different fonts, margins, and spacing. TV scripts also have different page counts, depending on whether they are for a half-hour comedy, a one-hour drama, or a mini-series. TV scripts also have to account for commercial breaks, act breaks, and teasers.
I'd say that TV has overtaken film in terms of having the breathing room to tell a story in the manner in which it needs to be told. It used to be that you'd have to write to a crescendo every ten minutes, in order to keep the audience tuned in through the ad breaks. Back in the days of CRT, 4:3 ratio televisions: you'd also have to place characters centre frame. Which meant dialogue and stage directions had to be written with that in mind (to an extent). Thanks to streaming, not only do they not have to do this, but episode lengths can vary too. Features have to tell a story in a much tighter framework, but have the advantage of (usually) running within a three-four act structure.
Basically for a feature film you have a wide and long canvas to build your story whilst for a TV as well as ad scripts the duration is short and you need deliver effectively in the short period of time.
Another key difference between TV and film scripts is their structure and plot. Film scripts usually follow a three-act structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. They also have a main protagonist, a central conflict, and a resolution. Film scripts have to tell a complete story within a limited time frame, so they have to be concise, focused, and coherent. TV scripts, on the other hand, have more flexibility in their structure and plot. They can follow a four-act, five-act, or six-act structure, depending on the network and the genre. They can also have multiple protagonists, subplots, and cliffhangers. TV scripts have to tell episodic stories that fit within a larger narrative arc, so they have to be engaging, surprising, and consistent.
A third key difference between TV and film scripts is their style and tone. Film scripts usually have a more cinematic style and tone, with more visual descriptions, camera directions, and sound effects. They also have a more diverse range of genres, themes, and tones, from comedy to horror, from romance to sci-fi. Film scripts have to appeal to a wide audience and stand out from the competition, so they have to be original, creative, and compelling. TV scripts, on the other hand, have a more televisual style and tone, with less visual details, camera directions, and sound effects. They also have a more consistent genre, theme, and tone, depending on the show and the season. TV scripts have to appeal to a loyal fan base and maintain the quality of the show, so they have to be familiar, faithful, and satisfying.
A fourth key difference between TV and film scripts is their collaboration and revision process. Film scripts usually have a single writer or a pair of writers who work on the script from start to finish. They also have less interference from producers, studios, and directors, unless the script is optioned, sold, or greenlit. Film scripts have to go through several drafts and feedback sessions, but they have more creative control and ownership over their work. TV scripts, on the other hand, have a team of writers who work on the script in different stages. They also have more involvement from showrunners, executives, and actors, who have the final say on the script. TV scripts have to go through multiple drafts and notes, but they have less creative freedom and authority over their work.
Film is a Director's medium, TV is a writer's medium and stage is the actor's medium. As a rule of thumb anyway. TV shows (big ones anyway, and especially in the US) generally have writers' rooms. The showrunner is responsible for the creative decision making.
A fifth key difference between TV and film scripts is their budget and production. Film scripts usually have a higher budget and production value, with more locations, sets, props, costumes, and special effects. They also have a longer production time, with more pre-production, shooting, and post-production. Film scripts have to deliver a high-quality product that can compete in the box office and the awards season, so they have to be ambitious, impressive, and polished. TV scripts, on the other hand, have a lower budget and production value, with fewer locations, sets, props, costumes, and special effects. They also have a shorter production time, with less pre-production, shooting, and post-production. TV scripts have to deliver a consistent product that can fit in the schedule and the ratings, so they have to be practical, efficient, and adaptable.
A sixth key difference between TV and film scripts is their audience and feedback. Film scripts usually have a one-time audience and feedback, with viewers watching the film once or twice in theaters or at home. They also have a delayed feedback, with reviews, ratings, and awards coming after the film is released. Film scripts have to impress and satisfy the audience in a single viewing, so they have to be memorable, emotional, and meaningful. TV scripts, on the other hand, have a repeated audience and feedback, with viewers watching the show multiple times on different platforms. They also have an immediate feedback, with social media, forums, and podcasts commenting on the show as it airs. TV scripts have to entertain and hook the audience in every episode, so they have to be fun, intriguing, and relatable.