If you want to write scripts for different media platforms, you need to know how to format them properly. Formatting your scripts not only helps you communicate your vision to your collaborators, but also shows your professionalism and attention to detail. In this article, you will learn how to format scripts for four common media platforms: film, TV, radio and podcast, and web video.
Film scripts are the most standardized and widely accepted format for screenwriting. They use a 12-point Courier font, 1.5 inch margins on the left and right, and 1 inch margins on the top and bottom. Each page should have about 55 lines of text, and each line should have about 10 words. Film scripts use sluglines, action, dialogue, parentheticals, transitions, and scene numbers to structure the scenes. Sluglines indicate the location and time of the scene, such as INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT. Action describes what the characters and objects are doing in the scene, using present tense and active voice. Dialogue shows what the characters are saying, centered under their names. Parentheticals are brief instructions or emotions for the actors, placed in parentheses under their names. Transitions are words like CUT TO or FADE OUT that indicate how one scene ends and another begins, aligned to the right margin. Scene numbers are used to identify each scene for production purposes, placed in the upper right corner of the first line of each scene.
Film scripts are the movie's backbone, featuring sluglines, action, dialogue, parentheticals, and transitions. Sluglines set the scene; action depicts events; dialogue conveys characters' words, with parentheticals for acting cues; transitions shape scene flow. Formatting is key to storytelling, with software like Final Draft or Celtx aiding focus on narrative over structure. For instance, scripts may use sparse dialogue, letting actions convey the story's intensity, proving sometimes less is more.
TV scripts are similar to film scripts, but they have some variations depending on the genre and network. For example, sitcoms use a two-column format, with dialogue on the right and action on the left. Dramas use a one-column format, like film scripts, but they may have act breaks, teasers, and tags to fit the commercial structure of TV. Act breaks are moments of suspense or cliffhangers that end each act, usually indicated by END OF ACT ONE or FADE OUT. Teasers are short scenes that hook the audience before the opening credits, usually indicated by TEASER or COLD OPEN. Tags are short scenes that wrap up the episode after the closing credits, usually indicated by TAG or END OF SHOW. TV scripts also use more abbreviations and acronyms, such as O.S. (off-screen), V.O. (voice-over), or INT/EXT (interior/exterior).
TV scripts distinguish themselves with act breaks, teasers, and tags to fit television's segmented format. While sitcoms may use a dual-column layout for action and dialogue, dramas typically follow the film script style, with specific pauses for commercial breaks. Acronyms like O.S. (off-screen) or V.O. (voice-over) cater to TV's unique needs. Software such as Final Draft streamlines script formatting, ensuring writers maintain focus on crafting compelling narratives. For instance, a teaser may open with a suspenseful dialogue-free scene, setting the episode's tone.
Radio and podcast scripts are mainly focused on audio, so they use a different format than film and TV scripts. They use a two-column format, with sound cues on the left and narration or dialogue on the right. Sound cues are descriptions of the sounds that accompany the narration or dialogue, such as music, effects, or ambient noise. They can also indicate the volume, duration, or source of the sound, such as FADE IN, 10 SECONDS, or FROM TAPE. Narration or dialogue are the words spoken by the host, narrator, or guests of the radio or podcast show. They can also include directions for the speaker, such as PAUSE, EMPHASIZE, or SMILE. Radio and podcast scripts use a 12-point Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins on all sides, and double spacing between lines.
Radio and podcast scripts prioritise audio storytelling, using a dual-column layout to align sound cues with spoken words. As a writer, I've found it helpful how sound cues can enhance narrative depth, though they must be meticulously planned to avoid overcomplication. An efficient scriptwriting software that I recommend for radio and podcast scripting is Hindenburg, as it's tailored for audio editing and script production. For example, a script may instruct a pause after a sound effect to let the moment resonate with listeners, adding to the audio experience.
Web video scripts are the most flexible and creative format for scriptwriting, as they can vary depending on the style, purpose, and platform of the video. However, a common format for web video scripts is a two-column format, with video on the left and audio on the right. Video are descriptions of the visuals that appear on the screen, such as images, graphics, text, or animations. They can also include camera angles, movements, or transitions, such as CLOSE-UP, PAN, or DISSOLVE. Audio are the words spoken by the narrator, presenter, or characters of the video. They can also include sound cues, such as music, effects, or silence. Web video scripts use a 12-point Arial font, 1 inch margins on all sides, and single spacing between lines.
Web video scripts blend visuals with dialogue, enhancing the storytelling for platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Tools such as Celtx offer a helpful, structured approach to scriptwriting, accommodating both video and audio elements. For instance, aligning a jump cut with a punchline can amplify comedic timing, a technique that's proven effective in web-based content. A practical tip: keep web scripts concise, as viewers often prefer quick, engaging content.
When formatting scripts for various media platforms, each type demands unique considerations. For film, adhere to industry norms with precise structure. Television scripts vary by show type, allowing for some flexibility. Radio and podcast scripts focus on sound cues and dialogue clarity. Web video scripts merge screenplay elements with digital adaptability, catering to a diverse online audience. Tailor your script to each medium's storytelling approach, ensuring it captivates and maintains audience engagement.
A script can take many formats, but ultimately the choice of format really depends on the creator's preference, the project's requirements, and THE SIZE OR SCOPE OF THE PROJECT. I prefer to start with a more traditional film script approach, which I then later translate into a Web Video or A/V (Audio Visual) approach. I'll often adapt that to include additional columns with more info based on project needs. Remember, be flexible and use what works for you as a content creator.