Scriptwriting 101: How to write a script that captivates!

Do your scriptwriting sessions look like this?

Or are they more like this?

You’re not alone! In AV production, great storytelling starts with a killer script!

So, this week, VoiceTalks by Voice123 explores how to transform a blank page into a script that captures your creative vision!

How do you write a script that captivates?

1. Brainstorm your ideas

Start by defining your story’s core concept. Ask and answer questions like Who’s your protagonist? What challenges do they face? Then, condense your idea into a logline, which will provide the narrative foundation. Example: A tech startup builds an AI that turns rogue.

2. Outline the story?

Craft a beat sheet with key plot points. Think of it as your roadmap—lay out the introduction, rising action, climax, and resolution. A clear outline keeps your script on track and ensures a solid structure.

3. Develop the characters?

Strong narrative scripts are character-driven. Create detailed profiles of your characters, focusing on their motivations, goals, and conflicts. Leave room for character growth and identify which voice styles will suit each character.?

4. Write the first draft

Get your ideas down on paper and focus on translating your outline into scenes, dialogue, and action lines. Your first draft is where you’ll often come up with more creative inspiration and plot twists, so don’t hesitate to explore these ideas.?

5. Format your script

Write in industry-standard format—12-point Courier font with proper margins and scene headings. This format ensures that the production crew and actors can easily understand and follow your script. You can also use screenwriting software like Final Draft to apply automatic formatting to your script from custom templates.?

6. Edit and refine?

This is where you polish your work. Trim any unnecessary dialogue, clarify action lines, and ensure your pacing feels right. Think about how to make your story more visual and impactful. Every word should push the plot forward.

7. Add AV details

In AV productions like filmmaking projects or TV shows, you need to think beyond dialogue. What will the audience see and hear? Include sound effects, camera movements, and character actions to bring your script to life.

8. Write the final draft

Go through one last round of revisions. Check for flow and pacing, and tighten up any anticlimactic scenes and inconsistencies to ensure that your script reads naturally and engagingly.?

How to add voice direction notes to your script

• Mark pauses for emphasis: Use brackets to indicate pauses.?

Example: Discover [pause] the future of AI.

• Highlight key phrases: Italics or underlining can help actors know which words to emphasize.?

Example: This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.”

Learn more tips in our free guide - how to write and format a voice over script:?

Don’t forget!?

Great scripts need great voices to bring them to life! So, when you’re ready to elevate your next AV project, head on over to Voice123 for exceptional voice over talent.

Find the perfect voice for your production today!

Until next time, keep innovating the AV scene with successful scripts!??

Chris

Content Lead at Voice123