What Is A Script? Unit 24By Chelsie Brandrick

Introduction

In this presentation I shall cover:• What a script is• The different types of scripts• The purpose of a script

What Is A Script?

• A script is a document that outlines every aural, visual, behavioral and lingual element requirement to tell a story.

• A script is a highly collaborative medium as the writer, director, producer and actors can all have input.

• The script is an outline of the story that the director, producer and actors can build on to create the writers vision.

Types Of Scripts

• Film Script – Hollywood motion pictures, short or independent films.

• TV Script –Television programmes, commercials.

• Theatre Script –Stage plays or performances.

• Radio Script – Radio interviews, segments or programmes.

Film ScriptsFilm scripts canbe called screenplays. This example of a film script contains most of the required elements. Visual cues and details are very important to help the actors and director to accurately represent the writers vision.

Descriptive language to set the scene

Scene number/setting/time of day

Character name

2nd Character name

Dialogue

Television ScriptsA TV script is similar to a film script but there are some notable difference, such as, the series and episode is titled at the top of the page along with the page number and air date. These are added to create distinctions between scripts as several are produced in a short space of time due to the serial nature of television.

Page number

Air dateShow title

Episode title

Opening credits labelled ‘teaser’- A common trope for televised series’

Act number

Scene number

Theatre ScriptsTheatre scripts make note of actor placement on the stage. Instead of transitions in film and TV, theatre transitions are noted as ‘curtains’ opening/closing. This example is from a musical and shows how dialogue can turn into song lyrics.

Opening stage instructions

Act/Scene

number

Character name

Song lyrics

Song title

Radio ScriptsDetails are vital in a radio script and the visual cues are absent as the medium only features audio.Sound effects, music and transitions are still present.

TitleDuration

Sound effects

Music Dialogue

Purpose of Scripts• The purpose of a script is to tell a story and

enable the reader whether it’s the director or an actor to know what they need to do in order to bring the story to life.

• The script offers a blueprint or outline for the director to work from in order to produce the writers vision.

• Directors can use the script to make a shooting script which can help speed the process up and show the director what to shoot when which can save money.

Conclusion

A script is an outline of the story that directors, actors, producers and camera operators can use to know how to bring the story to life. Scripts are used in film, television, radio and theatre and are the foundation to creating a project. A correctly formatted script will enable the crew to be organised and work in unison which will create a better product.

Any Questions?