A script outlines every element needed to tell a story through audio, visuals, behaviors, and dialogue. There are different types of scripts for film, television, theater, and radio. The purpose of a script is to provide a blueprint for the director, producers, and actors to follow to bring the writer's vision to life and tell the story.

1. What Is A Script?
Unit 24
By Chelsie Brandrick

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Film Scripts
Film scripts can
be 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/setti
ng/time of
day
Character
name
2nd
Character
name
Dialogue

6. Television Scripts
A 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

7. Theatre Scripts
Theatre 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/Scen
e number
Character
name
Song
lyrics
Song title

8. Radio Scripts
Details 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.
Title
Duration
Sound
effects
Music Dialogue

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Any Questions?