How to format a script

If you're creating comedy for the TV, radio, stage or film you probably need to communicate your dialogue and instructions via a script. This tutorial walks you through how you should format your document, what it should and shouldn't include, and what tools you can use to make your life easier.

Each BCG Pro Tutorial comprises a number of modules, each of which offers one or more topics (pages) in turn. Begin your journey by picking from the below.

Modules

1. Why?

   An explanation about why scripts are laid out the way they are.

2. Software

   Computer programs can help with script formatting.

3. Examples

   We look at some real scripts, to discuss the common attributes of them.

4. Formatting a TV script

   Now into the nitty-gritty of how to apply formatting.

5. Formatting a radio script

   Scripts aimed at the radio have a few different instructions to learn: discover GRAMS, ATMOS and FX.

6. Advanced formatting

   Details on a few additional formatting conventions you might need, for advanced tasks.

7. How much should I write?

   How many pages should your script be?

8. Saving your script

   You'll need to export your script for others to read/use.

9. Conclusion

   A reminder of the key to script writing.