Vileep, K. S.
Faculty Member,
DoS in Physical Education,
Kuvempu University,
Shankaraghatta.
Script Writing
Script writing (or screenwriting) is the process of writing stories in the
screenplay medium. Script writing is writing down the movement, actions,
expression and dialogue of the characters in screenplay, in screenplay format. The
process of writing a novel, a poem, or essay, is entirely different than script writing.
In order to express yourself effectively for the screen, particular formatting methods
are required. Screenplay format is used to express the story visually. Scriptwriters or
screenwriters write for film, television, video games, and now even online web
series. Script writing can be done for hire or on speculation in hopes to sell their
screenplay or find an agent.
Script writing: It is the process of writing dialogue which can be used in talk
shows, news programs, sports broadcasts and infotainment programs.
Students write in their own words to dramatize it. All about delivering a
character's motivation, emotion, priorities and background using only speech.
The Basics of Script writing
1. Characters
2. Settings
3. Conflict
1. Characters
• Start simple
• Fill up a page writing each one's story, favorite phrases, fears, loves and desires.
• Get to know them a little
2. Settings
• Characters will dictate the time and place
• Don’t spend much time about the settings
3. Conflict
• Vital component of drama and script writing.
Three types:
1. External conflict
2. Internal conflict
3. Interactional conflict
Best Practices of Scripting
1. Chunking: It is a process by which individual pieces of an information set are
broken down and then grouped together. The chunk by which the information is
grouped is meant to improve short-term retention of the material.
2. Simple language: language that is clear and easy to understand, with
no ambiguity or unnecessarily difficult words.
3. Timing: is the skill or action of judging the right moment in a situation or activity at which to
do something.
Script writing for radio broadcasting
The radio script refers to the written material, which indicates verbal and non-verbal
action that has to go into the radio program. It tells us what to do and say and when
and how.
Importance of Radio Script
Ensure accuracy of information
Ensure continuity of the program
Maximize airtime
Things to Remember in Script Writing
Double or triple space-typewrite all lines and paragraphs.
Type copy in big letter/font so the news reader can easily read it.
All spoken lines should be written in big and small letters.
All instructions and non-spoken lines should be typed in capital letters.
Have a duplicate of each copy.
Make each sentence a paragraph.
Write a page number in your script.
End each page with a paragraph before using another paper.
Make your script clean.
Make the script short and simple.
Do not use words which are hard to pronounce.
Don’t text write.
Break down long sentences for readability.
Attribute the source of your news either at the beginning or at the end of the
news.
Use easy, conversation words.
Avoid “this, that, the former, the latter”.
Use adjectives with care.
Do not string together a collection of ideas with “and”, sentences should be
kept short.
Use the active voice.
Basic Steps/Process in Radio Script Writing
Get a good briefing/know your listener
Do research about the topic
Prepare content outline
Write the first draft.
Read it aloud. Time the material.
Visualize the script
Review the script
Revise for style, correct timing, and accuracy
Script writing for telecasting
The final process of preparing a programme with shot-by-shot descriptions
along with sound, music and camera instruction etc., is known as script writing.
It may include sequence, scences, shots with description, dialogues or
narration, music and sound effects and camera instruction for different camera shots.
Points keep in mind before writing T. V. script
1. Types of audience
2. Objectives
3. Content
4. Resources
5. Limitations
6. Image perceptions
7. Script
Steps for preparing script for T.V. programme
1. Selection of subject matter.
2. Select an Appropriate topic from selected subject.
3. Determine main points of selected topic.
4. Get overall picture of programme in mind.
5. Divide into important steps and arrange in logical order.
6. Consult resource person for advise.
7. Selection of format or method of presentation.
8. Determine the participants.
9. List out all the visual, equipment and material to be used.
10. Make an outline of programme.
11. Correct out line as per suggestion of programme producer.
12. Prepare audio to each segment according to time segment.
13. Rehearse programme and add or subtract materials to fit the script into the desired
time.
14. Decide time segment according to its important in programme.
15. Decide background music or Falk dance for programme.
