1. Script Formats

2. Format
There are different kinds and vary for both television, radio and film.
There is the single column format:

4. Radio: Script “Americans at Work” 1939

5. Then there is
The two column format.
Typically used for Television.

6. Proper Format Essential so you don’t look like an amateur.
Common mistakes are typos, punctuation errors and poor grammar
When writing a script – Keep it simple.
They should be three hole punched.
Card stock paper in a single color.
Don’t write with fancy typography. Use courier 12 or Times New Roman.

7. For Screenplays
Titles: Should be in all CAPS and centered, about a 1/3 of the way down the page.
Can be plain underlined or in quotation marks but not both.
Should have you name centered and double spaced below the title. Not all in caps.
Your contact info
Font should be courier 12, New York, Bookman and Times New Roman.

8. Ways to format a script for TV/radio
The single column – the way most screenplays are written. This is also used in radio.

9. Summary
For a commercial idea the summary or outline might be a few sentences with the scenario or treatment ranging from a paragraph to a page.
For movies or a 1-hour drama it can be a summary of 1 to 2 pages and the treatment can be a 5th of the entire projected script.
Script preparation begins with a summary or an an outline.
The Treatment or scenario (used for television and film) is a more detailed chronological rundown of the “prospective script.” (Page 54).

10. Style… For broadcast – be brief as you are constrained by time.
25 to 30 words is equivalent to about 10 seconds.
Retain an informal tone.
Be specific. Do Not generalize or confuse the audience.
Use of Gender: Don’t assume the use of “he” or “his.” Try to generalize and include both sexes.
Gender notes: Spokeswoman, spokesman, spokesperson. You need to be sensitive to the public.

11. Radio Style Writing is more “one on one”
Material must be written as if the presenter is sitting in the audiences living room.
Personalize: Reach out to a specific audience. Try to relate.
Be natural.
Choose words that are familiar (also for TV).
Must write visually. Use words that describe that provide details.
Go to example on page 56 of the elderly couple.

12. Grammar Slang words can be used in certain circumstances.
Mostly use common language.
Spelling must be accurate – esp. for a newscast.
Verbs: Must be in present tense to an active voice with subjects doing the action.

13. The right words: Know their meaning and their spelling.
Affect v.s. effect
Advice v.s. advise
It’s and its
Your and you’re
Punctuation – gives the narrator or actor direction about the tone. Avoid abbreviations except for terms that can’t be misunderstood like Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.

14. Pronunciation Must be clear
If you have a word that is pronounced different than how it is spelling place pronunciation in all caps next to it.
Ex: We go live to Sandra Hinojos (EE-NO-HOSE).

15. One more thing – Be Accurate
When doing your own commercial – do your own outside research.
If you claim that your product is the first of its kind in the history of products - then you will need the proof to back it up.
You don’t want to be sued for False Advertising or making False Claims.
Recent Examples – Kelloggs must pay $4 million for falsely advertising mini-wheats.
Sketcher’s Shoes case - $40 million settlement.

16. ASSIGNMENTS
Read chapter 3 of Hillard if you haven’t done so already. (Quiz)
Due Thursday: Select an online or television commercial, trailer, PSA, or broadcast piece and using the two column writing style write its script.
Example: Pages 54 and 55 of Hillard. (commercials should be anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes) NOTE: you may have to re-watch it several times.