Types of Scriptwriting
Scriptwriting is the art and craft of creating written content that forms the
blueprint for visual, audio, or performative media. Depending on the medium—film,
television, theatre, radio, documentary, or multimedia—scripts follow different formats,
structures, and purposes. This study material provides detailed explanations of the different
types of scriptwriting, along with examples, to serve as a comprehensive learning resource.
1. Screenplay (Film & Television)
A screenplay is a detailed script written for films or television shows. It includes dialogue,
scene headings, action descriptions, and technical directions. The format is standardized to
help directors, actors, and crew visualize and produce the story. Screenplays are generally
divided into acts, sequences, and scenes, with a clear three-act structure being the most
common. Example: The script for 'Inception' by Christopher Nolan follows precise
formatting to guide both performance and cinematography.
2. Stage Play (Theatre Script)
A stage play script is intended for live performance in a theatre. It focuses on dialogue and
stage directions, as there are no camera movements to consider. The script specifies where
characters enter and exit, their actions, and how they interact with the stage environment.
Plays are typically divided into acts and scenes. Example: William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' is
structured into five acts, each containing multiple scenes.
Structure and Format
Acts and Scenes – Stage plays are often divided into acts (major story sections)
and scenes (smaller segments set in specific locations or times).
Character List – Includes all characters in the play, often with brief descriptions.
Dialogue Format – Character names are written in uppercase, followed by their
spoken lines.
Stage Directions – Italicized or bracketed instructions describing movement,
emotion, props, or lighting cues.
Setting Descriptions – A brief note at the beginning of each scene that tells
where and when the action takes place.
3. Radio Play (Audio Drama)
A radio play is designed for an audio-only medium, relying on dialogue, music, and sound
effects to convey the story. There are no visuals, so descriptions are embedded into
character lines or narration. The script includes precise cues for sound effects and timing.
Example: The 1938 broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds' by Orson Welles is a famous radio
drama that caused public panic due to its realistic presentation.
Sound-Centric Storytelling – Every detail must be communicated through voice,
sound effects, or music.
Imaginative Engagement – Listeners visualize the scenes in their minds, making
descriptive audio vital.
Precise Audio Cues – Timing of sounds is crucial to create immersion and clarity.
No Visual Reliance – The script cannot depend on facial expressions, scenery, or
physical gestures for storytelling.
4. Documentary Script
A documentary script blends factual content with narrative storytelling. It often includes
narration (voice-over), interviews, and visual sequences. The script may be fully written
beforehand or partially created during editing, depending on the documentary style.
Example: Nature documentaries like BBC's 'Planet Earth' have meticulously crafted scripts
to guide both shooting and post-production.
Purpose
Inform & Educate – Provide factual information on a specific subject.
Preserve Truth – Ensure the content remains accurate and based on verifiable
sources.
Engage Emotionally – Use storytelling techniques to make facts more relatable
and impactful.
5. AV (Audio-Visual) Script
An AV script is used for corporate videos, advertisements, training modules, and other
multimedia presentations. It is usually formatted in a two-column style—one for visual
descriptions and the other for corresponding audio. This ensures synchronization between
visuals and spoken content. Example: An advertisement storyboard script will outline both
the camera shot and the exact voice-over text.
6. Shooting Script
A shooting script is the finalized version of a screenplay used during production. It includes
numbered scenes, camera angles, and detailed technical instructions. This script helps the
production team plan the shoot efficiently and ensures that everyone works from the same
version.
7. Bound Script
A bound script is the printed and officially bound final version of a script. It is used during
production to ensure that all team members have the exact same reference. The binding
prevents pages from being lost or altered. Bound scripts are often legally recognized
documents in professional film and theatre productions.
Purpose and Importance
Final Blueprint – A bound script serves as the official blueprint for everyone
working on the production, from actors and directors to camera operators and set
designers.
Consistency – By locking the script, everyone works from the same page,
avoiding confusion caused by ongoing revisions.
Budget & Schedule Control – Once bound, the script allows the production team
to finalize shot lists, locations, schedules, and budgets without worrying about
major rewrites.
8. Storyboard Script
A storyboard script combines written descriptions with drawn panels to visually map out
each scene before filming. It is common in animation, commercials, and complex film
sequences. Storyboards help directors and cinematographers plan shots and transitions in
advance.
9. Spec Script
A spec script is written on speculation, meaning it is not commissioned but created to
showcase a writer’s talent or to pitch a project. It focuses on storytelling and character
without detailed technical instructions. If a production company buys the script, they may
adapt it into a shooting script.
