SCRIPT WRITING FOR TELEVISION

Script writing is the art and craft of writing scripts for mass media like television production, feature or documentary films.

We can also say this is the art of writing for different programme.

Basic rules for script writing

1.      Script writers must use A4 size papers

2.      Writers must use unrattling paper

3.      You must use only one side of the paper

4.      You must number all pages for easy reading

5.      Writers must have a copy of the script

6.      Copies made must be clean

Rules for double column T.V. script

A double column script is divided into two parts i.e. the video part and the audio part. The video part is on the left side and everything should be in capitals letters or uppercase except for the titles and graphics where they are to be shown. Anything that cannot be spoken should be written in capital letters.

The audio part is in the right side and everything here should be in small letters.

Camera shots, camera direction, transition types and names of all characters must be written in capital letters.

Writing for the eye and ears (audio visual)

1.      Broadcast writing should be brief

2.      Should retain an informal tone

3.      Be specific

4.      Writer should know he is writing for one person

5.      Be natural

Sample of a Television Script

SLAG: LAKE VICTORIA                                                  DATE: 19TH APRIL,2018 WRITER: MICH MAKYOTTO                                         TIME: 9:00 PM
VIDEO	AUDIO
OPENING CREDITS AVIATION STUDIO PRESENT LAKE VICTORIA TRANSITION:FADING IN ESTABLISHING SHOT OF LAKE VICTORIA LONG SHOT FISHERMEN IN BOAT	SFX  kisumu 100 NARR: Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water lake in Africa. NARR: It covers an area of 80,000 square km. It is 300 m deep. The lake is fed by permanent and seasonal rivers.
LONG SHOT FISHERMEN AT THE SHORE TRANSITION: FADING OUT MID SHOT FISHERMEN SELLING TO BUSINESS WOMEN	SFX  Tony Nyadundo NARR: The lake has improved the living standards of the people in a variety of ways. Fishermen selling fish to women.
LONG SHOT OF FISHERMEN REMOVING NETS FROM THE BOAT	NARR: Fishermen undergo a lot of challenges as they pull the net in the boat when it is full of fish
CLOSE UP SHOT OF WOMEN FRYING FISH	NARR: Business women fry and sell their fish to hotels and restaurants for a higher fee.
CLOSE UP SHOT OF FISH	NARR: Fish is important in the livelihood of the people who live around Lake Victoria. Not only is it nutritious but also brings in a lot of cash to people in Lake Victoria.
I/V FISHERMAN	VOICE: Today we had a good catch but during the rainy season we usually have a lot of problems. The government should try solve all these problems soon, for us to benefit more