Internet Research

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/screenplaytv.pdf

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/radioplay_script.shtml

While researching how a TV script should be set out I found a useful website by the BBC which breaks down each element required. The first page contains the TV Episode title followed by who has written the script. On the bottom left hand corner, the script should contain a contact address, a phone number and email if applicable.

On each page at the top, the episode name should be included which is placed in the center. All Teasers and Acts must begin with FADE IN: followed by a scene heading. Scene headings are typed in capitals and must indicate: interior or exterior, the location, and day or night. I learnt that a general rule is to limit a paragraph of scene action to four or five lines. Also, the script should direct which Act the page is. When introducing a new act the phrase 'ACT 1' should be used (this applies if it is the first act) and when concluding an act the text should state 'END OF ACT ONE.'

If a characters speech is interrupted by other use of dialogue or action before they continue they must be directed to do so by 'CONT'D.' When the Teaser or Act has finished this is directed to do so by 'FADE OUT.'

I also discovered that if a character will be speaking in a foreign language the actual text should be submitted in the same language as the person who'll be reading it. The script should indicate the foreign language in parenthesis Eg, (IN FRENCH). If the entire scene is to be spoken in a foreign language a note should be included in the scene action. An example of this is 'NOTE: THE DIALOGUE IN THIS SCENE IS SPOKEN IN FRENCH AND SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH.'

To indicate the passing of time through the same scene the sub-heading 'LATER' should be used.
Through my research I learnt that if a character is Off-Screen they are directed to do so by '(O.S.)'  - this is used when the character is physically present within the scene but can only be heard. Furthermore, if a voice over is used this is shown by '(V.O.)': the purpose of this is when the character is not present within the scene but can be heard via telephone or radio. Another use of this technique is when a character narrates part of the story.

If a character is speaking over the phone they are directed to do so by the phrase '(into phone)' which is placed directly under their name. When the phone call is terminated, the writer should state (hangs up) as stage directions.

If a flashback is included in the script they should be treated as separate scenes by stating whether the scene is exterior or interior, the location, time of day, date and year and the phrase 'FLASHBACK.' when the flashback has ended this will be shown by the text 'END FLASHBACK.' When the script has finished text should be included which states 'END OF SHOW.'

To improve my fourth draft script I am going to indicate when each act begins by 'FADE IN:' then when it ends as 'FADE OUT.' I would also like to include flashbacks in my script and this will be directed by the instructions written above. I may also decide to include voice overs in my script as this will give the audience a clearer understanding to the story line.