Writing Television Script

 Planning is an essential part of a serious production, and the script forms the basis for that plan. The script usually begins the production process.

 Scripts do the following:

• To Help the director

1.    clarify ideas and develop a project that successfully communicates to the viewers.

2.    Coordinate the entire production team.

3.    Determine what resources will be needed for the television production

A script is then developed based on this outline and decisions are made concerning the camera treatment for each segment.

 1. THE PRODUCTION PLAN –

THE UNSCRIPTED PRODUCTION PLAN

There are some types of program that cannot be scripted. For example, sports events cannot be controlled; you never know where they are going to go. However, the director still needs to think through a quasi-script, or what is often known as a production plan.

  THE OUTLINE SCRIPT: SEMI-SCRIPTED PRODUCTION 

The type of script used will be some production situations where talent improvise as they speak or perform—when the “script” simply lists details of the production group, facilities needed, and scheduling, and shows basic camera positions, and so on. The script may just list the order of topics to be covered. 

An outline script usually includes any prepared dialogue, such as the show’s opening and closing.

If the show is complicated, with multiple guests or events occurring, a show format is usually created. This lists the program segments (scenes) and shows the following:

• The topic (such as a college day celebration).

• The amount of time allocated for this specific segment.

• The names of all talent involved (hosts and guest

• Facilities (cameras, audio, and any other equipment and space needed).

• External video content sources that will be required.

 When the director has decided how he is going to interpret the script,

1.       each scene will be subdivided into a series of shots;

2.       each shot shows the action from a specific viewpoint.

3.       The shots are then numbered consecutively for easy reference on the script, in the order in which they will be screened.

In a live production, the program is shot in the scripted order (running order). When taping a production, the director can shoot in whatever order is most convenient (shooting order) for the crew, actors, and/or director. The director may decide to omit shots (“drop shot 25”) or to add extra shots (shots 24A, 24B, etc.).

He or she may decide to record shot 50 before shot 1 and then edit them into the correct running order at a later time.

THE SCRIPT AND PRODUCTION PLAN

Format

The show format lists the items or program segments in a show in the order in which they are to be shot. It may show durations, who is participating, 

shot numbers, and the like. Example CARING FOR THE ELDERLY/Tirunelveli Saranalayam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total duration: 15 mins 1.

OPENING TITLES AND MUSIC 00:10 2.

PROGRAM INTRO 00:30 3.

PROBLEMS OF MOBILITY 2:20 4.

INJURIES 02:15 5.

DIET 02:45 6.

 DAILY ACTIVITIES 03:40 7.

EXERCISES 01:20 8.

AIDS THAT CAN HELP 01:15 9.

CLOSING 00:25 10.

END TITLES 00:10 15:00

  

FULLY SCRIPTED SHOWS

When a program is fully scripted, it includes detailed information on all aspects of the production, as described in the following subsections.

The full script is used differently by various members of the production team. 

For the director, the script has two purposes: 

• as a reference point when developing treatment, 
• estimating the duration of sequences, planning camera moves, 

 The director’s assistant(s) follows the script carefully during rehearsals and taping, checking dialogue accuracy, noting where retakes are needed, timing sections (their durations, where a particular event occurred), and perhaps readying and cueing contributory sources, as well as “calling shots” on the intercom—for example, “Shot 24 on 

Scenes 

Most productions are divided into a series of scenes. Each scene covers a complete continuous action sequence and is identified with a number and location (Scene 3—office set). 

Shots

 When the director has decided how is going to interpret the script, each scene will be subdivided into a series of shots; each shot shows the action from a specific viewpoint.

 The shots are then numbered consecutively for easy reference on the script, in the order in which they will be screened. In a live production, the program is shot in the scripted order (running order). 

The director may decide to omit shots (“drop shot 25”) or to add extra shots (shots 24A, 24B, etc.). He or she may decide to record shot 50 before shot 1 and then edit them into the correct running order at a later time.

 

Dialogue 

The entire prepared dialogue, spoken to the camera or between people. The talent may memorize the script or read it off tele   prompters or cue cards.

Equipment

The script usually indicates which camera/microphone is being used for each shot (Cam. 2 Fishpole). Basic Camera Instructions Details of each shot and camera move (Cam. 1 CU on Joe’s hand; dolly out to long shot). 

Switcher (Vision Mixer) 

Instructions For example: cut, fade. 

Contributory Sources 

Details of where video recordings, graphics, remote feeds, and so on appear in the program.

 

 SCRIPT STAGES

 The fully scripted show is developed in several stages, as described in the following subsections.

1. Draft/Preliminary Script/Outline Script/ Writer’s Script

The initial submitted full-page script (dialogue and action) before script editing.

2.  REHEARSAL SCRIPT

A script prepared for television and used for pre-studio rehearsal. The script details the locales (settings), characters, action, talent directives, and dialogue (Table 5.3).Rehearsal script: Script prepared for television and used for pre-studio rehearsal. Script details the settings, characters, action, talent directives, and dialogue.

 3. CAMERA SCRIPT

A revised script for camera rehearsals, augmented with details of production treatment: cameras and audio, cues, transitions, stage instructions, and set changes (Table 5.4).

CAMERA SCRIPT: 

A revised script for camera rehearsals, including the details of the production treatment: cameras and audio, cues, transitions, stage instructions, and set changes.

  The camera script outlines for each camera operator the exact size of shot and precise camera moves the director expects throughout the scene. 

For example, s/he might note that s/he wants to shoot the scene in five different ways:

1 - wide shot of whole scene
2 - reaction shots of other characters in scene from WS perspective
3 - MCU on two-shot of Liz and Rico
4 - CU Liz
5 - CU Rico

Fact sheet/Rundown sheet: Summarizes information about a product or item for a demonstration program, or details of a guest for an interviewer.

Outline script: Usually includes any prepared dialogue, such as the show opening and closing.

Preliminary script/writer’s script: Initial submitted full-page script (dialogue and action) before script editing.

Running order: In a live production, the program is shot in the scripted order.

Shooting order: When taping a production, the director can shoot in whatever order is most convenient for the crew, actors, and/or director.

Show format: Lists the items or program segments in a show, in the order in which they are to be shot. It may show durations, who is participating, shot numbers, and so on.

Synopsis: An outline of the characters, action, and plot. This synopsis helps everyone involved in the production understand what is going on.

 Treatment: A film treatment, or script treatment; it is more than an outline of the production and less than a script. It is usually a detailed description of the story that includes other information such as how it will be directed.

 4.FULL SCRIPT

 It simply informs everyone about what is expected at each moment of the production. 

Rehearsal time is too precious to use up explaining what is expected of everyone as you go. The full script is a changeable plan of how the production will proceed that has details added to it as the production develops.

 Fully scripted approaches can be found in newscasts, drama productions, operas, situation comedy shows, documentaries, and commercials. 

 The full script can be a valuable coordinating document, enabling you to see at a glance the relationships between dialogue, action, treatment, and mechanics. During planning, of course, it helps the team estimate how much time there is for a camera move, how long there is for a costume change, whether rearranging shooting order will give the necessary time for a makeup change, the scenes during which the “rain” should be seen outside the windows of the library set (the audio effects introduced), and the thousand and one details that interface in a smooth-running show. 

SCRIPT BREAKDOWN DEFINITION

What Is a Script Breakdown?

A script breakdown is an important filmmaking process that allows you to identify all the script elements needed to prep, schedule, and budget a film production.

 A breakdown happens at a scene level. The person tasked with the job will create scene breakdown after scene breakdown until a full, start-to-finish script breakdown is completed. This will be used to determine technical and creative requirements for each department.

A script breakdown element is an object, person, or process that is identified when creating a scene breakdown, such as:

 

·         Cast / Characters   , Stunts,·         Special Effects or VFX

·         Livestock

·         Sound

·         Music

·         Special Equipments

 

·         Extras

·         Props

·         Set Dressing

·         Costumes

·         Makeup

·         Vehicles

·         

·          

 

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SITCOMS

 

What is TV script format?

TV script format is the term used to refer to the structure of a teleplay. Television scripts can be anywhere from 20-100 pages, but most are 25-30 for half-hour shows long shows. Unlike screenplays, teleplays are structured rigorously, and usually written for production. 

Types of TV Scripts

• 30-Minute (Comedy or Drama)
• Hour-Long (Comedy or Drama)
• Pilots and Specials

30-minute TV script format

The 30-minute structure is one of the most popular structures in all of television. The episodes themselves were 24-26 with 4-6 minutes of commercials to break up the scenes.

31 March 2024	Athu Ithu Ethu
27 April 2024	Cooku with Comali season 5
2 June 2024	Start Music season 5
29 June 2024	Mr. and Mrs. Chinnathirai season 5

Athu Ithu Ethu (transl. That This which) is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language reality comedy and game show that airs on Star Vijay and streams on Disney+ Hotstar. Hosted by Sivakarthikeyan (former) and Ma Ka Pa Anand, the first season of the show premiered on 5 June 2009. Over fifteen years, Athu Ithu Ethu has rolled out three seasons.

Season		Episodes	Original Broadcast		Host
			First Aired	Last Aired
	1	394	5 June 2009	27 March 2017	Sivakarthikeyan / Ma Ka Pa Anand
	2	74	29 July 2017	24 February 2019	Ma Ka Pa Anand
	3	TBA ((to be announced)	31 March 2024		Ma Ka Pa Anand

 

Season 2

Season 1

The first season of Athu Ithu Ethu was aired on 5 June 2009 to 2012. The show host was Sivakarthikeyan, However he left the show, but he was replaced by Ma Ka Pa Anand on 4 August 2012. The show format there are three guest celebrities who participate. The program involves three levels: (Group la Dupe, Siricha Pochu and Maathi Yosi). The season is mostly a medium to promote movies.

The Contestants are provided with a thousand points at the start and may lose points at every level. The one having the maximum number of points at the end of the three rounds eventually wins the game.

Season 2

The second season of Athu Ithu Ethu was aired on 29 July 2017 to 24 February 2019. Ma Ka Pa Anand has officially once again been appointed as the host for the second time. The show format there are Four celebrities who will participate in two teams. The program involves three Rounds: (Sing in the Rain, Siricha Pochu and  Endrathukulla).

thu Ithu Ethu returned with its 3rd season after 5 years. It began broadcasting on 31 March 2024 and airs on every Sunday at 13:30. There are three rounds (Sing In The Rain, Siricha Pochu and Kakaka Po). Ma Ka Pa Anand has officially once again been appointed as the host for the third time.

What is a Sitcom?

A Sitcom is a serialized comedic program where each episode revolves around a different situation. In each different situation, however, there is the same cast of characters who return from episode to episode. Sitcom stands for “situational comedy,” so remember, “comedy sitcoms” is redundant. The history of the sitcom has its roots in radio, with the first sitcoms like Amos ‘n’ Andy cropping up in the medium in the 1920s. Now, however, the term “sitcom” is almost solely used in reference to television shows. The typical sitcom runs anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes.

 

TYPES OF SITCOMS

 

THE MULTICAM

The multicam is probably the most instantly recognizable form these shows take, because it has the laugh track. To get these laughs, multicams are shot in front of a live studio audience (though the laughs are almost always augmented in Thus, these shows are filmed with multiple cameras, so that the audience doesn’t need to sit through repeated coverage of every scene.

The live-recorded nature of the multicam gives it a very specific feel. There’s often less subtlety in multicams, since the actors are playing not just to the camera but to the audience.

 

THE DRAMEDY

The dramedy is probably the least likely to be recognized as a sitcom. When we think of sitcoms, we think of light, silly TV. But there are plenty of dramedies which still count as sitcoms, adhering to all of the genre’s rules.

The main difficulty for dramedy sitcoms is the unchanging aspect of the characters. In situational comedies, we expect each character to be their typical selves at the beginning of each episode. But in drama, we expect to see our characters go through change. 

THE DOMESTIC COMEDY

Almost as popular as the workplace comedy, the domestic comedy is the best medium for relatable, observational comedy. In the domestic comedy, the audience is a fly-on-the-wall as beloved characters go about their day, navigating friends, family, and romance.

STRUCTURE OF A SITCOM

That’s the first rule of a sitcom: it shouldn’t be over thirty minutes long. For lots of American TV, this holds true with advertising included, which means that shows aren’t more than 25 minutes.

The second takeaway of this video is that the plot points it describes are essentially

rephrased. The characters and their circumstances cannot be significantly altered by the end of the episode. To do so would blow up the repetitive rhythm of the genre. 

WHAT IS A SITCOM?

The structure of “sitcom”:

1.     Exposition:

2.     Inciting Incident:

3.     Break into Act 2:

4.     Rising Action:

5.     Midpoint:

6.     Break into Act 3:

7.     Climax:

8.     Finale:

A great sitcom has to ring true to an audience, have indelible characters, and, most of all, be funny.

 

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Creating a news script- video production

 

Creating a news script can be challenging. The news anchors script will use the news anchor and all crew members. The script will format news stories into a format that can be captured into a new show.

The two questions in the news script:

• What is the central message of your story?
• Who is your audience?

Developing a successful script is organization. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to manage and create a solid script.

First determining how much time you have to deliver your news presentation. Next, you would decide how many topics you want to cover. For example, if you are producing a college sports day broadcast and you want to cover the following topics:

1.     Introduction/Local Happenings

2.     Daily announcements

3.     College  activities: club meetings, etc. 

4.     Sport activities

5.     PTA activities

Once you have identified the number of individual topics, divide that number into the amount of time you have. If you cover five topics and have 10 minutes for the video presentation, you now have a reference point for an average of 2 minutes of discussion per topic. You can quickly see that your writing and verbal delivery must be concise.  Once you determine the average amount of time for each topic, it is now time to identify your content. 

The basis of any story in your newscast will answer the following:

Who, What, Where, When, How, Why? 

You will want to begin each new topic with an introduction line –a very brief summary of the story. Next, you will want to immediately deliver only the minimal amount of information possible to get your point across. When presenting a newscast, you do not have a lot of time to tell a story. Every second that you record must be accounted for with narration and a corresponding visual.

 An interesting way to approach a news script is to identify the following steps in one or two sentences.

1.     Introduction/summary (who)

2.     Establish the scene (where, what)

3.     Discuss the topic (why)

4.     Solutions (how)

5.     Follow-up (what's next)

 To make your script perfect, the video should include graphics. You can also use stage props or interviews to convey stories in more excellent detail.

The narration speed should not be too fast; otherwise, the audience might be confused. Of course, if the narration is too slow, the audience might lose interest. Hence, the news reporter must speak at the right speed as the program progresses.

A good method to help students better understand news reporting is to listen to various news programs. By listening to other news programs, you will learn different ways and styles of expression from each reporter.

The cameras are positioned at the same height as the reporters to appear talking to you directly.

There are three distinct parts in the following script example: time, video, and audio.

The time column contains the duration in which the reporter or news anchor should spend reading the script.

 The Video column contains the necessary visual effects and should be in sync with the script video.

 A-Roll refers to a specified program or live program video.

B-Roll is usually the pre-recorded video for enhancing visual effects.

The rightmost column contains the audio components.

You can see that this template provides you with some critical information.

Based on this composite information, you can see if the visuals will match the narrative and change accordingly. You may need more or fewer visuals to stay in sync with what is being read. You may need to increase or shorten the narrative to make your video look better.

Using a news script template is a tremendous tool that will give you an excellent video production.

 

 source https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.datavideo.com%2Fin%2Farticle%2F501%2Fhow-to-write-a-news-script-and-how-to-teach-students-to-write-a-news-script&psig=AOvVaw1_j7IPILsMMxLmnE3OyRtS&ust=1723857543155000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=2ahUKEwiV3qX1q_iHAxUb1jgGHbOhDb8Qr4kDegQIARBk

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