Marjana Aktar

Unit 22 – Scriptwriting
M1 – Explain the conventions to be used in the formatting and layout of the extract.
This document includes the formatting and layout conventions used in
my script.
COVERPAGE
This is the cover page for my script it follows the conventions of a script as it states the title of the
show, the episode and the writer. The page is also followed by the copyright confidentiality agreement
statement to protect my work. This page of the script is important as it’s the first page anyone sees
providing them with the general information they need to know of the script.

FORMATTING & LAYOUT

My script ‘On Ward’ has followed the conventions of script writing such as the page having a margins
of 1.5” to the left and right making it centred. I had made the characters were 2.2” from the margins
and the dialogue was 1.5” indent. Parenthesis being 1.6” I will make sure to add continued at the end
of every page and number each page from the top right starting from 2. My script starts off with fade
in which is the first words within the script before the scene even starts. Within formatting my script, I
made sure that the character’s names were in capitals when making an appearance for the first time
and when they had dialogue.
 Marjana Aktar
Unit 22 – Scriptwriting
M1 – Explain the conventions to be used in the formatting and layout of the extract.

SCENEHEADING
I started my script with fade in and made sure to keep the stating exterior and interior locations as slug
lines within the script also adding further subheadings. This allows the crew to know whether the
scene taking place is shot inside or outside and what time of day it is day or night.

ACTION
The action within my script is important and it tells the narrative of the script and what is going on in
the scene. Giving a description of the setting to feel the atmosphere to the actors and the way in which
the set should look like to the set designers.

CHARACTERS FIRST APPEARANCE

The characters first appearance is important as it has the description of the character of what they look
like and how their personality is – this allows the crew to know who to cast and actors playing it to
know how to portray that character. Characters first appearance is always in caps so it’s easier to
identify within the script.

PARENTHETICAL
The parenthetical in the script is important as it explicitly says the action of which the characters
should do. And the attitude in which they should uphold for a dialogue or scene. It directs the cast in
how they should carry out a scene.

DIALOGUE
This has what the characters will be saying in the scene. The lines and speech for each character. To
be able to tell the narrative through speech. This will allow us to know what is going on and will help
understand the different characters personalities through their speech and behaviour.
 Marjana Aktar
Unit 22 – Scriptwriting
M1 – Explain the conventions to be used in the formatting and layout of the extract.

MORES AND CONTINUED

These help the people reading and using the script to identify that the same character is still speaking
on the next page. And that the script is continuing on to another page.

INTERCUT
This not only indicates whether there is a change of location in the script but also when these a change
in scene it helps the editor when transitioning all the shots, to show continuity.

SUBHEADING
This is used to state a new location that doesn’t need to extensive scene heading. This just allows the
crew to know the different location that the scene needs to be filmed at.

THREE ACT STRUCTURE

Within my 5 minute scene I had included a setup which set the scene within my medical drama and
introduced the important characters within my script within my 5 minute scene I had also included the
confrontation and not ended with a resolution as I wanted to end with a cliff hanger and cause
tension.

ANGLE OF ARTICLE
My show is from the doctor’s point of view mainly focusing on Dr Brendan and Dr Martin. However
it includes other characters view therefore is not biased. There’s no stereotypes within my script so it
doesn’t offend anyone.

STYLE
My script is a multi-stranded linear script as it includes dialogue of multiple characters in the scene,
it’s linear as the script includes no flashback and goes in chronological order.

In conclusion I have justified and show evidence of industry

standard script conventions such as Fade in, Scene heading,
intercuts, parentheticals and so much more.