script

>a written material that tells the announcer exactly

what to say or do, as well as when and how to say it

(Lustria et al., 2001)

>contains dialogue, as well as directions for music,

voicing, and sound effects that must go into a program

(Tabing, 2002)

Script: Importance

1. It ensures smooth program continuity.

2. It ensures accuracy of information.

3. It helps in organizing information.

4. It aids in proper program timing.

Script: Types

1. News script

✓news program requires a full-blown script because accuracy and relevance of information is a prime
requisite

2. Interview script

✓scripting an interview is discouraged

✓ to ensure accuracy of statements

3. Public service announcements (PSA)

✓usually come from people who are not part of the station

✓the information is written for the announcer to read during his broadcast if there is still time to do so

4. Drama script

✓interplay of dialogue, sound effects, and music must be carefully studied or planned
Scrip Format

The title page

page contains the necessary information about the program.

• The body of the script may also begin on the title page if there is still space.

• The name of the station, the frequency, and its call sign must appear on the upper left-hand portion of
the title page.

• Below the station box, write the title of the program, the date and time of broadcast.

• Below the station box and at the center of the title page the following are: the personnel involved,
and their respective roles indicated.

• Further down, start the body of the script.

The inside pages

• Repeat the title of the program or production on the upper left-hand corner of each page.

• Place the page number just after the title but separate it with a couple of dashes or dots.

double-spaced, using only one side of the paper.

Double spacing will make the script easier to read and corrections can be easily inserted.

• Type in capital letters everything that is not to be actually read on the air like directions for sound
effects, music, names of characters, etc.

• Underline directions for and titles of music. This helps the one handling records or sound effects on
discs (the spinner) or in the computer to locate directions quickly.

• Write the names of speakers on the left margin and begin the speech or dialogue farther to the right
of the same line.

• Indicate music titles, sound cues, etc. on the left margin, then continue with the directions in the body
of the copy.

• Music or stage directions occurring in the body of the speech should be enclosed in parentheses and
written in capital letters so that an actor will know not to read them as part of his lines.

• Never hyphenate a word at the end of the line to avoid syllabicating it incorrectly and having the
reader mispronounce it. Carry the entire word on the next line.
• If the speech of a single character must be continued on the next page, write “more” at the bottom of
the page so that the reader will be prepared for the continuation.

• For scripts involving more than two speakers, number every line on the left margin. Begin with a set of
numbers (from 1 and so on) at the top of the page. By doing so, the parts that may be cut would be
indicated quickly and the speakers can easily locate references by the director for special attention.

• Never staple together the script pages. They must be loose so that the speakers can just drop each
page as they finish reading their part. Or, staple at the bottom left end of the script. This way, the page
will make less noise when flipped over than when the page is stapled at the top.

Example of an inside page: