How to Write a Script for TV - Anatomy of a Screenplay Part 3

TV Show Script Format - In this episode of Anatomy of a Screenplay, we break down all the rules of writing for TV.
TV Script Format 101 ►► bit.ly/as-ts
Anatomy of a Screenplay Pt. 1 ►► bit.ly/as-pt
StudioBinder Academy ►► bit.ly/ch-sa
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Anatomy of a Screenplay Pt. III
00:43 - Screenwriting for TV vs Movies
02:07 - Chapter 1: Single-Camera Formatting
05:42 - Chapter 2: Multi-Camera Formatting
07:37 - Chapter 3: Structure
12:55 - Takeaways
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THE IMPORTANCE OF TV WRITERS
Traditionally, film is regarded as the director’s medium, and television is the writer’s. While much about TV and film has changed since this wisdom was minted, it still holds true that a great TV show requires great writing. In the previous Anatomy of a Screenplay episodes, we focused on television’s older sibling, film. Now, we look at the TV script formatting and structural conventions that go into the small screen.
HOW TO WRITE A TV SHOW SCRIPT FORMAT
First, it’s important to note that television formatting isn’t that different from film formatting. Most things, in fact, remain the same. Dialogue, scene headings, action-all these conventions are identical, at least for single-camera TV shows (more on that in a minute).
The one big difference is act headings. Most movies have an act structure, but their screenplays do not explicitly delineate where acts begin and end. TV scripts, however, do. Often bolded and underlined, a writer will mark the act’s start and completion. This is because TV writing has traditionally been made to fit in between commercial breaks, which take place in act breaks. That said, now that commercials are less relevant with streamers and cable, some TV writers have stopped noting act breaks.
MULTI-CAMERA TV WRITING 101
TV script formatting is very different for multi-camera shows (sitcoms like Friends or The Big Bang Theory). Dialogue is double-spaced, scene numbers are marked differently, and characters involved in a scene are listed under the heading. Additionally, there are “story days,” which tell crew members what day in the narrative a scene is, signaling costume changes, etc. This formatting results in these TV scripts running way longer than the typical page-per-minute rule - a 25-minute episode is about sixty pages.
TELEVISION WRITING STRUCTURE
Television writing is very different from film when it comes to structure. Most films have three acts. Drama television shows have 5-6 acts, each lasting about 10 pages. Half-hour shows vary as well. 30 Rock, for example, has two acts. A problem is presented in Act 1 and is resolved in Act 2. Other shows, meanwhile, have a more conventional 3-act structure. Where the TV show will air will affect how many acts you have.
Ultimately, a great TV show has a compelling story with memorable characters. This has to be present, no matter the format or screening context. But when getting your foot in the door, ensuring your script follows the right structural and formatting rules is crucial.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
“Opening Titles (Lost)” - Michael Giacchino
“End Credits (Lost)” - Michael Giacchino
“Wake Up” - Ben Frost
“Nancy and Barb” - Kyle Dixon
“Angel Theme” - Darling Violetta
“Seinfeld Theme” - Jonathan Wolff
“I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts
“Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs” - Kelsey Grammer
“Yo Home to Bel-Air” - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
“Pagoda of Shame” - Michael Giacchino
“Me and My Big Mouth” - Michael Giacchino
“Breaking Bad Theme” - Dave Porter
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” - The Who
“Teardrop” - Massive Attack
“House M.D.” - John Erlich & Jason Derlatka
“Here Comes The Bride” - Wagner Bridal Chorus
“Mercury” - Alon Ohana
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
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[@BRADLEY_1999]

I could watch hours and hours of the specific videos relating to screenwriting. Teaches me more and more.

[@StudioBinder]

We've got plenty in the archives if you haven't seen them yet.

[@BRADLEY_1999]

@@StudioBinder In 3 years I'll have an undergraduate degree for English Literature & Creative Writing, so these videos help a lot towards my future as a writer.

[@patrickhanser7235]

the narrator of these videos is so underrated, such a great delivery

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you think so! We love him, too.

[@merakimade7440]

I care highly of what he says, but care more that he says it. Gosh I love this narrator. 😊

[@StudioBinder]

He's good, isn't he?

[@merakimade7440]

​@@StudioBinder there aren't enough adjectives to explain..

[@CaptainZachofEarth]

I am now going to start adding teasers and tags into my script. officially leveled up in one sitting, the things I learn from this channel are immeasurable. also, I love your script writing software! it can be a bit pricey but I swear I'm trying to keep up and one day ill be able to earn and afford the professional status with my films. I've written 3 tv show episodes so far!

[@peterkalyabe7553]

“No matter the structure, ACTS all typically end on a note that makes you want to KEEP watching. And an episode ends on a note that makes you want to START the next one.”

[@StudioBinder]

And it works!

[@peterkalyabe7553]

@@StudioBinder Yes. You put it in the best way possible. Thank

[@Mikemenn]

Dudes and Duddettes. You have GOT to be more consistent in your KZbin titles. You're killing my OCD!!! Anatomy of a Screenplay [Part 1] - Movie Script Format Explained (And Why It Matters) The Anatomy of a Screenplay Part 2 - Formatting Techniques to Elevate Your Script How to Write a Script for TV - Anatomy of a Screenplay Part 3

[@StudioBinder]

Sorry for the confusion!

[@TinLeadHammer]

This would be ok if they put a link to the playlist in the description, but they haven't. Seriously, for EVERY video which is a part of a series, you need to put the link to the playlist in the description. Also, if the list is not too large, put links to individual episodes INCLUDING the current one. This will help immensely with navigation. Most people find these videos from YT recommendations and have no idea which playlist they are from.

[@alexanderdekoning9975]

This was extremely helpful, thank you, thank you, thank you. Please keep the screenwriting ones coming!

[@marcelorodriguesautor]

The guy on StudioBinder who made this awesome video about TV Writing has all my heart. Help on ways you could not imagine. Thank you. Ready to write my first drama pilot.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for that and good luck with the pilot!

[@alessandrozugno]

Incipit: an high school chemistry teacher find out that he has lungs cancer

[@StudioBinder]

It's a great premise!

[@arshanifeb]

I learn so much about filmmaking both from this channel and the website. Keep it going, guys!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Flavio-ys3hc]

I would really love to see a Studio Binder video on Succession.

[@StudioBinder]

That's a good idea! We're big fans, actually.

[@alfonta]

great opening with John Locke

[@StudioBinder]

We should start every video with Locke.

[@Hitchfred_Alcock]

waited for this! thanks StudioBinder

[@StudioBinder]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@smokey8472]

Great video! Cool to see the behind the scenes footage of Friends and the scene of "Take the Rachel". A great teasing reveal of what might happen for the rest of the season. Best film studio youtuber ever! 🎉

[@StudioBinder]

It's a classic moment from a classic show. Thanks for watching!

[@John_00762]

Can you make a video about the process of making a short film? That would be a huge help

[@StudioBinder]

That's a good idea! We'll add it to the list.

[@FirdausMuzammil]

Best channel for future film maker 🎉❤

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks! And good luck!

[@IBNothing]

StudioBinder, I love you guys. And if you do a video about Mad Men in general, or about the character of Don Draper in particular, I’ll love you even more

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the love! And that would be a good idea, too.

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Very Inspiring. And Interesting. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video. I'm really inspired to make TV shows.💯💯💯

[@StudioBinder]

All the best!

[@custodio9523]

Thank you again and again.

[@StudioBinder]

Our pleasure!

[@BusterDarcy]

Big ups for throwing back to the criminally under appreciated Buffy spin-off, Angel!!

[@StudioBinder]

Strictly for the fans!

[@gregorylagrange]

I love that show. Some of the best story line and character developing I've ever enjoyed. Charisma Carpenter with the great acting that made one of my favorite characters.

[@adibshirazi]

great video, as always👌👌

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate that!

[@JusThaxPresents]

Hilarious. A “Friends” clip followed by the “Living Single” theme. Brilliant!!!! Lol

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it! 😉

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Amazing videos as always say 🌍🌟🔥

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you like them!

[@vamshi.sundar5075]

Great work

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cameronvince1491]

Hiya! Loved the video! What's the music that comes in at 9:57?

[@HarskyMusic]

Would love to see a continuation of a directing series. A bit like directing style but even more. Love to see a Michael bay video as well maybe

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

Me too!

[@StudioBinder]

We have episodes in the works! Stay tuned.

[@ahmed_shamim2006]

Expecting a video of deep dive in Dune Part Two from Studio Binder.... Is it happening?

[@azizbekurinbaev1]

I love it

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@rytfrommars]

Can you please explain the 'tag' and 'teaser' in series screenplays @studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

Sure, the "teaser" is a short scene that plays first, before the credits, and can factor into the episode or can be a standalone scene. The "tag" is the final scene, usually to tie up a loose thread, to call back to a previous joke, or possibly set up the next episode.

[@sceroneltit]

i have a question. What does it mean in act 4 when it says "a character sustain major setbacks"? Greetings from Chile!

[@StudioBinder]

It means that often a character will be on the right track to success (whatever they're trying to do) but then something happens that throws them off course. This makes their eventual success more fulfilling (that's the theory anyway).

[@Samuel-cx4ub]

Are the movie scripts on your website that's up for anyone to read re-written or are they just the first drafts? I'm asking because I found a few mistakes when reading the Irishman script

[@StudioBinder]

They're not rewritten or first drafts. Some just have issues when importing. We'll take a look at that one. Thanks!

[@tigqc]

The LOST pilot script is actually pretty crazy if you've ever read it. It feels like there's someone sitting next to you reading you the story, but all of their words are on the page. It's a very...unique feeling.

[@StudioBinder]

Sounds like a cool experience!

[@ThousandairesClub]

*I'm a huge fan of sitcoms with 7 to 10 episodes 👍 no need to draw out what need not be drawn out...keep it simple, direct and filler free* 👌

[@StudioBinder]

Like British shows, they typically have really short seasons.

[@stephenwilliams3807]

While they're often looked down upon as poor cousins to the film writers, the output of TV writers is incredible. For instance, there were 85 episodes of The Sopranos and pretty much every episode was brilliant. That's 85 hours (or thereabouts) of high quality content.

[@StudioBinder]

Totally agree. TV has come a long way! So many shows, so many great episodes!

[@muneebak01]

Anyone knows the song between 1:43 to 1:56 ?

[@keradyon-mf9ls]

I have a question to ask it's about the green screen. I saw anchor points when I was watching a behind the scenes video of avengers infinity war What is the sole reason / use of it? Can you guys make a video of it, please? I want to understand it well. please answer my call in need😊

[@prashantpande1674]

Make a video on ACR ( action, conflict, Reversal )

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@alistercheng]

I feel like studiobinder is stalking my life.

[@StudioBinder]

Maybe... 😏

[@perlakaruna8968]

Could you make a video about mocobot camera

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion. We'll look into it!

[@elishamaokpor-zm9hg]

i can’t find part 1 or part 2?

[@matiaspereira9382]

Hey. I have more suggestions. Could you someday also make videos of Peter Jackson and Robert Zemeckis' styles? I wish to learn more things about their directing style. I have some ideas of how I might identify them but they might not always work

[@StudioBinder]

We love those guys so there's a good chance we will!

[@matiaspereira9382]

@@StudioBinder Thanks. They're some of my favorite movie directors ever. For example I noticed Robert Zemeckis usually makes movies about a vehicle but he's not the only movie director in the world who did so

[@jahosaphat]

Small screen, big ideas.

[@StudioBinder]

Well said!

[@djjoe8899]

So can this be used to create scripts for comics?

[@StudioBinder]

For comic books? No, we're sure there's a more standard formatting for that.

[@djjoe8899]

@@StudioBinder ok thank you

[@JoshuaYoung2]

You’re very first section, single camera, was defined incorrectly. Yes, originally single camera meant single camera, but even in The Office, Parks and Recreation, and other shows there was always two cameras. The definition has pretty much resulted to whether there is a live studio audience or not as opposed to, the amount of cameras.

[@SilverDSlite]

7:20 But why is dialogue double-spaced?

[@StudioBinder]

Usually because those scripts are often rewritten during production so it leaves more room for notes and changes.

[@SilverDSlite]

@@StudioBinder That makes sense, thank you :)

[@azraelle6232]

@@StudioBinder I imagine it's also easier for the actor to quickly find and read their lines.

[@kinostyle4516]

👍👍👍

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@Thegrandrat24]

Notification gang 👇

[@StudioBinder]

Howdy!

[@alioncaci]

I wonder how can you mention Breaking Bad (whose creator specifically said that would have been no Walt without Tony Soprano) and Mad Men (whose creator was in Soprano’s writers’ room before creating Mad Men), but never mention The Soprano who invented the TV as we know it…

[@StudioBinder]

We love The Sopranos. We'll make up for it in the next one.

[@solertia33]

I wish I could watch Breaking Bad for the first time again.

[@StudioBinder]

You and me both!

[@wesleyponniah4819]

Yayy first comment 😂

[@StudioBinder]

Woohoo!

[@retroforager]

HOUSE MD MENTIONED! WTF IS SENSIBLE MEDICAL PRACTICE

[@StudioBinder]

House doesn't get enough appreciation.

[@dummygamerofficial]

Ist view

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats!

[@FHK1817]

Most of the great films and tv series breaks all the rule of scriptwriting

[@StudioBinder]

Very true!

[@Chill_Mode_JD]

These PRETZELS are MAKING ME THIRSTY!!!

[@StudioBinder]

They're known to do that!

[@Chill_Mode_JD]

@@StudioBinder Seinfeld reference btw 😉

[@LightspeedTutorials]

too dry and technical to sit thru

[@AutoFOCUSED.]

nm. Qp

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!