How to Write a TV Script

Television is a sought after industry. Episodic television staff writers are the highest paid writers in the business. They have to create storylines each week that will entertain an audience and challenge their characters while pushing them in new directions and they have to maintain the same tone and voices week to week. It's not easy but you too can write a television script.

Things You'll Need

• screenwriting software

Instructions

1. Take screenwriting classes. These classes will teach you plot development, how to work with multiple storylines, character development, how to write dialogue, format and structure techniques. Anyone can write a story but what makes a good story? Screenwriting classes will teach you this.

2. Read television scripts. Read scripts from several different television shows. You'll notice the differences in style, tone, length and overall format. Half hour shows have a different structuring then hour long shows do. Figure out what show you want to write a script for. Read as many episodes as you possibly can. Make sure you read the most recent scripts so that when you develop a storyline you'll be up to speed about each character's situation.

3. Develop a couple possible storylines. Check over the master list of storylines on the show's website to make sure you're not repeating any storylines or doing anything that is very close to a previous story. Once you've picked a storyline develop supplemental storylines. In a comedy half hour show there's typically an A story and a B storyline but some have a third C storyline. So that's one main and one to two supporting. In an hour long there is usually an A story, B story, C story, and D story. So one main and three to four supporting. Just remember not to let things get too out of hand. Your main story needs to remain so, don't make your supporting storylines so outragous that they outshine the A story.

4. Outline your stories. Intertwine the storylines based on the act breaks. A half hour show has four acts, an hour long has a teaser plus five or a teaser plus six. The act break is when the commercials begin. Each act break should end on a cliffhanger moment or something enticing and interesting that will make the viewers sit through the commercials to see what happens. Read over you outline to make sure it all makes sense and the stories all fully develop throughout the episode.

5. Open your screenwriting software and open a new document under the television show heading. The format will be filled in for you with the automated keys in Final Draft and other programs. Now just put your story on the page. Make sure that you use a consistant voice for each character throughout the entire episode. Check through other scripts for questions on each character's diction and tone. You want their voice to truly be theirs. After you've finished your script put it aside for a few days. Go back and read it over later to make sure it still makes sense and the characters ring true.

Tips & Warnings

• Read television scripts then watch the episode to see the script to screen reality.

• Don't stray from the show's format and style