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TV, MOVIE AND PLAY SCRIPTS Are They Different?
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s it a TV show, is it a movie, or is it a play? If you’re about to write a dramatised script, you’ll need to decide which medium you are writing for before you start tapping away at the keyboard. While there are many similarities across all three, there are some important differences to be aware of that will determine how well your script can be adapted to the appropriate form. If you haven’t decided yet whether your idea fits best on stage, at the movies or on TV, working through these factors may help to crystallise your vision.
Writing for TV If you plan to write a TV series, there are some features that are unique to TV. A TV series does not have to capture an audience for a mere two hours, but over an entire series, or multiple series. There are two key elements to writing a successful TV series – first having a killer pilot episode to hook your prospective
producer, and second, having characters that your audience will want to invite into their homes every week. Having a strong set of characters, each with their own set of unique characteristics, such as the Friends characters, will open up opportunities storylines for each episode. With recognisable characters who consistently make the same mistakes, each episode does not have to be jam packed with drama (again, think of the Friends convention, e.g The one where Monica gets a roommate). Characters change gradually because, just like family members, we love or loathe them for who they are. Another unique characteristic of TV writing, is that once the series is being filmed, each new episode will be written by a team of writers. This means that your vision for your characters, plot and episodes must be easily picked up and interpreted by other writers.
