How to Write a Series Script: A Short Guide!
2 min readJun 2, 2024
I often find myself contemplating the narrative behind films and series. Recently, while viewing a scene from the series “From”, its story unravels the mystery of a city in the middle U.S.A. that imprisons everyone who enters.
I have compiled the following insights on how a script is written.
After conducting thorough research and asking ChatGPT, I have compiled the following insights on how a script is written.
1. Concept Development
- Premise: Start with a clear idea or premise. What is the central theme or storyline?
- Characters: Develop your main characters, including their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships.
- Setting: Establish the setting(s) where the series will take place.
2. Series Bible
- Overview: A summary of the entire series.
- Character Profiles: Detailed descriptions of each main character.
- Episode Guide: Brief summaries of the first season’s episodes.
- Themes and Tone: Describe the overall tone and themes of the series.
3. Pilot Script
- Outline: Create an outline of the pilot episode, breaking it down into acts and scenes.
- Script Formatting: Use industry-standard script formatting. This typically involves using screenwriting software like Final Draft or Celtx.
- Dialogue and Action: Write clear, engaging dialogue and detailed action descriptions.
- Act Structure: Most hour-long pilots are divided into a teaser and four acts, while half-hour comedies typically have a three-act structure.
4. Writing the Script
- Title Page: Include the series title, episode title, and your name/contact information.
- Scene Headings: Start each scene with a heading (INT./EXT. LOCATION — DAY/NIGHT).
- Action Lines: Describe what is happening in the scene, including character actions and settings.
- Character Names: Centered and capitalized above each line of dialogue.
- Dialogue: The actual spoken words, centered and indented.
- Parentheticals: Brief instructions for actors, placed in parentheses under character names.
5. Revision and Feedback
- Review: Go through multiple drafts, revising for clarity, pacing, and consistency.
- Feedback: Share the script with trusted peers or mentors for constructive criticism.
- Polish: Make final adjustments based on feedback and ensure the script is error-free.