Standard script layouts

Technical operators receive new scripts every day from different production the information they need quickly and efficiently.

Normal layout

There will be slight differences from company to company, but most people have a similar standard layout.

The page is divided into two main columns. The right-hand side has the script and stage instructions, along with sound effects.

The left-hand side has the shot number, the camera number and the snot description.

Timing of programmes

Most sit-com and drama producers know how many pages they need to fill their programme duration. It sounds a bit strange, just basing it on page numbers, but it seems to work in most cases.

This is dependent on the writers strictly adhering to the programme layout format. They cannot change the number of lines per page, the font size, the column widths or anything that will increase the number of letters they can fit on a line.

Cut lines

These are placed at the end of the word (or action) after which the cut is to take place. If you place it before the start of a word it doesn’t give vision mixers long enough to react.

At the left-hand end of the cut line is the shot number. Above the line is the camera number (and sometimes the studio area being used). Below the line is a description of the shot.

Additional shots

During the rehearsal you may find you need extra shots. If you want one after shot 10, it is given the number 10A. When you create extra shots make sure you give clear information about it to the cameraman concerned, who will add it to his camera card.

Example of standard script layout