Script Writing v/s Screenwriting: What’s The Difference?

Script Writing v/s Screenwriting: What’s The Difference?

If you’re starting out in the film industry, you’re most likely to hear ‘screenplay’ when referring to a script. This is because often in the film industry, these terms are used interchangeably. But are they the same? Before we find out, let’s understand what a script is.

What’s a script?

A script is an elaborately written form of a play, movie, or show. It includes the characters, plot, dialogues, locations, and other details which are necessary during the filming. A script serves as the final blueprint during the whole filmmaking process. When someone uses ‘script’, they are generally referring to the ‘Author’s script’ which focuses mainly on the story. It is in a screenplay format. Here are a few other types of script – producer’s script, shooting script, lined script, continuity script, & sides as well.

What is Screenwriting?

The term ‘screenwriter’ usually implies the writer’s creative work as the final product. A screenwriter writes screenplays, which are scripts specifically written for films, TV, or for theater. It is usually used for the big screen. As the name suggests, a screenplay is everything that is playing on the screen. So, while screenwriting, you must capture the visual essence of the story rather than focusing on the dialogues. A screenwriter may not necessarily write dialogues. Also, not all scripts are written for the big screen, but they can be for gameplay for video games as well.

What is Script writing?

The term ‘script writer’ doesn’t pinpoint any particular medium for which the script is being written. A script writer could not only be writing for film or TV but also be writing scripts outside of video production. They could be writing branching dialogue, or non-playable character bios for narrative video game development, which has a different format & use case than a screenplay.

How to commence your journey in script writing?

Script writing can be a great career prospect for the writer in you. You can dip your toe in the ocean of script writing by attaining a formal education with available crash courses. You can also do your own research to get your basics clear. Remember that you don’t necessarily require a degree to become one of the best script writers in India. You can look out for work at a creative agency or work alongside screenwriters in Mumbai as they have better experience in writing scripts for films & TV. Once you garner expertise in script writing or screenwriting, you can carve a niche for yourself.

Key takeaways:

  • The screenplay is for the big screen or TV.
  • A screenplay may or may not include dialogues.
  • Scripts are of various types.
  • A script is written on ‘Final Draft’ software.
  • 1 page of the script is equivalent to 1 minute of screentime.
  • All screenwriters are script writers but not vice-versa.
  • Do recheck your work at set intervals.
  • Don’t make silly errors or typos.
  • Do make sure that your story flows.
  • Don’t give out information the audience may not need

Author: Ankit Dadhich – I love to play board games & solve brainteasers. Apart from that, I also enjoy researching & analyzing new things to predict future trends.