Instead of writing everything in prose, you will need certain headings to distinguish the different parts of the script.Īs a scriptwriter, you need to familiarize yourself with these basic elements because you will be writing with this format. One of the most clear-cut differences between a script and a novel is the format. But loosely, the term “script writing” is now widely accepted to refer to plays, movies, and TV shows alike. Technically speaking, a script is used in theater or in plays, whereas a screenplay is used for film. But you will still need basic storytelling skills in order to write a compelling script. Instead of sharing a story via the written word, screenplays and scripts are meant to be performed, and therefore experienced by the audience in a visual way.īecause of this unique dynamic, scriptwriting has different components than, say, writing a short story or novel. Writing scripts or screenplays for movies and TV shows is a dream for many aspiring writers.