Try something new

Try something new was one of the indoor writer's goals for 2012.  By this she meant a new genre of writing and is seriously tempted to convert an existing short story into a one act play.  But if you've never written a play or script then where do you start?  What is the expected format?  How can you find out about standard layouts?
Thankfully Ian Black (IT specialist for the West Sussex Writers' Club) came to the rescue.  Ian is the club's guru on all things technical and also involved in many local theatre productions.  He's a playwright, actor and play producer.  Ian recommended a good starting point was the BBC Writers Room website.


The introduction states:
"BBC writersroom is always on the lookout for fresh, new, talented writers for a changing Britain. When we find them, we do everything we can to get their voice heard and their work produced for BBC film, TV and radio – for drama, comedy, and children’s programmes."
Which is incredibly encouraging to any writer considering writing for the BBC.  They also claim to read every unsolicited script.


The site also offers Script Smart:
"Script Smart is a set of Microsoft Word templates to help writers format their scripts."
Basically there are a set of example scripts, which you will need Adobe Acrobat to view.  These cover:
TV drama & comedy
Radio drama & comedy
Film 
Children's drama
These are actual scripts from well known BBC programmes such as: Eastenders, Torchwood, Outnumbered, Radion 4 Afternoon Play, Tamara Drew and The Sarah Jane Adventures.  Be warned - you can lose yourself for hours reading through these!
Also available are full script formats.  We checked out the UK stage format and it's an excellent template complete with guidance notes.  An ideal tool for a first time playwright.


So if you've always wanted to write a script for TV or Radio, or layout a play then check out this marvellous site and formats.
Many thanks to Ian Black for sharing his knowledge.