How to Write a Radio Script
By an eHow Contributor
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Learning how to write a radio script is critical for proper execution of a radio performance. The script must include various cues for dialogue, music, and sound effects and be able to quickly and clearly communicate the writer's objectives to the cast and crew. Here is a guide on how to write a radio script.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
• Computer
1. 1
Formulate a story idea. Outline your characters, plot, setting, conflict and resolution.
2. 2
Write a narrative of the story. Put the "meat" of the story on the bones of your outline. Always keep the limitations of radio in mind. You are writing for listeners, not viewers.
3. 3
Divide the narrative into scenes, with good descriptions of setting, character, and sound effects.
4. 4
Write the dialogue based on your narrative. Let your characters and sound effects give the listener a clear picture of the action in their mind.
5. 5
Put the story into radio script format. This includes:
a. Write a page heading. This is used to specify what program or episode you're working on and what page you are on in the script. It should be placed across the top of the page.
b. Write a scene heading. This specifies the scene number, description of the scene's location, and time of day.
c. Include script cues. There are three things a listener mainly retains from a radio drama: dialogue, music, and sound effects. Each of these audio components is identified as a "cue"-because they happen at a given time in the script and the director may have to instruct someone ("cue them") to produce it.
d. Insert music cues. Varying emotions can be achieved through the choice of music. Clearly written instructions regarding music cues will greatly assist the cast and crew in influencing the mood of a given scene.