Study and become familiar with how to format and write the basic elements of a script -- sluglines, action, character names and dialogue. Make a plan, such as how you will set up these elements within your script using Word. Use a template or create your own template, and follow a script outline. You can also get scriptwriting software that sets up formatting in Word for you. Writing software will save you time and help you write your script in the correct format from the beginning, says Script Frenzy.
Set up your script outline and template. Either download an existing MS Word script template or set up appropriate formatting and headings within your Word document based on the basic script elements required. Make notes about which items will go in each section.
Place sluglines, or scene headings, at the beginning of each new scene and explain the scene's setting. Set up a new scene for every shift in time and/or location. Always type sluglines in all capital letters. The three elements that make up sluglines include INT. or EXT. for interior and exterior, location and time. The elements INT. or EXT. let the crew know whether they'll be shooting on location or on a sound stage, according to Script Frenzy. Location describes where each scene takes place, and time is typically expressed as DAY or NIGHT, but it can also be specific, such as 8:59 A.M., when exactness is necessary. Only use "CUT TO" to emphasize scene shifts; otherwise, scene changes are implied with sluglines.
Include action in your script so that all readers know what's going on and which characters are in the scene. Use standard English writing rules for action, single space text and use present tense. Sluglines are responsible for anything past tense.
Center character names above dialogue so that all readers know who is speaking. Capitalize all letters in the character's name as such: KAREN. Refer to minor characters generically, such as POLICE OFFICER or CAB DRIVER.
Add dialogue under each speaking character's name and follow standard writing rules for grammar and punctuation. Keep in mind that television dialogue is written in all caps. Quotation marks are not needed around dialogue, unless a character is quoting someone else.