Identify the backdrop of the scene. Begin by telling the reader if the action happens indoors or outside by using the abbreviations "INT." for interior or "EXT." for exterior. Follow this up with a succinct description of the location followed by a dash and a time reference. This section should be bold face and written in all capitals. For example: INT. RESTAURANT -- NIGHT.
Insert dialogue. To signal that a character is talking, center-align his or her name and write the dialogue left-aligned below. Write character names with capital letters but write dialogue text normally.
Describe action happening in the scene. Signal when characters enter or exit the scene and describe any important action with detailed passages. Italicize and left-align these descriptions.
Write the slug, or name of your story, at the top of the page.
Format the rest of the page so you have two columns. The left side is primarily for the technical staff. The right side of the page is primarily for the on-air talent.
Write the name of the person you want to read the story on the top of both columns. Use capital letters.
Next make note of the video format you want to use in both columns using capital letters. Use "ON CAM" if you want your talent on screen and nothing else. "VO" means video only. Use this when you have video footage that you want your anchor to talk over. "SOT" stands for sound on tape or sound bites. "PKG" stands for package, a complete stand-alone video story with its own voice-over track and cuts of video. Make sure these video format commands line up on both sides of the page.
On the left column write down any additional information about the video that would be useful for the staff. You may want to include tape numbers and the title of the video you're using. For packages, include the "TRT" or total running time and an out cue, the final words of voice track.
Write the script on the right column. Use capital letters for anything your talent is going to read on-air. Use lower and uppercase lettering for scripts that are recorded and will be played back--packages and SOTs for example.
Write down any CGs or computer graphics you want on the left. Common CGs include names and locations.