Script writing is an art that requires precision, creativity, and an understanding of the medium. Here are some examples of different types of scripts to demonstrate the structure, format, and style unique to each category. These examples can serve as inspiration for budding scriptwriters and provide insights into how to approach various genres and formats.
1. Movie Script Example: Drama
Title: “The Last Goodbye”
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY PARK – DAY
A peaceful park on a sunny afternoon. Trees sway gently in the breeze. Birds chirp. We see EMMA (30s, early 30s, brunette, wearing a flowing red dress) sitting on a bench, staring ahead with a solemn expression.
EMMA (V.O.) (soft, reflective) They say time heals all wounds, but sometimes… time only reminds you of the ones that never truly heal.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK – EXT. CITY PARK – TWO YEARS AGO
A younger Emma, with the same red dress, but holding hands with JAMES (30s, athletic, charming). They are laughing, carefree, sitting on the same bench.
JAMES (grinning) We’ll always have this park, right? This is where it all started.
EMMA (smiling, teasing) And where it ends?
JAMES (with a wink) Not in a million years.
CUT BACK TO:
EXT. CITY PARK – DAY
Emma’s expression darkens as the memory fades.
EMMA (V.O.) But life doesn’t always go as planned. And some goodbyes… are forever.
FADE TO BLACK.
2. TV Script Example: Sitcom
Title: “Family Chaos”
INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
The setting is a cluttered family room. JENNY (40s, busy mom) is trying to organize the couch cushions, while DAVE (40s, sarcastic dad) sits on the couch, flipping through TV channels. Their teenage daughter, LUCY (16), enters with a stack of homework.
LUCY (dramatic, holding up a paper) I’m failing, Mom. I’m seriously failing.
JENNY (without looking up) What, the math test? You’re fine, honey.
DAVE (mockingly) No, no, no. She’s failing life. Look at that stack of books. The only thing she’s excelling at is procrastination.
LUCY (rolling her eyes, sitting down) That’s the most dad-like thing you’ve ever said.
DAVE (smiling, proud) It’s an art.
JENNY (sighing) You know, your dad actually has a point. Maybe if you stopped texting your friends during class, you’d pass.
LUCY (sarcastically) Oh, great. Now I’m grounded AND failing.
DAVE (grinning) It’s the ultimate double whammy.
JENNY (deadpan) Oh, look. I found your backpack under the couch cushions.
DAVE (laughing) It’s a miracle.
LUCY (mocking) Great. Now I’m failing AND losing my stuff.
FADE OUT.
3. Short Film Script Example: Thriller
Title: “The Stranger”
INT. DARK ALLEY – NIGHT
The alley is dimly lit by a flickering streetlamp. SARAH (late 20s, nervous, looking over her shoulder) walks quickly, clutching her purse tightly. Her heels echo against the concrete. Suddenly, a figure steps out of the shadows behind her.
STRANGER (low, menacing) Nice night for a walk, isn’t it?
Sarah freezes, her breath quickens. She glances over her shoulder to see a man, tall and cloaked in darkness, standing a few feet away. His face is obscured by a hood.
SARAH (nervously) I… I need to get going.
STRANGER (stepping closer, smirking) I don’t think you’re going anywhere.
SARAH (voice trembling) Please… leave me alone.
The stranger takes another step closer. Sarah stumbles back, her hand slipping into her purse. She pulls out a small pepper spray canister.
SARAH (defensive) Don’t come any closer!
The stranger stops, but then his expression changes. He chuckles, as if enjoying her fear.
STRANGER (softly, almost amused) Don’t worry. You’re safe.
SARAH (confused, hesitant) What do you mean?
The stranger steps into the light, revealing a familiar face. It’s JAMES, her older brother.
JAMES (smiling) Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention. You were lost in thought back there.
SARAH (breathing a sigh of relief) James… you scared the crap out of me!
JAMES (laughing) That’s the point. Always be aware of your surroundings, sis.
SARAH (shaking her head, smiling) You’re unbelievable.
FADE OUT.
4. Commercial Script Example: Product Promotion
Title: “Fresh Start – Morning Coffee Commercial”
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY STREET – MORNING
A bustling city street. People rush by, heading to work. The sun is rising, casting a warm glow. A woman, CLAIRE (30s, confident), walks briskly with a cup of coffee in hand. She takes a sip, and a smile spreads across her face.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (bright, energetic) Start your day with a fresh perspective, and the perfect cup of coffee.
CUT TO:
INT. COFFEE SHOP – MORNING
Claire enters a cozy coffee shop. The barista, JAMES (20s), greets her with a warm smile. She holds up her coffee cup to show off the logo.
CLAIRE (grinning) I can’t imagine my morning without it.
NARRATOR (V.O.) Whether you’re on the go or taking a moment to unwind, make your mornings better with Fresh Start Coffee.
CUT TO:
EXT. CITY STREET – MORNING
Claire sips her coffee, watching the city come alive as she walks confidently down the street.
NARRATOR (V.O.) Fresh Start Coffee – Because every great day begins with a great cup.
FADE OUT:
TEXT ON SCREEN: “Fresh Start Coffee – Find Your Perfect Brew.”
Script writing examples offer insight into the diversity of storytelling across different media. From movies to TV shows, short films to commercials, each format requires its own structure, tone, and pacing. These examples serve as a foundation for aspiring scriptwriters to develop their skills and create compelling narratives in a variety of genres.