It goes without saying that any radio script is firstly words on a piece of paper, or perhaps increasingly word-files emailed or documents loaded into an i-pad. More importantly these words will eventually and hopefully become the spoken word so they should be viewed in this light. The format of a radio script has become standardised within the industry over the years, so all participants expect the same style of contents.
Commercial Radio Script Components – The Header
The “Header,” of the radio commercial script should give the reader all the necessary admin information and outline what’s contained in the script. It should give the following information:
- The client’s name;
- The product being advertised;
- The agency name (if appropriate) and contact name;
- The title of the script;
- The duration intended of the finished commercial, normally 10, 20,30,40,50 or 60 seconds;
- The name of the writer(s);
- Any reference details and (often) the intended radio stations; and
- A logo, if appropriate.
This information is contained in the heading of the script page and usually only on the first page. It is generally laid out as a list, left justified or centred, and even sometimes split left and right into two columns. The duration may change in the recording process, as may any planned activity on radio stations.
How to Write a Commercial Script for Radio – The Footer
It’s also wise, but perhaps not so common, to add a footer to the script template to cover copyright and contact details. This can be:
- A simple statement to outline who owns the copyright and any conditions of the written work;
- Brief contact details, either an email address or a telephone number; or
- Space for a signature of approval for recording and the date of that approval.
This footer gives the writer and the production house or the agency, not only demonstrable control of the copyright of the work, but signed approval of agreement from the client.
The Commercial Script Format for Radio
Between the header and the footer, the script itself normally has instructions, casting and inserts on one-third of the page on the left-hand side of the page and the script wording on the remaining two-thirds on the right hand side. The instructions will include some common abbreviations:
- Mvo – male voice over;
- Fvo – female voice over;
- Cvo – children’s voices;
- Sfx – sound effects;
- Atmos/Nats – atmosphere or natural sound
- Mx – mix with details of mixing music tracks, and/or sound effects.
Other instructions can be given on the script itself, or in the left hand margin. Usually, directions to the voice overs and both the types of voices and the style of delivery.
Layout of the Commercial Radio Script
As everyone has their own preferred type-face so different writers, production companies, broadcast and media organisations prefer to standardise their company's output, and as well as generally using the more standard type faces, radio scripts will often be double spaced to make it easier for actors / voices to read out loud, and sometimes also in capitals. Sound effects, music and other inserts will also be instructed by the following:
- Fade In;
- Fade Out;
- Continue Under;
- Mix Up;
- In / Start - where the insert has definite start;
- Out / End - where the insert has a definite end.
The script with all the relevant instructions and inserts should enable the piece, written and imagined by the writer or writers, to be translated by the sound engineer, together with a producer and all the voice actors and any other participants, into audio as the creator intended even without the writer being present.
Dan McCurdy - Dan McCurdy is a freelance writer producer creative and lecturer. Dan is one of the UK's most experienced radio writers and producers. ...
Join the Conversation