Six Steps for Writing a Half-Hour Sitcom Script

Dan Richter reports:

"[W]riting a 30-minute sitcom script is not as hard as you would think. As in any story, a sitcom episode has to have a well-thought[-]out plot with well-conceived characters. It will also be important to learn how to write your script in the proper format...Create a cast of characters...For a sitcom, it is advisable to create between four and eight main characters who will appear in every episode...Plot out the story lines in your script. Sitcoms, minus the commercials, are typically 22 minutes long...Every sitcom episode has a main plot (story A), as well as one or two subplots (stories B and C). Sitcoms usually have three main acts (divided by two commercial breaks), as well as a teaser scene in the beginning. Make sure that the problems or challenges of stories A, B and C are wrapped up or have some conclusion by the end of the third act...Buy or download a scriptwriting program or template such as Final Draft or the Screenwright screenplay formatting template. Both programs provide directions on where your margins should be, where the dialogue goes and where your stage directions, scene headings and character descriptions go in the script. Start each scene heading with either 'INT.' for a scene taking place indoors, or 'EXT.' for a scene taking place outdoors. Indicate where the scene is taking place and the time of day. Write the entire scene heading in caps and separate all of the information using a dash...Tab down two lines and describe what’s currently happening and which characters are in the scene...All of your scenes must start with a scene heading...Write the teaser of your script. The teaser typically consists of one or two introductory scenes that get people interested in your program and that will make them want to stick around for the whole half hour. The teaser scenes can be stand-alone...or can be the start of one of your three main plots...Write [A]cts 1 and 2 of your script, which should consist of three to five scenes in each act. In [A]ct [1] you will start each of your two or three plots by presenting a character or various characters with a problem, challenge or obstacle...Act 2 will see a continuation of plots A, B and C and show the characters’ progress in overcoming those problems or obstacles. The final scene in [A]cts 1 and 2 should feature some sort of twist or added complication that will leave the audience engaged and make them want to wait through the commercial break to see what happens in the next act...Write Act 3 of your script, which features the resolution to all of your main story lines...Keep the dialogue in your script funny. The greatest element of a sitcom is the comedic moments that come from the dialogue and actions of the characters...Have as many people read your script as you can and have them each offer you feedback."