What is screenwriting or script writing, and how is a script for a short video formatted?

In one line

Script writing is writing the words and actions of a film, video, play or podcast in a set format that tells actors and crew what is seen, heard and said in each scene.

Explained simply

A script is the blueprint of a video, just as a drawing is the blueprint of a machine. Before anyone records anything, the script decides each scene, what happens, and who says what.

Technically, screenwriting is a content-creation form in the MU syllabus. A screenplay uses scene headings, action lines and dialogue. Short scripts are used for YouTube videos, ads, reels, short films and corporate videos.

How it works

1. Idea and logline: the story in one sentence (who wants what, and what stands in the way).
2. Outline: beginning (setup), middle (conflict), end (resolution).
3. Scene heading (slugline): INT. or EXT. (interior or exterior), location, time. 'INT. COLLEGE LAB - DAY'.
4. Action lines: present tense, what we see: 'Riya stares at a smoking circuit board.'
5. Character name in capitals above the dialogue, then the dialogue; brief parentheticals for tone if needed ('(whispering)').
6. Transitions (optional): CUT TO:, FADE OUT.
7. For YouTube or explainer videos: a two-column script (visuals on the left, narration/audio on the right) is common.
8. Keep it visual and short: show, don't tell; about one page per minute of screen time.

Quick example

INT. COLLEGE LAB - NIGHT

A dim lab. RIYA (18) stares at a smoking circuit board. Her friend ARJUN (18) enters with two cups of tea.

ARJUN: Still burning things?

RIYA: (sighing) The motor driver fried again. Demo is at nine.

Arjun puts the tea down, picks up the multimeter.

ARJUN: Then we have eleven hours. Let's check the wiring first.

CUT TO:

Common mistakes

• Writing long descriptive paragraphs like a novel instead of short visual action lines.
• Writing action lines in past tense.
• Dialogue that is too formal or that explains everything the audience can already see.

How MU asks it

Mostly evaluated through competitions and term work. In theory: 'Write a short script for a 2-minute video on ...' (5 marks) or within 'Explain any three forms of content creation' (6 marks). Use correct format: scene headings, present-tense action, character names in capitals and natural dialogue.