Radio drama script

When submitting a script to a radio producer, it must be presented in a

particular format. A list of recommendations follows and we advise wherever
possible that you follow these.
1. Scripts must be typed or printed. Hand-written scripts will be returned
unread. The script should be double spaced with a clear, 12 point font. Do not
send scripts printed or photocopied so faintly that they are difficult to read.
2. Please use A4 sized white paper, and use one side of the paper only.
3. Names of characters should be clearly separated from the speech and
should be given in full throughout. You know who Mrs B. is but the reader
might not.
4. Sound effects and other technical information should also be clearly
differentiated from the speech.
5. Always attach a synopsis of the play, even with a completed script,
together with a full cast list and brief notes on the main characters.
6. Always keep a copy of your script.
7. Make sure that all pages are firmly fastened and numbered consecutively.
(Rehearsal scripts number each speech, starting afresh at the top of each
page, but this is not necessary when first submitting.)
8. If you want your manuscript returned, enclose a stamped addressed
envelope.
9. Please remember that you may have to wait some time, often several
months, before you get a response.
Specimen Layout

(INTERIOR. SMALL BEDROOM ACOUSTIC. CLOSE TO MIC MUFFLED

BREATHING SUGGESTS THAT THE SLEEPER HAS HIS HEAD UNDER THE
BLANKETS. WHICH HE HAS. HIS THOUGHTS ARE AWAKE HOWEVER.
AND OCCUPY A LIMBO. INDICATED BY A SLIGHT ECHO.)
1. PREBBLE: (thoughts) I must say in concluding, Mr. Chairman - to conclude,
that is, the preamble to my preliminary thoughts on this matter. Or, to put it
more succinctly - the summation, as it were, of our serious thinking during
our anticipatory study.....
2. CHAIRMAN: (thought acoustic) Get on with it, Prebble.
3. PREBBLE: I must seek the Board's indulgence if I go - briefly, I may add,
briefly through the points which seem to me to lie
4. CHAIRMAN: One minute, Prebble, I warn you. You know what'll happen.
5. PREBBLE: No, please, Mr. Chairman. I'm going as fast as I can -
6. CHAIRMAN: Ten seconds.
7. PREBBLE: No! You're counting too fast.
8. CHAIRMAN: Too late. Bring in the gong.
9. PREBBLE: No. (pleading) Not the gong. I tried. I tried. (A LOUD. DEEP-
TONED GONG. SOUNDS RHYTHMICALLY. LIKE A GIANT CLOCK STRIKING.)
10. PREBBLE: (moaning) Oh, no. No. Stop. Please. I can't - I can't bear -
(AT THE LAST TRIUMPHANT GONG. THE SOUND TURNS INTO A CHEAP
ALARM CLOCK. RINGING IN THE BEDROOM.)
11. PREBBLE: (normal voice, waking up) Hmm? Oh - what time is it?
12. MRS HANDS: (approaching) Morning Mr. Prebble. I've brought you tea.
But you'll have to be quick. It's the board meeting this morning and you never
set you alarm right, did you?
(CUT TO INTERIOR LARGE LIMOUSINE. TRAFFIC PASSING.)
13. CHAUFFEUR: Thought I'd come this way, Mr. Prebble. Can't get round
Hyde Park Corner. Protest March.