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Communication Studies and Language › Media Studies

Scriptwriting for Audio and Visual Media Training

SAQA US 243971 | NQF 5 | Credits 15 | Duration 12 Days
From $2,214 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to write effective scripts for audio and/or visual media, including radio, television, film, and digital platforms. Participants will learn to structure narratives, develop characters, and produce scripts that meet industry standards and audience expectations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply scriptwriting principles to develop concepts for audio and/or visual media.
  • Design well-structured scripts with appropriate narrative elements and formatting.
  • Analyze target audiences and media requirements to tailor scripts effectively.
  • Evaluate scripts for coherence, dialogue, and technical specifications.
  • Demonstrate ability to revise and finalize scripts based on feedback.
  • Implement industry-standard script formats and terminology.

Target Audience

Aspiring scriptwriters, content creators, media professionals, and anyone involved in producing audio or visual content who needs to develop or refine their scriptwriting abilities.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Scriptwriting for Audio and Visual Media

Objectives:
• Understand the role of scriptwriting in audio and visual media.
• Identify different types of scripts and their formats.
• Explore the scriptwriting process from concept to final draft.
• Recognise the importance of target audience and purpose.

Topics:
• Overview of audio and visual media industries.
• Types of scripts: radio, TV, film, corporate video, podcasts.
• Key elements of a script: dialogue, action, description, formatting.
• The scriptwriting workflow: idea, outline, draft, revision.
• Introduction to scriptwriting software and tools.
• Ethical considerations and copyright basics.

Day 2: Story Structure and Narrative Techniques

Objectives:
• Apply classic story structures to scriptwriting.
• Develop compelling characters and dialogue.
• Use narrative techniques to engage audiences.
• Create effective scene and sequence outlines.

Topics:
• Three-act structure and other narrative models.
• Character development: archetypes, backstory, motivation.
• Writing natural and purposeful dialogue.
• Subtext and exposition.
• Scene planning and sequencing.
• Case studies of successful scripts.

Day 3: Formatting and Industry Standards

Objectives:
• Format scripts according to industry standards.
• Use scriptwriting software for proper layout.
• Differentiate between audio and visual script formats.
• Apply correct terminology for camera directions and sound cues.

Topics:
• Standard script format: Courier 12pt, margins, sluglines, action, character cues.
• Audio script format: dual-column (audio/video) for radio and podcasts.
• Visual script format: screenplay format for TV and film.
• Using Final Draft, Celtx, or free alternatives.
• Common formatting errors and how to avoid them.
• Industry expectations for submission.

Day 4: Writing for Radio and Podcasts

Objectives:
• Write scripts tailored for audio-only media.
• Use sound, music, and silence effectively.
• Create engaging audio narratives and interviews.
• Understand the role of voice talent and pacing.

Topics:
• Characteristics of radio and podcast audiences.
• Writing for the ear: clarity, rhythm, and repetition.
• Incorporating sound effects, ambience, and music.
• Scripting interviews and panel discussions.
• Timing and pacing for audio segments.
• Reviewing and critiquing audio scripts.

Day 5: Writing for Television and Film

Objectives:
• Write scripts for visual storytelling.
• Describe visual elements and camera directions.
• Structure scenes for maximum impact.
• Collaborate with directors and producers.

Topics:
• Visual storytelling: show, don't tell.
• Camera directions: shot types, angles, movement.
• Scene description: setting, props, character actions.
• Writing for different genres: drama, comedy, documentary.
• The role of the script in pre-production.
• Reading and analysing film scripts.

Day 6: Writing for Corporate and Educational Videos

Objectives:
• Write scripts for training, promotional, and instructional videos.
• Adapt technical content for lay audiences.
• Incorporate branding and key messages.
• Structure scripts for clear information delivery.

Topics:
• Understanding client briefs and objectives.
• Writing for diverse audiences: employees, customers, learners.
• Script structures for explainer videos, testimonials, tutorials.
• Integrating graphics, animation, and B-roll.
• Voiceover scripting and on-camera talent.
• Reviewing corporate script samples.

Day 7: Writing for Advertising and Social Media

Objectives:
• Write concise and persuasive scripts for ads.
• Adapt scripts for different platforms (TV, YouTube, TikTok).
• Use hooks, calls to action, and brand voice.
• Understand time constraints and visual impact.

Topics:
• Advertising script formats: :15, :30, :60 seconds.
• Writing for social media: short, engaging, mobile-first.
• Crafting hooks and emotional appeals.
• Brand voice consistency across campaigns.
• Storyboarding for ads.
• Analysing effective ad scripts.

Day 8: Adaptation and Transmedia Writing

Objectives:
• Adapt existing works (books, articles) into scripts.
• Write for transmedia storytelling across platforms.
• Maintain integrity of source material.
• Handle legal and rights issues.

Topics:
• Principles of adaptation: condensing, expanding, translating.
• Transmedia writing: creating cohesive narratives across media.
• Case studies: book to film, podcast to TV.
• Rights clearance and permissions.
• Collaborative writing for franchises.
• Exercises in adaptation.

Day 9: Rewriting, Editing, and Feedback

Objectives:
• Revise scripts based on self-evaluation and feedback.
• Use editing techniques to improve clarity and impact.
• Give and receive constructive criticism.
• Manage multiple revisions professionally.

Topics:
• The rewriting process: macro to micro edits.
• Self-editing checklist: structure, character, dialogue, formatting.
• Peer review and feedback sessions.
• Working with script editors and producers.
• Version control and documentation.
• Handling rejection and iterative improvement.

Day 10: Pitching and Presenting Scripts

Objectives:
• Prepare and deliver effective script pitches.
• Create supporting materials (treatments, mood boards).
• Understand the pitching process in the industry.
• Network and build professional relationships.

Topics:
• Elements of a successful pitch: logline, synopsis, target audience.
• Writing treatments and one-pagers.
• Presentation skills for pitching.
• Understanding production company needs.
• Pitching to broadcasters, studios, and clients.
• Mock pitch sessions with feedback.

Day 11: Legal and Business Aspects of Scriptwriting

Objectives:
• Understand contracts, copyright, and intellectual property.
• Negotiate fees and royalties.
• Protect your work and manage rights.
• Navigate the industry as a freelance writer.

Topics:
• Copyright law and registration (SAMRO, DALRO).
• Option agreements, work-for-hire, and ownership.
• Writers' guilds and unions (SAWG, WGA).
• Negotiating contracts and fees.
• Invoicing, taxes, and business basics.
• Building a portfolio and online presence.

Day 12: Portfolio Development and Industry Integration

Objectives:
• Compile a professional scriptwriting portfolio.
• Apply all skills to a final project.
• Plan next steps for entering the industry.
• Receive personalised feedback on portfolio.

Topics:
• Portfolio components: spec scripts, produced work, treatments.
• Final project: write and polish a complete script.
• Peer review and instructor critique.
• Career paths: staff writer, freelance, content creator.
• Job search strategies and networking.
• Course wrap-up and certification.

Practicals

36 hours of practicals To be conducted online or on-campus or in-house
Overview

Practicals provide hands-on experience in scriptwriting, from brainstorming to final draft. Learners will write, revise, and present scripts for various media, receiving peer and instructor feedback to refine their skills.

Practical Activities
  • Scriptwriting Software Workshop — Learners install and navigate scriptwriting software (e.g., Final Draft, Celtx) to format a provided scene correctly. (6h)
  • Radio/Podcast Scriptwriting Practical — Learners write a 3-minute radio drama or podcast segment, incorporating sound effects and timing cues. (8h)
  • TV/Film Scriptwriting Practical — Learners write a 5-7 page scene from a short film, including camera directions and visual descriptions. (10h)
  • Corporate Video Scriptwriting Practical — Learners create a 2-minute corporate video script for a given brief, including voiceover and visual cues. (6h)
  • Final Portfolio Project Presentation — Learners present a complete script (any medium) and receive final feedback from instructor and peers. (6h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) 100% 30%
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 50%
Final Total — 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Practicals 30% + Daily Average 20% + Final Test 50%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Fri 11 Sep 2026 Mon 28 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $2,214 Register
Thu 01 Oct 2026 Fri 16 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $2,214 Register
Wed 21 Oct 2026 Thu 05 Nov 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $2,214 Register
Wed 09 Dec 2026 Thu 24 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $2,214 Register
Tue 12 Jan 2027 Wed 27 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $2,214 Register
Mon 15 Feb 2027 Tue 02 Mar 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $2,214 Register
Fri 05 Mar 2027 Mon 22 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $2,214 Register
Thu 11 Mar 2027 Fri 26 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $2,214 Register
Wed 17 Mar 2027 Thu 01 Apr 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $2,214 Register
Tue 08 Jun 2027 Wed 23 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $2,214 Register
Mon 28 Jun 2027 Tue 13 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $2,214 Register
Fri 23 Jul 2027 Mon 09 Aug 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $2,214 Register
Thu 09 Sep 2027 Fri 24 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $2,214 Register
Wed 29 Sep 2027 Thu 14 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $2,214 Register
Tue 19 Oct 2027 Wed 03 Nov 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $2,214 Register
Wed 08 Dec 2027 Thu 23 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $2,214 Register
Tue 28 Dec 2027 Wed 12 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $2,214 Register
Mon 17 Jan 2028 Tue 01 Feb 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $2,214 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 497 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Tue 04 Aug 2026 Wed 19 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $3,321 Register
Tue 04 Aug 2026 Wed 19 Aug 2026 Lagos, Nigeria Winter 2026 $6,885 Register
Wed 05 Aug 2026 Thu 20 Aug 2026 Johannesburg, South Africa Winter 2026 $4,995 Register
Thu 06 Aug 2026 Fri 21 Aug 2026 Mauritius Winter 2026 $6,237 Register
Fri 07 Aug 2026 Mon 24 Aug 2026 Cape Town, South Africa Winter 2026 $5,481 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 14 Sep 2026 Tue 29 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $2,878 Register
Fri 09 Oct 2026 Mon 26 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $2,878 Register
Thu 29 Oct 2026 Fri 13 Nov 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $2,878 Register
Thu 17 Dec 2026 Fri 01 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $2,878 Register
Wed 20 Jan 2027 Thu 04 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $2,878 Register
Tue 23 Feb 2027 Wed 10 Mar 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $2,878 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Tue 23 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $2,878 Register
Fri 19 Mar 2027 Mon 05 Apr 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $2,878 Register
Thu 25 Mar 2027 Fri 09 Apr 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $2,878 Register
Wed 16 Jun 2027 Thu 01 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,878 Register
Tue 06 Jul 2027 Wed 21 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,878 Register
Mon 26 Jul 2027 Tue 10 Aug 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,878 Register
Fri 17 Sep 2027 Mon 04 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,878 Register
Thu 07 Oct 2027 Fri 22 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,878 Register
Wed 27 Oct 2027 Thu 11 Nov 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,878 Register
Thu 16 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,878 Register
Wed 05 Jan 2028 Thu 20 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,878 Register
Tue 25 Jan 2028 Wed 09 Feb 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,878 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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