A script  is an outline of  a film or television program. The terms script and screenplay are often used interchangeably for visual arts. It is similar to a story which has a plot, characters and setting. However, it includes a visual element as the characters emotions, actions and dialogs are also included, unlike a story where the reader has to use his or her imagination.

A screenplay may be original or may be based on a story or novel. When it is based on a story,  the author may be paid a  substantial amount for the television or movie rights of the story. The screenplay may be written by another person, but the author is often consulted. In the movie credits, the writer is only credited with the story for the movie, if the screenplay is written by someone else.

The format of  a script or screenplay varies , but depends on where it is used. Scripts written for films follow a standard studio format  which stipulates how dialogs, action, characters and other elements should be presented on a page. The scripts for television follow a similar format.