Scripts and screenplays
Find playscripts, screenplays, and shooting scripts in the Library.
A playscript is a written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and stage directions for a live theatrical performance on a stage.
A screenplay is the original script written by the screenwriter for a film or television series. It includes the dialogue, character actions, and basic scene descriptions.
A shooting script is a more detailed version of the screenplay, created for the production phase. It includes specific technical details such as camera angles, shot compositions, and scene numbers.
Searching for playscripts, screenplays and shooting scripts
You can search for a playscript, screenplay or shooting script in the Library Search by its title (e.g. "streetcar named desire", "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind") and select the Books and ebooks format to filter results.
View all scripts in the Library
To find only screenplays or shooting scripts, add 'AND (screenplay OR "shooting script")' to your search (e.g. Erin Brockovich AND (screenplay OR "shooting script")).
Playscripts, screenplays and shooting scripts may be digital or in print in the Library. You can use the 'Show only' filter to limit to Hardcopy items or Online items.
Published screenplays and shooting scripts available in print are shelved at 791.4372 (for films) and 791.4572 (for television).
Script databases
The following databases are either freely available online or via Library databases.
- Drama Online is a key source of playscripts in digital format.
- Film Scripts Online is a key source of digital film scripts not published in any other form.
- BBC Script Library is a free source of digital versions of BBC TV, Radio and Film scripts.
- Simply Scripts is a free archive of downloadable movie and TV screenplays.
- Scripts and Scribes is another free source of downloadable screenplays.
Browse by publisher
Browse playscripts published by:
