If you’ve ever tried producing video content without a clear plan, you know the pain; missed shots, awkward dialogue timing, graphics that don’t show up on cue, and a post-production nightmare.
Enter the AV script which creates calm amongst the chaos. It’s your roadmap through your production and your ‘why didn’t I do this sooner?’ moment.
Today’s media world moves fast. Productions are no longer just for film crews or agencies with big budgets, but are created by corporate teams, e-learning designers, marketing departments, and even solo creators who simply want a smooth, predictable workflow. And the humble AV script, specifically the two-column format, remains one of the most powerful tools to get there.
In today’s blog, we’ll not only explain what an AV script is, but also show you how to write one, how each column works, why the format is still essential, and where Celtx fits into the modern workflow. Also make sure you stick around for our FAQs and a free template!
So, let’s get on with it.
What is an AV Script?
An AV script (Audio-Video script) is a two-column document used to plan video content by listing visual elements in one column and audio in the other.
Seems deceptively simple, doesn’t it? One column says what the audience sees, another says what they hear. Together, they create a synchronized roadmap of your project.
The video column will include all details of on-screen action, camera direction, graphics, lower thirds, animations, demonstrations, and B-Roll. It’s essentially anything the viewer sees.
The audio column will include narration, dialogue, music cues, sound effects, timing notes, and transitions. Everything the viewer hears.
AV scripts have been used for decades because let’s face it, clarity never goes out of style.
The Modern Use of AV Scripts
Media production has evolved, but the AV script is still essential. Why? Well, because it eliminates guesswork.
So, how are AV scripts used in modern productions?
Corporate Videos
B-roll, on-screen text, branding and narration must all line up precisely for corporate scripts. The AV format makes this as easy as possible.
E-Learning
Instructional designers rely on AV scripts to sync narration with animations, screen recordings, steps, and interactive elements.
Interactive and Multimedia Content
If your project includes branching paths, clickable modules, pop-up content, sound triggers, transitions, or motion graphics, nothing beats the two-column format.
Marketing and Agency Work
Commercials, explainers, ads, and pitch videos all depend on precise timing and visual/audio alignment.
In short, if you’re creating any type of video, or anything shaped like video, the AV script remains one of the clearest organizational tools available.
Documentaries
Believe it or not, some documentary productions will also use AV scripts. They aren’t tied to any specific formatting conventions but can nicely fit into the AV template. See why with Script Magazine.
Anatomy of the Columns
Now we have a general picture of the AV script, let’s break down each of the columns in more detail and see just what’s included in each.
The Video Column
As we know, this is everything the audience sees. This will typically include:
- On-screen action
- Camera direction (push-in, zoom, pan, close-up)
- Graphics and text overlays
- Animations and motion graphics
- Screen recordings and UI steps
- B-roll instructions
- Scene descriptions
- Visual transitions
The Audio Column
Conversely, this is everything the audience hears. For example:
- Narration and voiceover
- Dialogue
- Music selections
- Sound effects
- Beat pauses or timing notes
- Stingers or transition cues
- Intro/outro audio
Every audio moment gets matched to a visual moment in the row across from it. That’s the power of the AV format.
Let’s see an example of an AV script using Celtx’s template:
How to Write an AV Script (Step-by-Step)
Okay, so we know what an AV script entails, but how do you actually write one? Here’s our eight-step guide!
- Start with Purpose and Tone
No matter what type of script you’re writing (a commercial, corporate video, e-learning lesson, or any other kind of multimedia content), you first need to know how you want your video to come across to your audience.
Is the video upbeat? Serious? Technical? Emotional? Remember, tone will shape the overall pacing of your video, so nail this down early. - Outline the Flow
List your key messages or teaching steps and break them into sections. Make sure to identify the important visuals and transitions you want to include in your video.
- Set Up the Two Columns
Whether you’re using a pre-made template or creating your script from scratch, set out the left column for video and the right for audio.
CELTX TOP TIP: Many writers make the video column slightly wider to allow for detailed visual directions. - Write the Audio First
Now, this step is entirely optional but can be helpful. If narration drives your project, it’s wise to write your audio first so you can match visuals to it later.
- Fill Out the Video Column
For every audio moment, decide what the viewer should see. These must connect directly and there should be no room for ambiguity.
- Line Up Every Element
Every row should represent one synchronized moment of the finished video.
- Add Notes for the Team
Some creators include a third column or add comments for timing, references, shot numbers, or compliance notes.
- Get Stakeholder Approval
AV scripts shine in review because they’re easy to scan, easy to annotate, and easy to sign off on before production begins.
What Makes a ‘Production-Ready’ AV Script?
Let’s start with a big truth: not every script is meant to be read by actors.
Some scripts are designed to be performed, and some are designed to be pitched.
But a production-ready script? That’s a blueprint. It’s built not for readers, but for doers, such as producers, editors, animators, sound designers, camera operators, and anyone who needs clarity on what’s happening when.
An AV script is a production-ready script. It’s precise, organized, and made for alignment. And it allows audio and video elements to live side-by-side so the entire team can understand how the final piece comes together beat by beat.
Celtx’s Role & Free Template
Celtx has always been a favorite among many creative teams because it brings structure to production without getting in the way.
And don’t just take our word for it! Check out No Film School’s awesome review of our AV script feature.
So, what is this invaluable feature? Well, our software includes a built-in AV format that:
- Automatically creates the two columns
- Keeps rows aligned as you edit
- Integrates with storyboards and shot lists
- Helps teams collaborate
- Allows production breakdowns
That means no more wrestling with tables in Word or Google Docs. Celtx handles it cleanly and professionally.
How to Edit AV Scripts in Celtx
Say you wanted to write a TV commercial. Celtx is here to lend a helping hand! Here’s how to create your own AV script using our software:
As we’ve already seen, Celtx is a great tool for scripting commercials. We take care of the formatting so you can focus on storytelling.
Let’s create an ad script:
Step 1 | Start a New AV Script
First, on your Celtx dashboard, click Create.
Next, select Multi Column AV from the four script options.
Type in a file name of your choice.
Finally, click Create Project
Sure enough, a new commercial script will appear with two columns: Visual and Audio, ready for your words. You can even add notes, camera directions, or transitions.
Step 2 | Add Time Markers
This is optional but can be extremely helpful. Here, I’m writing a 30-second commercial, so I want the first 5 seconds to be the hook.
To add a time marker, click on the time in the far left-hand column and type in the time frame in minutes and seconds. For this example, it’ll be 00:05.
Step 3 | Add Your Visual and Audio Elements
In the visual column, you’ll want to add what the audience will see on screen for the duration of that time marker. In the audio column, consider what they will hear alongside the visuals.
Will it be music or a voiceover, or will characters on screen be talking?
Once you’ve added both the visual and audio, it’ll look something like this:
Once you’ve completed a shot, it’s time to move onto the next one. To add a shot, all you need to do is click the + sign at the top left-hand corner of the script window.
Gradually build up each shot for each time marker and soon you’ll have a complete commercial.
Step 4| Add Image References
Celtx even allows you to add images to your script. Or if you fancy creating a storyboard, there’s that option too.
To add an image to your commercial script, open the Images column on the right-hand side of the window by clicking the arrow.
Then click Add Image.
From there you can choose from your image library in Celtx or upload a brand-new image from your device.
Fancy creating a storyboard to accompany your script? Well, we’ve got you covered! To access your storyboard, click on the Storyboard tab at the top of the script window.
Then, your storyboard will appear, making your creating process even easier.
Step 5 | Share and Collaborate
Once you’re done, Celtx makes it super simple to share the script with your team, export as a PDF, or collaborate in real time.
Free MCAV Template!
Celtx’s free AV script template makes getting your AV script started effortless. Pre-formatted in the classic two-column layout, it separates visuals and audio so you can focus on planning your content instead of formatting tables.
Designed for both beginners and seasoned creators, the template works for corporate videos, e-learning modules, commercials, and interactive projects. By using it, you can map out every scene, dialogue, music cue, and visual element clearly.
Ready to start planning your video? Download your free AV script template HERE and start writing instantly in Celtx’s dedicated format.
FAQs
A screenplay uses a single-column storytelling format for films and TV drama.
An AV script uses two columns (video and audio) designed for precise production management alignment, often in corporate, commercial, or educational content.
Yes. Nearly all commercials rely on AV scripts due to tight timing, graphic cues, synced voiceovers, and brand elements.
While there’s no single official standard, Celtx is one of the most widely used tools for AV script creation.
Not really. Screenplays do, but AV scripts vary widely because timing depends on narration speed, action pacing, graphics, transitions, and instructional content.
Conclusion
The AV script is quietly one of the most powerful tools in modern content creation. It aligns teams, clarifies expectations, and ensures that visuals and audio stay perfectly synchronized. Whether you’re building corporate videos, training modules, animated explainers, commercials, or interactive media, the two-column format remains one of the clearest ways to plan a complex production.
With tools like Celtx, and templates you can use right away, you can go from idea to polished script faster and with fewer production headaches. Start with an AV script. Your future self (and your production team) will thank you.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE TEMPLATE NOW
Focus on your story, not your formatting.
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Up Next:
How to Write a TV Commercial Script — A Step-by-Step Guide
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