Performing Arts Special Collections
Performing Arts Special Collections

Motion Picture and Television Scripts

Performing Arts Special Collections holds a unique and diverse collection of motion picture and television scripts documenting both the production process and the art of script writing. Our scripts can not be checked out, so we recommend you first look in the UCLA Library Catalog for published versions of scripts - the library often has published, circulating copies of scripts.

Special collections scripts are stored off-site and advanced notice is required for access -- allow 2-3 working days for requests to arrive to our reading room. The scripts in our collections are not listed individually in the Library catalog; to locate a film or television script title, search the appropriate finding aid (below). You will need the collection title, collection number and box number(s) when you submit your request.

Frequently used script collections:

  • Collection of Motion Picture Scripts
    Primarily American film scripts dating from ca. 1921 to the present. Includes scripts from various studios including Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, MGM, Paramount, RKO Universal, United Artists, and Warner Brothers.
  • Collection of Television Movie Scripts
    Includes scripts for television movies broadcast on various networks including ABC, CBS, HBO, NBC, and Showtime. Also includes a small collection of scripts for television specials and mini-series. The bulk of the collection dates from the 1970s.

*If you can’t find a motion picture script at the UCLA library, try the Motion Picture Scripts Database, published by the AMPAS Center for Motion Picture Study. This source lists produced scripts for motion pictures at six LA area repositories.