Screenwriting : Is my script too long? by Marc Anthony Greenland

No.

Owen, from what I've read, your first script should be about 80 pages if you want it read by producers. 47 pages are just over half way, I had doubts if I had enough pages to end it within the budgeted amount of pages.

No, not too long. Where have you read that your first script should be 80 pages? That's so odd, I've never heard that before. I don't understand why someone would say that. What's meant to be the difference between your first script and any future scripts as far as length is concerned?

Hi Pierre, I read it from different sources. They said that producers are more willing to look at a shorter scripts then a long ones, especially if it is your first one. Something about it being marketable unless your first script is Good Will Hunting.

I have also heard that shorter scripts are more likely to get read, but 80 pages is pretty short. You don't want to sacrifice your story because you're so worried about the page count. 120 is still considered the standard maximum, at least where things like contests are concerned, although as was posted on another thread here, most readers want to see more like 110 pages (100ish for a comedy or horror.). My last comedy script ended up right at 100. My most recent drama is 116 right now (culled from 123) and I'm working on getting it to about 112 pages.

It really depends on the story you're telling and whom you're pitching your script to. Some companies seem to love full length features while others go for short films.

Will this be you one and only script? Or will this one be the first of many? I will suggest you write the story you want to tell at what ever length is needs to be. Don't think of what producers will want to read right now because the script will change many times before it is ready to show to producers.

You're just getting started. Imagine how long you can sit through a movie. remember each page equals one minute. So 120 pages is two hours of sitting in a seat more or less. Besides, once you get the first draft out of the way, you'll be whittling it back during your second, third, fourth, etc revisions. You'll do fine.

"The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder" Hitchcock

I've learned to time myself when drinking those large pops during the movie so I don't have to strain my bladder. I hate it when the movie gets good and I have to get up and go.

I've never heard anyone say 80 is the right length for a script... keep it under 120 I've heard repeatedly but I'd have thought 90 mins would be a more 'normal' if you look at what gets released... The only time i've seen 80 mentioned is as the minimum requirement for screenplay length for certain screenplay comps. Write your script, re-write it and then look at the length... imho of couse Anthony

It should be somewhere between 95 and 110 pages. The sweet spot is 100. You can go as high as 120, but there better be a damn good reason for it.

Like most commenters replied about, a length of 90-120 is ideal. But, I'd recommend not stressing too much on the length while you're working on the first draft.

No. Write the draft. It's just a starting point. You're going to go back and rewrite the thing several times, hopefully with feedback, and make it more succinct, structured, and compelling with each pass. If your first draft is long, it is just an opportunity to identify the chaff and cut down to the sweet stuff.

If you're interested in what the Hollywood industry considers normal then genre comes into play a little bit (based on what I've read on the topic). Comedies tend to run a bit shorter, maybe averaging about 90 pages, while historicals and period pieces tend to be the longest but still not over 120 on average.

Most of the feature scripts I read have a Midpoint (the turning point which is often described as "the point of no return") around page 50-55, so based on a bare minimum of info and thus, speaking largely out of context, it seems like you're right on track.

That's right Peter, It's not an exact count but merely a rough rule of thumb. No one should ever say one page equals one minute without qualifying that it's merely a rough estimate.

To quickly clarify, the Midpoint (which is a structural turning point) does not have to be at the precise halfway point of a script. For example, the script could be 103 pages, and the "structural Midpoint" or the "narrative Midpoint" could start on page 49 or on page 54 (or similar). I know Peter knows this, and I just want to be clearer for newbies out there. :-)

Hi Peter, first, I really respect your know-how. I'm sure I've missed some of your posts, but that anti-hero definition you posted months ago remains one of my favorite lines on S32. :-) Pardon the short reply; I'm about to watch the Democratic Town Hall on CNN. In pondering the "feng shui," I'll say this... When M Night Shymalan made THE SIXTH SENSE, a large number of new thriller scripts hit "Hollywood." I remember noticing that a great number of these scripts had their End of Act 2 Low Points on page 77 or 78. It was so common that it was uncanny! I haven't done any scientific study, but I believe many scripts I've read have their Structural Midpoint around page 50-55. More often than not, Act 1 is bit longer than Act 3, and Act 2 is usually the longest act in a script. Thus, I'd bet that feng shui will be a bit off. That said, I think scripts have a certain rhythm (Dan Guardino called it "cadence" today in another post), and I think the feng shui comment is further evidence of rhythm we've come to expect as movie consumers. Even for non-filmmakers, once you've watched a bunch of movies, you have a feeling for the rhythm of a good movie, just like you know what the rhythm of a meal being served to you by a restaurant should feel like. It's almost like "muscle memory."

I guess I would say I believe in the feng shui, but I think there's an acceptable allowance or margin for a balanced page count where the major turning points would land? Is that fair to say?

If you want it to be short, I think 90 pages will be fine.

I would argue don't worry now. Finish your first draft and see where it ends up. If you are in the 80-120 range then you have done well. If you are less than 80 I would wonder if your acts/characters are fully developed. If you are pushing 140 (and it is not intended to be an epic) put it away for a week and then take a serious knife to it. Chances are your characters are delivering lengthy dialogue or you are offering far too much detail in the action. Either way... first finish it and see where you stand.

First of all, wow, I did not think this thread would have such a response! I'm dumbstruck, grateful and wealthier in wisdom then I was before. I now do feel more confident about where I am in my script, thank you all. Secondly the script is based on a true story, during an epic event, Murambatsvina a controversial Zimbabwean 'clean up' program , where an adolescent delinquent has to overcome his vices to not only become a man but a hero. It's a drama, which I'm considering to make into a musical. What I've gathered from your comments is that it should be a long script or rather we'll see as it goes. I do prefer the latter.

114 pages is the Hollywood golden mean equation for some reason, why? I have no idea.

Hi Peter Corey, too kind! Thank you. And your "political zoo" comment was pretty genius. I need to re-watch UNFORGIVEN myself. I recall having similar feelings about BLADE RUNNER when I watched it again a few years ago. I am not always a good communicator, but I learned a lot about tact when I was co-organized a high school reunion years ago. We were trying to bring a couple hundred people together who had all grown apart, and we tried our best not to alienate anyone. Generally, that's what I'm trying to do on S32.

FYI, in my experience, the Structural Midpoint is often underwhelming in its execution in many amateur scripts I've read. I think the Midpoint is the most misunderstood turning point among new writers, perhaps because screenwriting instruction tends not to cover it well. That's only speculation on my part. In any case, break legs writing this week!

No, 100 pages about average.

The mid-point is a chance to complicate and put obstacles in the way, before you get to the antagonists low point nadir as we approach the last third or so.

Less in UK, more like 90.

For me... in a 100-page screenplay page 50 is... page 50.

Hi Patricia, I totally agree. In my experience, an effective Midpoint not only impacts the Second Act, but also has a ripple effect felt over the entire narrative. This is because having your key turning points in place helps you organize the overall narrative.