So I've written two feature scripts, but now I would like to try a TV script, but I am unsure what the length should be. My first thought was 60 pages (if we are going by the page\minute rule), but most shows only run 42-45 minutes. Should I stick with 60 pages or aim lower?
Screenwriting : TV Script Length by Nacho Fernandez
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
I'm shooting for hour long.
Around 45-55 pages. If it's a fast paced drama like Scandal or something it could go from 50-60 pages
Cool. Thanks everyone.
1 person likes this
learn the business first before you write. http://childrenoftendu.libsyn.com/
59 seems to be the goal these days.
I've just been helping my mentor out by making action notes for fight/action choreography on an AMC Network TV show script and got the chance to read everything from outline to shooting script- This is a 1 hour action/drama show and to give you some ideas, the writer's draft was 44 pages , the Network draft was 43 pages and the final Shooting script is down to 42. This episode has a few fight scenes, and each show has at least one big showcase fight, so it's not going to have as many pages as a drama like Breaking Bad.
1 person likes this
It depends on a few things. Is the show going to be a half hour or full hour? What Network do you see the show fitting on? Is the show action or dialog heavy? If you're writing with a network in mind like NBC, CBS, CW, etc, the length and format are going to be different then if it's more of a HBO or Netflix type of show. I've done some hired work for show that's currently in pre-production (on the pilot). It's an hour drama, for a regular network. My script came in at 52 pages, but there's a lot of dialog in it. I'd say 42-55 pages for a basic network, and 60-75 if there isn't commercial breaks. At the end of your day, go with your gut. You can always come back and edit. I'd say it's better to be over than under. It's easier (at least for me) to cut things out, than to try and put things in.
I'll second Dan Maxxx's suggestion of the Children of Tendu podcast - it's literally a master class in TV writing for free. I'd also suggest reading pilot scripts for shows that you 1) enjoy, and/or 2) feel your show will be in the vein of. For example, one of my pilots lines up with the style and approach of the CW's slate, so I read every CW pilot I could find to understand how their shows break down. In the big picture, this matters most when it comes to your act breaks - CW shows run 6 acts, some other networks run 4-5, etc. Best of luck!