Hello everyone
Just a quick query. I never ever post anything but I just needed some feedback. I submitted a pilot for a television series to two executives.
In the submission guidelines it says a maximum of 65 pages. The screenplay I submitted is 63 pages long. Anyway, about a month or so had passed, so I reached out and admin have told me that the maximum is 60 pages and that I would have to pay another $29 to reach executive for them to read the additional pages.
Here is the last response I Received
Hi Sheldon,
Thanks very much for reaching out and sharing. That verbiage states maximum 65 pages of a script, not that the reader will read 65 pages.
The industry standard is 60 pages for a pilot. We will let the executive know then to just read up to page 60 if that is what you would prefer.
Have a great day.
Has anyone else had to deal with this
Shooting, and submitting a copy of your work to festivals like Sundance, Toronto, or Cannes is a lot easier than waiting for some executive to read your synopsis if you don't have an agent. No one should be charging you to read your script. Sounds like big time scam to me
Hey, Sheldon Chase Purdy. Great to meet you. I haven't dealt with that, but I checked out your profile and didn't see your bio. A detailed bio will help you build relationships/network on here. You could add things like why you became a screenwriter, your accomplishments, your goals, and what movies and shows you like.
2 people like this
Hi Sheldon, can you reach out to the admin again and inform her of the guidelines you have which state maximum 65 pages? Maybe she made a mistake or has latest guidelines which do not apply to your submission. I also find that $29 for each executive is a lot for the additional pages.
1 person likes this
Thanks for the response. Will have to update that profile. I reached out to admin here is the response
1 person likes this
Seems strange that they would clearly state that 65 pages are fine and then all of a sudden, the limit is 60 pages and they would like another $29 for the other 2 and half pages
You're welcome, Sheldon Chase Purdy. Hope the issue gets resolved.
Asmaa Jamil here is what was sent prior
What utter, utter bullshit.
I am so sorry to hear this, mate.
I've developed many story Bibles/pilots for both the big boys and independents. The page count is both a direct reflection of your structure and a rough guide. Some series come in at 40 pages, others at 45, others 60. The subject and execution warrants the length.
In the old days, projects sometimes had to be rejigged or chopped to fit a slot for prime-time TV. With streaming services such as Netflix, this is no longer a factor.
Today, even with Netflix, if the production is cost heavy, such as The Boys, shorter is better. Again, this depends whether or not the episode itself is dialogue heavy or action heavy. More action, more money, and therefore short script appreciated. But ultimately, the story's king.
If I read a pilot that's 65 sometimes 70 pages long and the story is gripping, I'm...
a) honestly grateful that I'm ready something good.
b) having a little more material to work with is a very very good thing. Much easier chipping away at the block than creating out of thin air.
Are you really telling me that a reader will stop a gripping read at 60 pages, and not want to know how it ends? If so, they're not in it for the craft. They can go back to accounting.
They forget that though highly structured, a script s organic in that it deals with people. People sometimes take and need room to grow on the page.
And oh: Well done for getting it on the page. Tap yourself on the back. People rarely finish their drafts, never mind submit them.
Let us know how you get on.
Once again my friend, I am so sorry to hear this.
1 person likes this
If this is through stage 32, maybe it is stage 32 that needs to answer to this as they list the requirements. Contact stage 32.
1 person likes this
Welcome.