Screenwriting : What's the fastest you've ever written a screenplay? by Joseph Rhea

Five days for an 85 page first draft.

A co-writer and I did a 45 page pilot in 16 hours over zoom over Christmas time, and that included about 3 hours worth of editing. Since then we've done a couple hours worth of revisions and only one major re-write which took out a combined total about 16 more hours and we've been lucky enough to get a consider on that script!

I have definitely done a full feature script in 12 hours, followed by a full two weeks of recovery hahah. But i full believe you can do it!

On a "one night stand"...it was 11 straight hours without break (yes, even that one)...I admit it was a re-write, but a whole new draft nevertheless...

11 hours. In preproduction now. My script that got me into the finals at the Nicholl took 16 hours. It was a one-draft-wonder, no revision before I put it in. Sometimes, miracles happen.

And other times... well... For my passion project I'm currently on VERSION 6 (Drafts... about 20?) - and it has taken me a good 6 months to get here.

It depends on the story. But it's possible, doable, and absolutely recommendable to just GO at it!

My very first feature that went into production was written in about 14 hours. We did some further drafts on that as casting and locations became clear.

Just finished a western-horror script; one week breaking the story, a second week to write it.

In terms of a feature length screenplay from scratch that got a greenlight, three days. My co-producer messaged me to say he'd contacted an ex studio head who was keen to read it when it was finished. So, to say I was motivated was an understatement. The script went on to nearly attach an Oscar nominated actor before Covid came along and we had to pull the plug.

My second produced film was a six day turnaround and my third was ten days. Strong first drafts too which only needed typos and logistical adjustments.

I'm very thankful for my process and the fact I can drop everything and write from waking up until midnight with minimal breaks. It's important to remember that a 16hr working day is two normal working days.

In some ways, I prefer building up my energy and sprinting as that seems to channel a really hedonistic energy that has no time for doubt, fear, and second guessing.

Wow! You all are amazing! It takes me months. I guess I need to focus better.

There's nothing like having a script requested by a producer or industry exec that you haven't written yet. Great motivator.

Maybe 8-10 days for a first draft.

I wrote the first draft of a script with a friend in a couple of weeks...but this was really focused work. And I emphasize-. first draft. Good luck and all the best

That has happened to me, Phillip "Post Prolifique" Hardy.

From the twinkling of idea to closed sale - about 3 years.

Under the conditions you describe ... 3 days.

Hey William - been a while for me but the fastest I ever did when I was writing consistently was 3 days. That said, “Fade in” are magical words . I would advise you start and write as best as you can for 12 hours. If you haven’t finished by then you will see moments appear to keep going until you get to “Fade Out”. Just write. Let me know if I can be of any help on your journey.

Thanks, Sam, and thanks to everyone who commented. It's great to see so many takes on this subject, and I appreciate all the feedback and well-wishes. Since I've outlined both a 2-hr feature and an (obviously condensed) 1-hr short or tv episode, I might try to tackle the 1-hr version first. Even though this story is the "origin story" prequel to my Novum series, I'm especially excited to write it because, while my previous screenplay and pilot were both adapted from my books, this will be my first attempt at writing an original script from scratch. So, no pressure, right? ;)

One day. The comedy started as a memorized dream and as I wrote real life events came to mind. I have a freakish long term and visual memory and inner voice.

You're welcome, Joseph.

1 week. But it's been done faster by others haha

2.5 hours. But I cheat...I do my first draft with the Talking Draft method. #1 I make a beatsheet at www.scriptoutliner.com then #2 I dictate my first draft scene-by-scene. #3 It spits out a file that I import into Final Draft where I run spellcheck and start revising.

What do we mean by "write a screenplay?" Just the script itself, or the outlining too?

I think the shortest amount of time it's taken me, so far at least, to write a screenplay, was a month. That time also included outlining and figuring out the story as well.

Did you end up writing that script on your free weekend?

Hi, Joseph. First draft, 6 days. Draft I'm happy with showing to people, 2 weeks.

It's a great question. I find I get exhausted very easily when typing a screenplay. For some reason, just the act of typing gives me fatigue. I can rarely punch out more than 5 pages in one sitting, making my daily maximum about 15-20 pages!

Editing/checking for typos gives me fatigue, Michael. But it must be done! :)