Screenwriting : How long does a screenplay have to be to be made into a feature length film? by Talia Price

Typically in standard format, 90 pages which equates to a 90 minute movie give or take. However, not knowing how to finish it is an issue. You can talk story structure and development for days. So the best answer I can give is: Has your main character(s) completed an emotional and/or moral journey (arc)? Knowing if it is any good is another thing all together as that is subjective. I would suggest that any first draft will not be that good. If you set it down for a week and then go read it and start a revision process. I would suggest getting a copy of the Screenwriter's Bible. It will give you a ton of information in an easy to read format. Hope that helps. Rock on.

1. Depends on who you ask. AFI and BFI say longer than 40 mins (1 page = 1 min) and SAG says longer than 80 mins. Usually features are 70 - 210 mins. 2. You know a screenplay is finished if it's locked and in pre production, and even then and through production you will most likely end up having to change some things in order to make it work better. Best way to put it is a screenplay is never really done, but it gets as good as it's going to get by the time you're finished shooting. 3. Endings can be hard. I like to think of them sort of like the the closing statement of an essay. Basically sum up the moral of the story in a concise way, not so that it's blatantly in your face but in a way that the audience can feel closure and so that the story feels over. 4. The only way to know if your script is any good is to show it to as many people you trust to give an honest opinion and have them tell you what's good about it and what needs to be fixed. You don't have to take all of their advice but if an overwhelming amount of people say "this scene's gotta go" then it's probably true. It's very easy to get attached to your script as you put so much time and effort into it, so it will be harder for you to have an objective point of view. So basically go through the entire script, polish it, show it off and gather opinions, polish it again, repeat until you have a piece that you are absolutely proud of (and don't be afraid to kill your babies) and try to option it. Then continue that process as the agent, producer, and director will have opinions on what to change. You'll rewrite and rewrite until the film is finished production and the script looks nothing like the first draft. Hope that helped :)

Those are the answers... somewhere in the 80 to 90 page range. To add to what Severen said: I've done post production rewriting on some projects, adding ADR lines, figuring out reshoots on a film someone else wrote that didn't work once they cut it together, etc. So the script is finished when the film is released... Unless you are George Lucas.

Your title asks about length but your post asks when your story should end. It ends when you're finished telling your story. There's the recommended length to follow but does your story fit into that length?

@Pierre Langenegger, I have written a 25 page script and I am wondering if that is enough to make a feature length film. And I am also wondering when a story is actually finished, because I have been thinking about this story that I am writing and I am wondering if I will ever finish.

Thank you Severen for your very good advice. I was very skeptical about posting on here because some people just want to tell me where I am wrong and are just being a hater. Any time an artist puts their work out there or asked a question, they are usually met with haters. So I thank all of you who are answering with sincerity.

A properly formatted 25 page script is about 25 minutes long. That's too short for a theatrical feature, but might be okay for a short film. It depends on your purpose for writing, though. If you want a feature, I'd get it to at least the 80-page mark. If you have a particular story in mind, then only you can decide how long is long enough. Write it and then later decide what to do with it: market it as a short or web-short; use it as a sample; develop it into something else, or just chalk it up as a practice script. Don't get discouraged if it seems to be taking too long to write, just enjoy the process, and learn as much as you can as you go!

Agree with Steven, 25 pages is a short and can not be classed as a feature. If your story is finished then it's a short.

Talya, I just wanted to add that here on stage 32 there are not a lot of haters. They simply aren't tolerated. There are some passionate debates, but I have found only support.

I want to thank everyone who commented, you have given me some really good advice. It has been difficult for me to find people in my circle of friends who can give me good advice and support. I am happy that stage 32 can aid me in find it. Thank you very much, you have no idea how much yours comments are helping me.

In addition to the page length, there are other aspects to consider in regards to the content and revisions. This is a great article that provides a checklist for screenwriters to help determine if your screenplay is ready to go: http://scriptwrecked.com/2011/04/24/10-ways-to-know-your-script-is-finis...

I wanted to also point out that if you want to see how to take your short from idea all the way through production and even through film festivals, I attended the webinar that James Kicklighter did the other night. HIGHLY recommend as it is worth more than the cost. You can find it under Education and it is entitled: Short Film Master Class: Writing, Directing & Marketing

There is a popular notion that one page of a screenplay translates to one minute of screen time. So based on this notion, executives want screenplays between 90-120 pages. Note, that one page of a screenplay does not translate to one page of screen time, so the executives are mistaken, but try telling them that.