Screenwriting : Script Length by Imo Wimana Chadband

Standard script length is between 90 and 120 pages, with each page approximating one minute of action on screen. Genre also kinda helps - Comedies are usually closer to 90, while dramas are typically over 110.

You should have some kind of outline that can help you determine how far along your story is. You don't want to be in the middle of your comedy and be on page 103. Not gonna work. The best thing to do is finish your script and then cut out the unnecessary, leaving on the best stuff behind. Good luck.

AMPAS considers anything over 40 pages to be a Feature. Generally, 90-120 pages.

A properly formatted script usually means that 1 page = 1 minute. Since most movies run two hours, that would be 120 pages. You are usually safe with 110-pages +. "Epic Pictures" can run 180 pages, but NOT the typical movie...especially if you are a new screenwriter.

The one-page = one-minute standard generally works with screenwriting programs, such as Final Draft 11.

Ah! Thank you all so very much (Anthony. Tony. Steven). Useful information. Appreciate it

I tell new writers to aim for 100 pages mol.

Thank you Doug. Appreciate the guidance

For a spec, more than 80, less than 120 pages. You can get away with more than 120 depending on the genre, but most people will see it as a red flag of an early draft.

For a spec 80 or more and less than 120 pages. Aim for about 100 pages

Steven is pointing in the right direction: Pages are minutes, and time is money. Expensive genres--like fantasy or action--tend to be longer because every penny is being accounted for on the page. A drama or a comedy of manners can be shorter, giving the actors some breathing room while still coming in under the magic 2-hour mark. Which brings us to the audience: Would you pay full box-office to see a 68-minute film in a theater? 68 minutes on a streaming service, though, no problem. Good luck!

ahhhh! Thank you for the information guys (Gustavo, Pat, Jonathan). I'm definitely getting a clearer picture from what you're saying.

Imo Wimana Chadband This is what Stage 32 is designed for. Learning so much

120 is considered pretty long these days. I’d aim for closer to 100, less for a comedy or horror script.

Thank you very much for the feedback Jody Ellis

I just optioned a thriller script; the producer asked me to cut it to 80 pages from 90, and so I ended up taking out several scenes and dropping one character. He knew it was too expensive for his budget but he liked the script, and I didn't want to lose the opportunity, so i cut it. I actually like it better now. But he did sign the option before I did that.

I aim for around the 100 mark. I read a few times that 90-115 is the zone that folks look for.

Does sometimes depend on the genre, but if you aim for that 90-115 mark as David states above then you'll be okay.

Most appreciated Linda, David, Phil. It seems 100 is about the average or slightly over. Really appreciate you all taking the time to give feedback

Not a problem, Imo Wimana Chadband . If you ever want to talk in more detail, by all means come have a chat via message.

Clint Eastwood asked “how many pages is it”

“90” answered the writer

“This is already the best script I’ve ever read”,

I just sold a feature that was 60 pages. I have space for notes and rewrites.

Awesome Phil! I appreciate that bro. Will surely take you up on that offer when the time arises. And know that my chat is open anytime as well

Wow Craig first off congrats on the feature! I guess the main thing isn't exactly the length but the quality of the story in the script

Thanks, it was a single room, three character thriller. Basically 60 pages of dialogue. If it was a normal script it would have been 90 pages I am guessing.