A feature film script should ideally fall between 90 and 120 pages. This range provides ample space to develop characters, plot, and themes effectively, while also adhering to industry expectations for a commercially viable running time, typically averaging one minute of screen time per page.
The Goldilocks Zone: Why Length Matters
The length of your movie script is not just an arbitrary number; it’s a crucial element that impacts its marketability and artistic success. A script that’s too short might feel rushed and underdeveloped, leaving audiences unsatisfied. Conversely, a script that’s too long can feel bloated, losing the audience’s attention and potentially deterring producers who worry about production costs and audience stamina. Finding the “Goldilocks zone” – that sweet spot where length aligns with storytelling needs – is paramount.
Industry professionals often use the rule of thumb that one page of a properly formatted script equals roughly one minute of screen time. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it serves as a good general guideline. Scripts significantly deviating from the 90-120 page range raise immediate red flags. Studios are wary of projects perceived as either too difficult to stretch into a compelling film or too taxing on an audience’s attention span.
Factors Influencing Script Length
Several factors can influence the ideal length of your script.
Genre Conventions
Different genres have different expectations regarding length.
- Action and Adventure: These films often benefit from a longer runtime, allowing for extensive action sequences and world-building. 110-120 pages is common.
- Comedy: Comedies tend to be shorter, often falling closer to the 90-100 page mark. Brevity is key to maintaining comedic momentum.
- Drama: Dramas can vary widely, but often land in the 100-110 page range, allowing for nuanced character development and exploration of complex themes.
- Horror: Like comedies, horror films frequently thrive on a tighter script, around 90-105 pages, to maintain suspense and deliver impactful scares.
Target Audience
The intended audience also plays a role. Films aimed at younger audiences (e.g., animated movies) are often shorter, while those targeting older demographics might accommodate longer runtimes.
Story Complexity
The complexity of your story dictates the required page count. A simple, straightforward plot might be effectively told in 90 pages, while an intricate narrative with multiple storylines and characters demands more space to unfold.
Writer’s Style
Some writers are naturally more economical with their words, while others tend to be more descriptive. Your writing style will inherently influence the script’s overall length.
The Importance of Format
A professionally formatted script is critical. Incorrect formatting can drastically affect the page count and make your script appear amateurish. Ensure you adhere to standard industry formatting guidelines, including:
- Courier New font, 12-point size
- 1.5-inch margin on the left side
- 1-inch margin on the right side, top, and bottom
- Proper indentation for dialogue, character names, and action lines
Using screenwriting software like Final Draft, WriterDuet, or Celtx can greatly simplify the formatting process and ensure consistency.
Editing for Brevity and Impact
Once you have a draft, rigorous editing is essential. Cutting unnecessary scenes, tightening dialogue, and streamlining action lines can significantly reduce the script’s length without sacrificing the core story. Look for opportunities to combine scenes, eliminate redundant dialogue, and replace lengthy descriptions with concise, impactful imagery. “Kill your darlings,” as the saying goes, even if you love a particular scene, if it doesn’t serve the overall narrative, it needs to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of script length:
FAQ 1: What happens if my script is significantly shorter than 90 pages?
A script significantly shorter than 90 pages raises concerns about plot development and character depth. It may suggest the story is underdeveloped, lacking sufficient conflict or resolution. Consider whether you can add subplots, expand character backstories, or introduce more compelling obstacles to enrich the narrative. However, some micro-budget or experimental films might intentionally break this rule for stylistic purposes.
FAQ 2: Is it okay if my script exceeds 120 pages?
While exceeding 120 pages isn’t an automatic deal-breaker, it raises eyebrows. Producers and studios may worry about the film’s pacing and marketability. If your script exceeds this limit, carefully review it to identify unnecessary scenes or dialogue. Ensure every scene actively contributes to the plot and character development.
FAQ 3: Does the number of characters affect the ideal script length?
Yes, the number of characters can influence script length. Scripts with many characters typically require more pages to introduce and develop each character effectively, showcasing their motivations and relationships. However, avoid unnecessary characters that don’t contribute significantly to the story.
FAQ 4: Should I worry about page count during the first draft?
During the first draft, focus on getting the story down. Don’t obsess over page count at this stage. It’s more important to capture the essence of your story and develop your characters. You can address length concerns during subsequent revisions.
FAQ 5: How important is it to follow the one-page-per-minute rule?
The one-page-per-minute rule is a useful guideline, but it’s not a rigid law. Action-heavy scenes might translate to more screen time per page, while dialogue-driven scenes might be shorter. The key is to maintain a consistent pace and ensure the story flows smoothly.
FAQ 6: Can I use creative formatting to shorten my script?
Avoid manipulating formatting to artificially reduce the page count. This is easily detectable and unprofessional. Stick to standard industry formatting guidelines. Focus on tightening the writing itself.
FAQ 7: What role do screenwriting software programs play in page count?
Screenwriting software ensures consistent and accurate formatting, which directly impacts page count. Using such software eliminates formatting errors that could artificially inflate or deflate the script’s length. It helps you maintain a professional standard.
FAQ 8: How do I know if a scene is unnecessary?
An unnecessary scene doesn’t advance the plot, reveal character, or contribute to the overall theme. Ask yourself what purpose each scene serves. If a scene can be removed without significantly impacting the story, it’s likely unnecessary.
FAQ 9: What are some effective ways to shorten dialogue?
Read dialogue aloud to identify awkward phrasing or unnecessary words. Condense long speeches into shorter, more impactful statements. Use subtext to convey meaning without explicitly stating it. Cut redundant exchanges.
FAQ 10: How does the target market affect script length?
Target market can significantly affect script length. Teen audiences, for instance, are shown to have shorter attention spans, so scripts that target that group should be short. On the other hand, older audiences might be more willing to sit through a longer script.
FAQ 11: Are there any exceptions to the 90-120 page rule?
Yes, there are always exceptions. Animated films for children, for example, can often be significantly shorter, and arthouse films might purposefully deviate from standard lengths for artistic reasons. However, these are exceptions, not the norm. As a new screenwriter, it is best to stick to the 90-120 page rule.
FAQ 12: How do I get feedback on the length of my script?
Share your script with trusted friends, fellow writers, or professional script consultants. Ask for specific feedback on pacing and whether the length feels appropriate for the story. Pay attention to their reactions and be open to their suggestions.
Conclusion: Length is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
While adhering to the industry standard page range is important, remember that length is only one aspect of a successful script. A compelling story, well-developed characters, and strong writing are equally crucial. Focus on crafting the best possible story, and let the length naturally fall into place. Ultimately, the goal is to create a script that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression.