Can the length of a movie be shown by the number of pages in the script?

You can’t put three different movies into one screenplay. One movie = one screenplay. Two movies = two screenplays. Three movies = three screenplays.

The basic rule of thumb is one page equals one minute of screen time. So a 120-page screenplay would run approximately two hours. But this “rule” is usually far from accurate.

Here’s something from my blog that might help explain this better:

http://theworkingscreenwriter.blogspot.com/2007/03/does-one-page-reall y-one-minute.html

If you hand out a 220-page screenplay to a movie executive, they'll more than likely toss it in the trash bin pretty darn fast.

In the real world, the length of a screenplay is typically between 90-120 pages.

Another thing to keep in mind: you’re a novice writer – and I’m willing to be that any script you write in this point in time won’t be worth reading. I’m not trying to be rude, I’m just stating the reality. I strongly suggest you do your homework first before sitting down to write your first big script.

Check out my website and blog for lots of solid information that’ll help.

If you have further questions, post ‘em here or on the Shop Talk Writers board here on IMDb and I’m sure you’ll get plenty of replies. Also feel free to contact me through my website.

Good luck with this!!


Site: TheWorkingScreenwriter.com
Blog: theworkingscreenwriter.blogspot.com/

I'm guessing that the fact you even have to ask this question means you don't actually know about the process of screenwriting, or indeed the industry (it's almost more important to understand the latter - bad screenwriters can be successful thanks to their understanding of the industry, great screenwriters who have no understanding of the machinations may never get seen, regardless of how good they are). Indeed your suggestion that the studios are going to read your scripts emphasises this - your script isn't going to be seen by a studio unless you have an agent, you won't get an agent until you have a portfolio (which preferably includes some independently shot features) etc etc. Therefore, I'd strongly suggest you go and get some training, buy some books etc, before you start jumping the gun and finding that you are learning bad habits from the outset. Good luck with it.

Neil Palmer
[email protected]
Casting Director

usually they estimate one minute per page. And producers USUALLY won't read scripts exceeding 120 pages (2 hours) written by unknown writers.

If you want your scripts to be seen, make sure you use the correct script format, correct spelling. Also each new setting should appear about every half page with the maximum being 3 pages per scene.

You would be better off writing your first two ideas first and sending them off and then work on your final one.


formerly known as David_Harkus