Screenwriting Basics
Finding the Perfect Length: How Long Should a Screenplay Be?
Jan 8, 2024
By
Avinash Prabhakaran
Writing a screenplay can be an exciting and challenging endeavor, but one of the most common questions aspiring screenwriters face is, "How long should a screenplay be?"
In the world of film and television, the length of a screenplay is a critical factor that can determine whether your script gets picked up or not.
In this blog post, we'll explore the ideal length for a screenplay and the factors that can influence its duration.
Industry Standard: The 90-120 Page Rule
In the world of screenwriting, there's a generally accepted rule of thumb that a standard feature-length screenplay should fall within the range of 90 to 120 pages. This guideline equates to approximately 1 to 1.5 minutes of screen time per page. While this range is not set in stone, it has become the industry standard.
A 90-minute screenplay is typically on the shorter side, often seen in indie films or comedies, while a 120-minute screenplay is more common for big-budget blockbusters and epic dramas. Sticking within this range ensures that your script doesn't become too long and unwieldy or too short to provide a satisfying cinematic experience.
Genre Matters
The genre of your screenplay can significantly affect its ideal length. Different genres have different expectations when it comes to screen time. For instance:
Action and adventure films are on the longer side to accommodate elaborate action sequences and plot developments.
Romantic comedies and dramas can often be shorter because they focus more on character relationships and emotions.
Thrillers may fall somewhere in the middle, balancing tension and pacing.
Science fiction and fantasy films might take longer to build intricate worlds and mythologies.
Understanding the conventions of your chosen genre can help you determine whether your screenplay should lean toward the shorter or longer end of the 90-120 page range.
Pacing and Plot Complexity
The pacing and complexity of your story also play a significant role in determining screenplay length. A fast-paced action film with multiple plot twists may need more pages to do justice to its story than a slow-burning character drama. Conversely, if your script is too long for its content, it might feel drawn out and lose the audience's interest.
When writing your screenplay, focus on maintaining a balance between plot development, character arcs, and dialogue. Every scene should serve a purpose and move the story forward. Avoid unnecessary exposition and digressions that can bloat the page count without adding value to your script.
Know Your Audience
Consider your target audience when determining the length of your screenplay. If you're writing a family-friendly animated film, keep it on the shorter side to cater to the attention span of younger viewers.
On the other hand, if your screenplay is intended for a more mature audience, you may have more flexibility in terms of length.
Adapt to Changes
It's essential to be flexible with the length of your screenplay. During the development and revision process, you might need to add or cut scenes to improve the pacing, tighten the story, or meet specific production requirements. Being open to changes is a valuable skill for any screenwriter.
Conclusion
In the world of screenwriting, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a screenplay should be. The ideal length can vary depending on factors such as genre, pacing, complexity, and target audience.
However, as a general guideline, aim for a 90 to 120-page screenplay. Remember that the most critical factor is the quality of your storytelling, so focus on crafting a compelling and engaging narrative that captivates your readers and, ultimately, your audience on the big screen.
