Comments on: The Script Reader’s Top 10 Screenplay “Dos”

By: djc

djc — Sat, 26 May 2012 20:02:59 +0000

each page is about 1 min. Writing past 120 means the movie is too long, it cost more to make, it will have fewer shows per day in the theater…. it is about cost and money.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:55:09 +0000

Can you explain more what you mean by write with your own voice?

By: Monica

Monica — Wed, 25 May 2011 07:05:34 +0000

In reply to Dean Schweinler.

Dean, I wouldn’t say I have a “preference” for 115 pages, I would just say that scripts these days don’t come in longer. A tight script could be 103 pages, 107 pages, whereas a script at 122 pages smacks of a new writer, because professionally written scripts (although, genre dependent – some genres can be longer) aren’t usually overwritten. The contemporary model is closer to the 100 page model (25/50/25), whereas the older 120 page model (30/60/30) is just a longer, heavier read.

You have to remember, for a professional reader who has dozens – if not hundreds – of scripts to get through, those extra 20 pages make a difference. To me, anything over 115 looks like it wasn’t edited, so I assume it’s either a new writer or a first draft. Either implication doesn’t inspire confidence.

Cutting probably feels like pulling teeth now because you’re not used to it. Keep writing, get yourself into a brutal writers’ group, and soon it won’t feel as precious to you. Write to the beats of your story and cut, cut, cut!

By: clee

clee — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:23:34 +0000

Okay. Thank you!

By: Dean Schweinler

Dean Schweinler — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:30:09 +0000

Hello,

Would you please explain your preference for 115 pages? This first draft is around 122, and cutting anything resembles the process of pulling teeth. Any insight into 115 would be greatly appreciated in terms of being able to endure the pain. Thanks very much, and of course….

My very best regards,
Dean