How Long Should a Screenplay Be?

As a screenwriter, one of the most common questions you may face is: "How long should a screenplay be?" The answer is not a straightforward one, as there is no hard and fast rule. However, there are some general guidelines to consider when determining the ideal length for your screenplay.

Screenplays are typically divided into three main categories: feature films, television shows, and short films. Each category has its own average length range, and it's important to understand the differences between them.

Feature Films:

Feature films are the most common and widely known form of screenwriting. These are the movies that we see in theaters or on streaming platforms. In general, a feature film screenplay should be between 90 and 120 pages. This translates to a runtime of approximately 90-120 minutes.

While there are exceptions to this rule, such as epic films like "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, most feature films stick to this range. A shorter script might suggest that the story is not fully developed, while a longer script may indicate that the story is dragging.

Television Shows:

Television shows, on the other hand, can vary in length depending on the format. For traditional broadcast and cable networks, hour-long dramas typically run for 42-44 minutes, while half-hour comedies run for 22-24 minutes. For streaming platforms, the average length of a TV episode can range from 30-60 minutes.

The length of a TV pilot script, which is the first episode of a new show, is generally between 50-70 pages.

Short Films:

Short films are an excellent way for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity. Unlike feature-length films, which can run for two hours or more, short films are typically 10-30 minutes long. One of the most critical aspects of making a successful short film is the screenplay. In this post, we'll take a closer look at how long a short film screenplay should be.

The length of a short film screenplay can vary depending on the genre, the story, and the intended audience. However, the general rule of thumb is that a short film screenplay should be no longer than 15 pages. This length allows filmmakers to tell a complete story with a clear beginning, middle, and end while still keeping the audience engaged throughout the entire film.