Right number of characters

[seanh420]

Is there any recommended number of characters that is optimal for a screenplay? If I watcha flick such as Sideways, I can see that there are distinctly 4 characters that are easy to follow. Ive seen other flicks that had like more than 10 active characters and its like I lose focus and cant keep track of them all. I'm wondering what a 'safe' number or range might be.

[reflex]

i think 5 is a good meduim.

take 3's company: jack janet chrissy larry and landlord(s) =5 main people
Seinfeld: elane, jerry , george, newman, kramer = 5 main people
everybody loves raymend: ray, wife, brother, mom and dad = 5 main people

That what it seems like to me. around 3 - 5 main , recurring people seems to be in grasp of most people.