scripts

[slywolfs25]

how much time does one page of a script equal to apporximately?

thanks

[Andrew Brinkhaus]

Really depends on the script, especially the page. Some pages of script detail scenes of action sequences which could be several minutes, and some go with the dialogue, etc. on average though, maybe 1 1/2 to 2 minutes?

[Bentrandom]

Supposedly it equals a minute of screen time but that's really a rough guesstimate. If you have montages/slowmo/long bits of dialogue/etc. that obviously pulls the length. Also if all you have is a very elaborate stunt idea that takes up most the page it could be less than 30 seconds. That was an overly elaborate response to your simple quiestion. :thumbsup:

[CallaghanFilms]

1 page = 1 minute...
The tried and true formula for screenwriting from the beginning.

Bentrandom, you actually allow for extensive (or lack of) dialog by adjusting the page-in-question's format. :beer:

[Norm Sanders]

Really depends on the script, especially the page. Some pages of script detail scenes of action sequences which could be several minutes, and some go with the dialogue, etc. on average though, maybe 1 1/2 to 2 minutes?

Invision, where'd you get this from? Average movie scripts are 90-120 pages, and with your calculations that would add up to an average of 3-4 hour movies.

Most action sequences rip through much faster than they read.

Callaghan hit it dead on the money with simplicity.

1 Page = 1 Minute. Industry standard rule of thumb. That's why if you ever send your script in to an agent, etc. if it's less than 90 pages or more than 120, it gives a poor first impression before they even read the first page. They want to know you can write a feature length script with story, etc. in at LEAST 90 pages, but wrap it up in under 120 (2 hours).

Once you're a seasoned writer, and your name's known, you can get away with going outside of those guidlines.

[slywolfs25]

thanks for the responses, they have been helpful. I am just trying to approximate how long a script i wrote will be.

[slywolfs25]

also i was wondering if you guys could help me on the correct script format. i've heard there are programs to help or is there a website you would recomend?

[David G. Smith]

1 page = 1 minute...
The tried and true formula for screenwriting from the beginning.

Bentrandom, you actually allow for extensive (or lack of) dialog by adjusting the page-in-question's format. :beer:

That is the formula that we all know. Yet it still is dependent on the context of the script and the style of writting.

I love timing scripts. I've collaborated on a few feature length scripts and when we have a decent draft, we act out the script, as best we can, with a stop watch going. We'll do it three times and average, compare the times. Some interesting findings: the last version will be longer, one page a minute is not accurate and it takes 9 seconds for a person to go to a door, unlock it, open it and exit. Anything less than that is rushed.
I highly recommend doing this. After your done, you will invarably go back and do another draft.

[slywolfs25]

thanks again.

[Norm Sanders]

also i was wondering if you guys could help me on the correct script format. i've heard there are programs to help or is there a website you would recomend?

Final Draft (finaldraft.com) or Movie Magic Screenwriter (write-bros.com) are the two main industry standards, or most popular programs.

I myself prefer Final Draft, though I've not seen Movie Magic's most recent release (last I tested was their 2000 version).

Final Draft also has a stripped down version for around $50 ... I think it's called Hollywood Screenwriter, or something to that effect ... GREAT bang for the buck. If you're not using a professional application now for writing your scripts, I'd HIGHLY suggest it.

For story, there's also Writer's Dreamkit, which is a stripped down version of Dramatica Pro ... again, only around $50 for the stripped down version. A great tool to help you really round out your story ideas, give depth to the characters, arcs, etc.

[slywolfs25]

so does anybody know of a website or program that will help me write using the correct script format?

[Norm Sanders]

Look back at the bottom of the first page ... I gave you several.

[Isaac_Brody]

Check google. There are tons of screenwriting resources there along with free scripts for reference.

[slywolfs25]

must have missed them.

thanks

[slywolfs25]

i just downloaded this program called Directors Board, to make story boards. A very useful program. i was wondering if there was a program like the one above but one in which you can add audio? any suggestions
(this might be in the wrong thread)

thanks

[CallaghanFilms]

Final Draft (finaldraft.com) or Movie Magic Screenwriter (write-bros.com) are the two main industry standards, or most popular programs.

I myself prefer Final Draft, though I've not seen Movie Magic's most recent release (last I tested was their 2000 version).

Final Draft also has a stripped down version for around $50 ... I think it's called Hollywood Screenwriter, or something to that effect ... GREAT bang for the buck. If you're not using a professional application now for writing your scripts, I'd HIGHLY suggest it.

For story, there's also Writer's Dreamkit, which is a stripped down version of Dramatica Pro ... again, only around $50 for the stripped down version. A great tool to help you really round out your story ideas, give depth to the characters, arcs, etc.
Norm,
I was a faithful believer in Final Draft for years...
That is until I tried Movie Magic Screenwriter. I tried it out, and attempted to tell myself that it wasn't anything special (out of loyalty to Final Draft). I was kidding myself big time. It is sickening how freggin' user-friendly that program is.

I jumped ship...and never looked back.
:beer:

[Isaac_Brody]

Step 1: http://www.google.com

Step 2: insert the search term "screenwriting"

Step 3: Press return.

Step 4: Click on first link which is an extensive link on how to write a screenplay including format, terms, etc.

[Norm Sanders]

Norm,
I was a faithful believer in Final Draft for years...
That is until I tried Movie Magic Screenwriter. I tried it out, and attempted to tell myself that it wasn't anything special (out of loyalty to Final Draft). I was kidding myself big time. It is sickening how freggin' user-friendly that program is.

I jumped ship...and never looked back.
:beer:

I'll have to check out the new version of Movie Magic sometime. I know this is shallow, but I just didn't like the graphics/look of the older 2000 version ... just seamed cheap, compared to Final Draft's looking polished. I know, like I said, a shallow reason to choose a program.

Since I rarely actually write myself, I'm in no rush ... usually have writers sending things to me to see if I can get it out to studios, agents, etc.

One KILLER thing that Movie Magic had though was the ability to READ the script back to you ... sure, it was robotic, but was still a cool little feature.

[Ought2bCommitted]

I'll have to check out the new version of Movie Magic sometime. I know this is shallow, but I just didn't like the graphics/look of the older 2000 version ... just seamed cheap, compared to Final Draft's looking polished. I know, like I said, a shallow reason to choose a program.

Since I rarely actually write myself, I'm in no rush ... usually have writers sending things to me to see if I can get it out to studios, agents, etc.

One KILLER thing that Movie Magic had though was the ability to READ the script back to you ... sure, it was robotic, but was still a cool little feature.

I did it in reverse. I first got MM2000 and wrote some stuff on it, collaborated with it. Heard a lot about Final Draft and said let's check it out, and...

went back to MM2000. :grin:

Wasn't missing anything. :grin:

Sorry, Norm!

-Robert

[Ought2bCommitted]

Step 1: http://www.google.com

Step 2: insert the search term "screenwriting"

Step 3: Press return.

Step 4: Click on first link which is an extensive link on how to write a screenplay including format, terms, etc.

LMAO!!!!

I thought you were going to include step 5: type FADE IN.....

-Robert

[Isaac_Brody]

:cheesy:

[David G. Smith]

FADE IN

ISAAC BRODY'S HOUSE NIGHT EXTERIOR

Dark storm clouds gather.....

[Ought2bCommitted]

:grin:

[Dahopafilms]

In case anyone is interested, the present issue of Creative Screenwriting magazine (Vol. 12 #5 - the one with Steve Martin on the cover) has an article on Final Draft vs. Screenwriter. I think the article is illuminating, because (at least to me) it came off as vapid and unhelpful.

I think that illuminates the fact that both programs are great and it falls to the user's tastes to prefer one over the other.

Fun though to watch the debate between groups of users (FD vs. MM). Kinda like the Mac vs. PC debate, only with proponents in both camps that know how to speak in sentences ...

[Norm Sanders]

Fun though to watch the debate between groups of users (FD vs. MM). Kinda like the Mac vs. PC debate, only with proponents in both camps that know how to speak in sentences ...

LOL!!! :grin:

[CallaghanFilms]

Fun though to watch the debate between groups of users (FD vs. MM). Kinda like the Mac vs. PC debate, only with proponents in both camps that know how to speak in sentences ...
Ouch! :laugh:



INT. CALLAGHANFILM'S OFFICE - DAY - CLOSE ON CHAD

who is laughing his ass off.

[Isaac_Brody]

:thumbsup:

[Chris Messineo]

I remember hearing screenwriting guru Robert McKee say, "If you story is good enough no one will care if it is written in crayon on toilet paper."

It is all about the quality of the story - not the software it is written with. :)

Chris

[CallaghanFilms]

I remember hearing screenwriting guru Robert McKee say, "If you story is good enough no one will care if it is written in crayon on toilet paper."

It is all about the quality of the story - not the software it is written with. :)

Chris
Chris,

I understand what you are saying about the importance (and lack there of) of great stories. But...

I wouldn't advise someone just starting out to allow format to take a back seat to style. The vast majority of professional "readers" would never make it to the third page on a script that wasn't written in the traditional/proper format. Our little discussion on various software was intended as such. Though we can all agree that a good story idea is important...what is done with that story idea is as important, if not more.

This disagreement is not so much with you, but with the gentleman that you quoted (which I assume is this fellow... http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0571210/)

Cheers, :beer:

Chad

[Ought2bCommitted]

I don't think McKee was telling people not to stick to the professional, industry format... just over dramatizing that a good story is a good story and what matters most.

Yeah, a crayon writter script will more than likely not get a second glance before it is tossed into the garbage pile.

McKee tends to be a little dramatic in his dialogues and I think if you take his quote literally the man appears to be mad... but his whole seminar/book is called STORY. His sole purpose to bang into your head the importance of a good story told well.

If you have that, then yea it doesn't matter what software you use to professionally lay it out. Just don't write it in Crayola. :thumbsup:

-Robert

[CallaghanFilms]

Robert,

I wasn't taking him literally...and the idea still seems mad to me. Like I said before, a balance between style and form is crucial, and even the loosest interpretation of his words tells me that form isn't nearly as important.

One other point...

I've heard over and over again that some are great doers and some are great teachers, but why is it that all of these seminars are taught by "great teachers" who never quite made it to the deep end of the creative pool. Don't get me wrong, my two year old daughter absolutely adores Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper...but would I pay its story consultant money to tell me cliches about the importance of great stories? That would have to be a NO.

You and I agree & disagree with the same frequency, Robert. But, again, this is not directed at the quotee, but at the quoter.

:beer:

-Chad

[Chris Messineo]

Chad,

I agree. I have worked as a reader and a screenwriting instructor and I love the craft of screenplay writing and format.

My point was simply that I have seen beginning writers spend countless hours worried about whether to "Cut To" or not "Cut To", when their stories really needed the attention.

I didn't mean to dismiss the importance of good format.

Chris

[Ought2bCommitted]

True, but for all his rantings and ravings McKee does make a lot of excellent points and sense in his teachings about the art of telling a story--not the form in which its told.

Taking just one quote from someone out of context doesn't really accurately reflect someone's intent. McKee is someone to teach you all about story and how to tell one, not the form itself. I think anyone who would take the quote literally (I didn't think you did) should have their heads examined.

In the end, you NEED good form and a good story to get anywhere.

I take McKee and all the other gurus, teachers, advisors, etc. with a huge grain of salt. For all their b.s. there may be one great pearl of wisdom.

My niece loves Barbie as the Prince and the Pauper as well. I think I can act the whole thing out by now from memory while standing on my head.

:thumbsup:

-Robert

[CallaghanFilms]

Chris & Robert,

In that case, we are all in total agreement.

For what it's worth...
I feel that proper format itself is the only aspect of writing that can be taught. Aspiring writers can take this structure and use it as a language with which to tell the story they have to tell. As far as the creative side goes...it's either there with you or it ain't. No amount of seminar bullshite is ever gonna change that. Form and structure should IMO be stressed and restressed again.

Of course I feel (not to get off topic) the same way about the "big three" film schools. My advise would be to take that $120k and make one hell of a film (or even eight crap ones.) Hell, you can learn basically everything you need to know from the web (especially from DVXUser) and from experimenting.
:thumbsup:

[Ought2bCommitted]

Chris & Robert,

In that case, we are all in total agreement.

For what it's worth...
I feel that proper format itself is the only aspect of writing that can be taught. Aspiring writers can take this structure and use it as a language with which to tell the story they have to tell. As far as the creative side goes...it's either there with you or it ain't. No amount of seminar bullshite is ever gonna change that. Form and structure should IMO be stressed and restressed again.

Of course I feel (not to get off topic) the same way about the "big three" film schools. My advise would be to take that $120k and make one hell of a film (or even eight crap ones.) Hell, you can learn basically everything you need to know from the web (especially from DVXUser) and from experimenting.
:thumbsup:

Definitely! I think what schools/seminars/etc can do is inspire you. That's about it. I have always thought the best way to learn something was to do it. Theory, lectures, etc. don't mean a whole lot in real world uses. I found a lot use in books, articles, etc. just to be able to say...yup, I knew that.

Converely, though I do feel there is some merit to schooling or education of some kind in the field. Not all great actors just get up and well act. There is a process to it all, and I think there are somethings and some people that can be benefit from certain types of schooling (not just talking standard school)--like user groups, meetings, watching 900 hours of "making of" programs, reading, etc. I think a healthy combination of both is necessary for most people, that being real world experience and learning experience.

See Chad-we do tend to agree just disagree on the language used, I think. :thumbsup: I was thinking about that last night. Ultimately at the core we are usually saying the same thing, just different ways.

-Robert

[Chris Messineo]

For what it's worth...
I feel that proper format itself is the only aspect of writing that can be taught.I hate to start a new disagreement, but I totally disagree with this statement. :)

I have seen dozens of students learn how to write better though instruction. It think it is mostly a process of self-discovery, but a good instructor can really help.

Chris

[Blaine]

Well, I own both MM2000 and FD7 and keep them both up-to-date. I've written with both but my personal preference is Final Draft. They are both excellent programs and both will do the job. For me it is all about "feel", and FD7 feels good to me. It really doesn't matter which you use, they're just tools...albeit better than most others... Having both, I can collaborate easily with just about anyone, if I choose to.

Prior to FD7 adding Tagger, I would write the screenplay in FD6, then import it into MM2000 and break it down for exporting to Gorilla software. Now I don't have the extra step.

My recommendation would be to download the trial version of both and see which you feel more comfortable with.

[Charli]

Writing can be honed. You can learn how to write a good story, whether or
not you have natural ability, I don't know, so you could learn how to technically
tell a good story, you can develop into a good writer.