My new script- too many scenes?

Robbie Comeau

Robbie Comeau

Como's back. back again
I'm in the making of a 5-6 minute Drama/(Horror/Thriller)

I'm at about 3 pages, and I have already 13 scenes. They are quick scenes.

It's one of those movie where you cut to scenes quickly, and have them really short.

Is this ok? Is it to many?

I'll be posting the script once it's fully finished!

Thanks,

Robbie.
 
At UCLA, they teach 100ish scene outline for a 100 to 120 page script. As an average, but that varies greatly. Some will have as many as 240 scenes. There's no real rule, other than if your scene is longer than two pages, look at cutting it or splitting it into two scenes. A scene could be two seconds long or less if its some kind of flashback. My short unawakening had 24 scenes in 7 pages and some change. a A ratio no that different from yours. It came out to be about 9 minutes long I think. Send me your script if you want and I will take a look.
 
Jack,

My script is mainly about flashbacks.

This is probably why!

I'll email you the .pdf. I would love feedback. Thanks!
 
What's the point of your thread? If 13 scenes in 3 pages is too long in general? Or if it will make your script too long. If it's the second question then I'm asking, too long for what?
 
Robbie Comeau said:
Second question.

And I thought I said to many. Will it get boring, or weird if I cut to to many scenes?
Click to expand...
You did say "to many" but I edited your thread title for you so it says "too many" :)

but my question was the same ... too many scenes in general or too many scenes for a certain length of finished film.

Anyway. A script with lots of scenes will probably feel like it's moving along. But not necessarily always. It's a case by case basis. As I said though a rule of thumb is if you have a scene that's over two pages you might look at cutting it. There are exceptions to everything, especially if its a pivotal or intense scene.

Then again Schittekatter, in my sig, is only ONE six minute long scene ... and I don't THINK it's boring, but I could be wrong. :D
 
Hi Robbie,

If most of it is flashbacks, feel free to have as many scene changes as you need. For instance, a movie like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was peppered with scene changes (racing through Jim Carrey's mind showing a lifetime of experiences). And since you're producing/directing it yourself, no one is going to complain about the associated costs. Then again, if you're using local talent, you might want to consider buying the local pizza parlor before producing the film! More scenes = more dollar$.

Good luck, Michael
 
I say quit worrying about the scene count. Without reading the script, nobody can give you a really intelligent answer to that. Write the thing, then see if it is a great script. Let people read it and get their feedback. Scene count, like dialogue word count, is relative. You could have a great 6-minute film with only 1 scene, or a great 6-minute film with 100 scenes. Or both could be lousy.

Just write it. Good luck!
 
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