scripts

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?
 
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:
 
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:
 
InvisionProductions said:
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?
Click to expand...

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

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 said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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
 
Envision said:
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.
Click to expand...
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:
 
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.
 
CallaghanFilms said:
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:
Click to expand...

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.
 
Envision said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
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