The format for one hour teleplays

[rc444]

Hi there,

I'm writing a one hour long teleplay.

I'm aware that one hour shows are 44 minutes long to account for commercial breaks. Does this mean I should aim for 44 pages?

However, I visited www.knightriderarchive.com, which has an archive of old Knight Rider scripts. Most if not all of the teleplays used on Knight Rider are actually around *60* pages in length.

Can someone confirm for me, how many pages should you aim for if you are writing a one hour teleplay? 44 or 60? Or is there a new standard for 2008?

Thanks
rc444

 

[Dingos8mybaby]

I'd say write a little bit more than needed, cuz it's easier to cut something than to have to catch up, write, schedule, shoot and edit some new scenes.

Traditionally, teleplays have three acts, and within the last few years, an opening teaser as well.

K.I.T.T. (is there two 'T's?) Rocks!
My dos pesos.

 

[rc444]

Curiously, Knight Rider had 4 acts, and three commercial breaks for an hour long show.

Although I would suspect a half hour show like Friends would have 3 acts, and two ad breaks.

Thanks for your help
David

Knight Rider rules - have you seen the new telemovie this year?