Which length is best for getting a documentary on TV: 30 or 60 minutes?

O

oxband

Well-known member
I'm planning a project with the dream/goal of getting it on local PBS. I
was speaking to a producer who told me films that are 30 minutes are easier
for their programmers to schedule than ones that are one hour. I'm
wondering if, as a general rule in TV, that is true? I actually would have
guessed otherwise......with the caveat of I know nothing of how PBS/tv
program scheduling works. So...which length is more attractive: 30 or 60
minutes? Is there a general rule here?
 
you can check the tv schedule for specific channels. as a general rule, morning or daytime shows are 1/2 hour or 23min including intro/outro and night/primetime are 1 hour or 45min including intro/outro. depending on the subject of the piece choose accordingly.
 
For a 30 minute commercial program produce 22 minutes. For a 60 minute commercial program produce 44 minutes. Not set in stone.
 
In general networks (including PBS and its affiliates) are more interested in shows that fit the 60 minute timeslot for one-offs or single programs. For series they're very open to 30 minute show slots also, but of course then you must have 6 - 13 episodes.
 
How long will it take to tell your story? It really doesn't matter if it's a 30 or 60 min show as long as it's compelling enough to air and meets their standards.
 
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