A feature screenplay commonly runs about 90 to 120 pages; short films depend on running time, while television requirements vary by platform.
| Format | Page-count guidance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Feature film | Commonly about 90 to 120 pages | The submission guidelines, if you plan to submit. |
| Short film | Commonly estimated at roughly one page per minute | The Academy's short-film definition allows 40 minutes or less, including credits. This is not a script page limit. |
| Television drama | It varies by platform; check the guidelines. | The requirements for your intended submission. |
| Television comedy | It varies by platform; check the guidelines. | The requirements for your intended submission. |
Use the screenplay format guide to check your layout before judging length. Check margins, font, and page size, and use the scene heading examples to check how you mark each scene.
- Page count
- Also called Script page count
- Page count is the number of pages in a script. It commonly serves as a rough guide to running time.
How do you estimate a screenplay's running time?
A screenplay page is commonly estimated at about one minute of screen time. This is a rule of thumb, not a measurement. A dinner scene can describe a long silence in a short line. When estimating that scene's length, allow time for the silence to play.
How long is a microdrama episode?
Scriptsolo's guidance suggests microdrama episodes of 1 to 3 minutes. Its feature guidance targets 90 to 120 pages. Treat these as format guidance, not submission requirements.
For an episode about a roommate leaving, focus on the discovery of packed bags. Save the argument about unpaid rent for another episode if it needs more room.
What if your script is too long or too short?
Revise what happens in the story before adjusting the layout. If roommates repeat the same rent argument without changing their decisions, consider cutting the repetition. If their reconciliation feels abrupt, show the choice that earns it.
Review your screenplay's length
- Check the requirements
Read the intended recipient's current guidelines before treating a common range as a limit.
- Mark repeated material
Look for scenes that repeat information or decisions without changing the situation.
- Write missing choices
Add what the audience needs to understand a decision, rather than adding pages to reach a target.