10 Basic Rules of Screenwriting
1. Feature film script should be between 95 and 120 pages in length.
Never longer. A script over 120 pages needs editing.
Never shorter. A script shorter than 90 pages is too short.
The perfect length is 100 pages for comedies, 110 for dramas.
Cheat your margins if you have to, but better yet write and cut to the correct length.
2. Do NOT use camera directions. Ever.
(Note: Historically, writers used to employ camera directions, but the practice is no longer in vogue.)
Do not use words like CAMERA, CLOSE UP, LONG SHOT, DOLLY, PAN, or anything else that refers to the camera.
Do not use CUT TO or any references to editing.
At the beginning of the script, you may use FADE IN.
At the end of the script, you may use FADE OUT.
Please use a maximum of two dissolves in the entire script. If any.
Dissolves are not generally well-received, disdained by directors and studio readers.
3. Dialogue should generally be one to three lines long. Only occasionally should dialogue exceed four lines. Keep it short and simple.
Visit our
Screenwriting website for more info.
