Pilot

cornflake

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Howdy, has anyone here written a t.v. pilot?

30 min or 1 hour?

It so, what was your approx. page count?

thanks.

It depends on what you're writing - in *general*, sitcom scripts run a little longer than the minute-per-page average, but specific length mostly depends on whether you're going single or multi.

For hour-long, generally 40-50, but again depends on what it is and what you're using it for.
 

Usher

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Read it out loud. My 30 minute pilot was 35 pages long but some run as long as 45 pages. A lot depends on how much dialogue you have etc but it has to go through editing and changes to make it fit before it makes it on to the screen so the BBC at least doesn't expect it to be that precise.
 

G.G. Rebimik

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Read it out loud. My 30 minute pilot was 35 pages long but some run as long as 45 pages. A lot depends on how much dialogue you have etc but it has to go through editing and changes to make it fit before it makes it on to the screen so the BBC at least doesn't expect it to be that precise.

Thanks Usher....good idea. Did your pilot get some consideration?

g.g.

http://ggrebimik.blogspot.com
 

Kfu3000

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Most 30 min comedies range from 35-45 pages on average. As mentioned above, those with lots of dialogue will run longer.

Most hour longs are generally 60-70 pages.

You should definitely read some TV scripts if you're thinking about writing one yourself. You'll see how long current (and past) shows run in terms of page length and pacing.

Here are a couple sites where you can find TV scripts to download (free).

http://www.simplyscripts.com/tv.html
https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/

Good luck!
 

G.G. Rebimik

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Most 30 min comedies range from 35-45 pages on average. As mentioned above, those with lots of dialogue will run longer.

Most hour longs are generally 60-70 pages.

You should definitely read some TV scripts if you're thinking about writing one yourself. You'll see how long current (and past) shows run in terms of page length and pacing.

Here are a couple sites where you can find TV scripts to download (free).

http://www.simplyscripts.com/tv.html
https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/

Good luck!

Excellent!! Thanks KFU! :--)


g.g.
 

Bergerac

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It varies
Most 30 min comedies range from 35-45 pages on average. As mentioned above, those with lots of dialogue will run longer.

Most hour longs are generally 60-70 pages.

You should definitely read some TV scripts if you're thinking about writing one yourself. You'll see how long current (and past) shows run in terms of page length and pacing.

Here are a couple sites where you can find TV scripts to download (free).

http://www.simplyscripts.com/tv.html
https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/

Good luck!

Unless you're talking spec scripts. For dramas (my area of expertise), the page count better be between 52 and 61 pages, preferably on the lower side for both cable and network. Long tends to mean the writer doesn't know what's required.

When a series is underway, there's much more latitude.to run into the mid-60s.
 

G.G. Rebimik

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Unless you're talking spec scripts. For dramas (my area of expertise), the page count better be between 52 and 61 pages, preferably on the lower side for both cable and network. Long tends to mean the writer doesn't know what's required.

When a series is underway, there's much more latitude.to run into the mid-60s.

Thanks, Bergerac...

Really appreciate the help.

best,

g.g.
 

Klazart

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The difference in page count is the difference between the BBC and US shows. The BBC has no ads.