Posted by Matty U at 202.94.77.124 on November 12, 2002 at 07:34:00:
In Reply to: That's interesting... posted by Jim Shady on November 12, 2002 at 07:15:49:
: : Thanks that advice is actually quite helpful, the course i have been doing has only been focussing on Short films and the ones i have been writing i think the longest was about 20 pages and the shortest was 3 and both went for just over 10 minutes.
: I'm surprised you can come out with the same length of film when there's such a disparity between the length of your scripts.
: I obviously have no knowledge of your course, but it sounds to me that you're not writing your scripts properly - and I mean that with all due respect. Obviously if you're filming your own stuff, then you can do what the hell you want - but if you ever want to submit a script to a studio, you're going to be in a world of hurt if you don't follow the "one page = one minute" rule. I know rules are made to be broken, but that's one of the ones that script readers are very strong on.
: Of course, if you just want to make your own films from your own scripts, that's different - unless you want funding from people who will wish to see your script. If they have no idea how long your film is going to end up being (and it sounds like you don't either), then they won't know what kind of slot you're aiming for, and it'll prove all the more difficult to get funding.
: It may sound like I'm being harsh, but I would urge you to put some structure into your scripts. You'll find them much easier to work from, and you'll find them much easier to pitch as well.
: And good luck to you as well!
: Jim
I know the reason they went for the same length is because one was almost pure dialogue (20 pages) and the other was more visual stuff that well yeh i didnt script in detail because i was the one filming it for the course, i only needed to put in as much detail for me to remember, which my tutor pointed out to me but i foolishly took no notice and lost marks as the detail i had put into the script wasnt as great as the detail i had shown in the flick. (it was about people rebelling against street performers) and i just didnt see the need for an extended script. But yeh i see your point, the one i am working on at the moment is very detailed as i am not going to direct it if it is made and i am actually thinking of changing courses to one that focuses on feature films and television not just shorter films.