Is It Usual for the First Draft of a Film Script to Be Very Long?

When embarking on the journey of writing a film script, many screenwriters find that their initial drafts are considerably longer than the final versions. This is a common and natural phase in the creative process, and understanding why this happens can help you navigate your project more effectively.

Commonality in Length

It's quite common for the first draft of a film script to be longer than the final version. Many screenwriters allow themselves to write freely during the first draft, which often results in scenes, dialogue, and exposition that may not be necessary for the story. This initial buildup serves as a fertile ground for creativity and exploration, giving writers the freedom to create expansive narratives and explore various plot points and character arcs.

Process of Refinement

The process typically involves several rounds of revisions as the script is trimmed and refined to meet the standard length for films, usually around 90 to 120 pages. During these revisions, writers focus on tightening the narrative, improving the pacing, and eliminating redundant or unnecessary elements. This process helps in creating a more cohesive and engaging story that can effectively capture the audience's attention.

Editing for Length

Once you have your first draft, the next step is to condense it to the appropriate length. It is essential to ensure that your script runs for around 90 minutes, or roughly 90 to 110 pages. This involves editing and removing unnecessary elements to ensure that the story remains compelling and engaging without becoming a novel.

Different Approaches and Preferences

It's important to note that there is no one "right" way to write a first draft. Some writers may find that writing very long first drafts is not an issue, as they can edit it down later. Others, like myself, may overwrite slightly in the first draft to avoid excessive rewriting later on.

I tend to write the first draft longhand, which frees my creativity. After a few scenes, I type them into Final Draft and continue to edit and rewrite. This results in a first draft that runs around 120 pages and is refined to about 100 pages for the final version. Every writer's process is a little different, and sometimes what works for one writer may not work for another.

Conclusion

It is quite normal for the first draft of a film script to be very long. The initial draft serves as a canvas for creativity, allowing for expansive and detailed storytelling. However, it is through subsequent drafts that the script is honed and condensed into a concise and engaging narrative. Understanding this process can help screenwriters stay on track and produce high-quality scripts that meet industry standards.

Keywords

first draft, film script, screenplay editing