evadri

Does anyone know what is the lenth and structure for a show like The OC? Thanks.

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lisajane

The general rule is one minute to one page, excluding time for ads. So in a half an hour show, without ads it would be 30 pages long (30 minutes = 30 pages), however quite generally ads would be in this show, usually about 8 minutes worth so the script would actually be about 22 pages long (30 minutes = 30 pages - 8 minutes of ads = 22 pages total).

For an hour long show, it would be 60 pages without ads, and anywhere from 40 pages to 44 pages with ads.

I can't remember the structure very well, but I would assume it would be a condensed version of a three-act movie. However if it part of a series, I would say that excluding the first episode, most of the episodes would be two acts.

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evadri

Thanks, that helps a bit. I wasn't sure how many ads would be in it, so therefore not sure how long the actual script would be though the entire show would air for an hour. So up to 44 minutes/pages.

As regards structure, I'm wondering if there's meant to be a mini cliff-hanger before each ad break as such. Of course there needs to be some resolution as well as a cliff hanger at the end of every ep.

Thanks lisajane for your reply.

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mammamaia

sorry to disagree, but structure and format are quite different from screenplays... plus, the 1=1 doesn't work as well for tv series episodes as it does for feature film scripts...

and yes, you do have to have each 'act' end with something suspenseful enough to keep the viewer from switching channels...

you can email me for a 'tools of the trade' list that includes how-to info on writing for tv... but the best way to find out what a script looks like is to [ta-dah!] look at some scripts!

www.script-o-rama.com has plenty of 'em to offer... both film and tv... just be sure to get the real deal and not a 'transcript'...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

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