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How do producers adapt scripts to fit a specified runtime of a TV episode before producing it?
How do producers adapt scripts to fit a specified runtime of a TV episode before producing it? Is it always planned exactly? Or do they have to constantly tweak it to cut things down or add padding to fit the runtime?
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4 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
Professional readers can estimate how long a script will take to play out. A simple guideline is that one page equals about one minute of screen time. This can change with lots of dialogue or detailed action scenes. In TV shows, skilled writers know where to place breaks and create suspense to keep viewers interested after commercials. This applies even to reality TV. When I worked on the first season of IRON CHEF AMERICA, I ensured there was always something exciting in the kitchen to make viewers eager to see what happens next. It’s also important that the story fits the intended time slot. Streaming shows have more flexibility with length, allowing them to suit the story better. Editors work to perfect the timing and elements of the story, while directors and producers make sure it aligns with the series' overall vision.
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David
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David’s Answer
You tweak everything. All the time. You change the script, the editing, the titles, everything. You plan down to the smallest detail and something surprises you every single time. If you are good, you are probably doing more cutting than padding. That's just good storytelling.
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David
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Isaias’s Answer
Producers and writers plan runtimes using page counts and table reads, but it’s never perfect. They often trim or expand scenes during filming and post-production to match the final runtime. The goal is to meet the broadcast length without losing story rhythm or emotional impact.
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Nicola’s Answer
Generally the exact length of the show will be decided between the showrunner, the director and editor. The network or streamer usually tells the showrunner how many minutes the show’s episode will be each week – and then the showrunner, who is often the head writer too, will work with the writers in the writers’ room to write the scripts to fit that length. Of course, more footage is usually shot than is needed and then it’s really down to the showrunner to work with the director and editor to make sure the episode fits the run time. Broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox) tend to be more rigid in their time because of adverts and time slots while cable networks (FX, AMC, USA etc) can sometimes be a little more flexible and some shows can have longer than an hour run time. And, of course, streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Paramount+, Apple+ as well as cable channels like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, MGM and Starz can really let the showrunner make longer episodes than an hour if the story requires it, especially when it comes to pilot episodes to launch a show.