All great movies start with a script, and every script, no matter how short or how long, should include memorable characters, an engaging plot and be written in the traditional three-act structure.

Act 1 is considered the Exposition and Rising Action. This is the beginning of the story and the introduction to what lies ahead. Act 2 is the center and longest portion of the script that includes the conflict and the climax. Act 3 involves the Falling Action and Resolution to the story.

It is safe to estimate that each page of the script accounts for about 1 minute of screen time, which is why the length of a standard feature film script averages about 120 pages (120 minutes) or 2 hours long. Short film scripts follow the same three-act story structure as a feature film, but can vary anywhere between 1 to 50 pages in length.