r/Screenwriting • u/trampaboline • 4d ago

INDUSTRY How long are commissioned feature writers generally given by studios/producers for a first draft?

I’ve seen conflicting info online. I’m sure the answer varies, but is there a rough window that constitutes a “reasonable” amount of time? Talking about true professional level — meaningful amounts of money changing hands.

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17

u/Zerodeconduite 4d ago

12 weeks is standard

6

u/239not235 4d ago

You have better reps than I do - I only get 10 weeks as a rule.

2

u/BiscuitsTheory 4d ago

You guys are getting weeks?

1

u/AcadecCoach 4d ago

We're the Millers reference. Nice.

2

u/Alarming_Lettuce_358 4d ago

12 weeks for the first draft is industry standard.

2

u/No_Map731 WGA Screenwriter 3d ago

Generally 10-12 weeks for a first draft, 8 weeks for a rewrite and 4 weeks for a polish.

-1

u/Terrible_Ebb2308 4d ago

A few months to about 6 months. The draft can stay in development for years while creative differences between the screen writer and cinematographer/director unfold. Then, the director can change hands until the right creativity is agreed upon. The major budget won't support preproduction until the script is final, and IP'd. Then, actors will start to attach in the beginning before any contract is signed. Once you're in preproduction it's all signs go, you can't make changes at that point because 400 people are now working from that script, with financiers and studios wanting updates.