In the world of film production, a page is not a page; it is a series of 8ths. This measurement allows the 1st AD to build an accurate shooting schedule by predicting how long a scene will take to shoot.
Step 1: Divide the Page into 8 Sections
A standard 8.5" x 11" script page is divided into eight equal parts. Each part (one-eighth) is approximately one inch long.
Step 2: Measure Each Scene
As you read through the script, measure the length of each scene.
- If a scene is less than one inch, it is still counted as 1/8th of a page.
- If a scene is two inches long, it is 2/8ths of a page.
- If a scene is a full page and one inch over, it is 1 and 1/8th pages.
Step 3: Rounding for Consistency
Always round up for scenes that are on the border. It is better to have a slightly over-budgeted schedule than a schedule that is too aggressive and falls behind on day one.
Step 4: Total the Page Counts for Each Scene
Total the 8ths for each scene and record them on your script breakdown sheets. These totals are the fundamental units for building your shooting schedule.
Why Measuring in 8ths is Critical
Page counts in 8ths allow the 1st AD to balance the work across each shooting day. A typical shooting day might cover 3-5 pages in a feature film or 6-8 pages in a television series. By accurately measuring each scene, the production team can ensure that the director has enough time to capture the artistic vision without running over budget.
Every word in a script has meaning and potential ramifications to the schedule and to the budget. Understanding these details early allows for a more accurate plan and better financial management throughout the production.