Film/Program lenghts

Hi,

I am a bit confused. I'm preparing a program with a possible broadcast option (as a free public service program). What are now the standard lenghts?

Half an hour programs are: 24, 26 minutes.

One hour programs are: 43, 48, 52 minutes.

But which are the the current standards? Which one should I choose for a one hour program? (This is the aim, at least for now...)

This is a documentary about a disarmament treaty and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) personnel... Lots of interviews, field footage (even underwater) etc.

Best,

Jules

Not sure there is a "standard" Jules. Different for every network - and every location. We have a representative that sells some of our stuff - and as long as you are close, she claims you should be fine. I would err on the longer side though - versus the shorter side. Easier to sell something of length that had to be cut rather than the opposite.

Hehe, depends on who picks it up. Some areas they want 52 mins to fill up dead hours with no ads. Some places want 43 so the viewer has to watch ads every 5 minutes. You have to edit accordingly too

Thanks. Since this won't be a commercial film, I think I have to choose the longer version...

Good question!

Another question? if you are making a commercial documentarie and the product is easy to make in like 3 or 4 episodes of 26 min is that somthing that will better sel then a 52 min documentarie?