How you know when you aint dragging a script on?

[bedhead_dl]

Right...well the title kind of gives away the post so...

Recently I've been writing a script and I let somebody look at it, they say its good but it kinda drags on...this person is not into films and screenwriting but I respect their opinion. Personally though I don't feel it does...

However it made me think...how do you know that your old work drags on?

[Tuukka]

Does every scene move the story forward? If not, then it might drag. Of course every scene doesn't necessarily has to move the story forward, but it can work as a good rule of thumb.

The problem might also be in the structure, and to work that one out I would advice you to read books about script structure. Syd Field has written great books about it. You don't HAVE to follow the traditional structural rules, but it's always good to know the rules before you start breaking them...

[radiofreememory]

Let some other people review it. I wouldn't start doubting your script because of one person's opinion.

Also, try to approach your script from a different viewpoint. When reviewing scenes I like to have the viewpoint of "Does this scene leave me wanting to read more of the script??". Although, all scenes do not HAVE to give me this feeling if they have another purpose.