Three act movie screenplays are the most popular structure of screenplays written today. So, the good news is that you need not write something as complex as the structure of a five-act, Shakespearean play. But, by all means, feel free. Here are some of the details to the 3 act movie screenplay structure:
Act One of Three Acts – Movie Screen play Structure
This introductory act, approximately 25-30 pages long part, is integral and sets up the screenplay. In the first act, the freelance screenwriter introduces the story and characters to the readers and viewers. The story question is identified and defined by the initial change the protagonist faces.
Two of Three Acts – Movie Screen play Structure
One can divide the second act into two parts. The first part of act 2, about 30 pages, will have the protagonist conflicting with and struggling against the antagonist or antagonists.
The second part of the 2nd act begins when the protagonist determines a solution to his problems. This second section of act two of the three act screenplay is approximately 15 pages and leads to the climax of the movie screenplay.
Three of Three Acts – Movie Screen play Structure
This is the final act where the life of the hero reaches a point when he has to make things work for himself and implement his plan, if he had the chance to make a plan. In any case, this is the point where the protagonist takes drastic action to make things right and achieve his goal. There is a new twist to the movie screenplay.
Your movie screenplay must be compelling to make viewers stick to their chairs waiting for more to come. If at any point the story drags the story,the movie screenwriter should rewrite. At most, the climax should be 17 minutes.
The final part of the third act, after the climax has been reached, all that is left is to resolve any loose ends and conclude the movie screenplay. Viewers’ attention will be lower at this point since all the main action has concluded and they may be leaning toward the door. Keep this part short. In case, if you want to make a sequel of your movie screenplay, keep a few points hanging or add a new story question.
No matter what structure of movie screenplay writing you choose, ensure that your writing undergoes multiple revisions and rewrites. Share it with another trusted movie screenwriter or use screenwriting services.
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