Professional Spec Screenwriting, Part 7: Mastering Screenplay Structure
Geno Scala
Exec. Director of Academy Awards; "The Script Mentor"; "Ghostwriter to the Stars"; Creator of "The 20 Day Screenplay";
Now, we get into the meat of the screenplay- screenplay structure.
This is a topic on which entire college curriculums, $1500 weekend seminars and a boatload of screenplay books (232,000 last count) have been created.
Somehow, I’m going to try and give you some BASIC information on what structure is, what it entails, and how to write it- in one or two FREE articles.
What IS Screenplay Structure?
The screenplay structure serves as a guideline for writing a compelling story. It helps writers determine when key actions and story beats should occur, how to build drama, and how to maintain audience engagement. While there’s no magical formula for a perfect screenplay, understanding these structures can enhance your storytelling.
There are many “structure formulas” out there, including some very popular ones sold as software to help you “fill in the blanks”, as it were, when writing your screenplay. By far, the most popular formula sold is “Save The Cat” software, created and developed by the late Blake Snyder (he passed at a very young age, so I always feel the need to refer to him as the “late”). This is a structure that I use primarily, but I don’t necessarily apply it on every step along the process.
Other notable books, or software programs include “The Hero’s Journey” by Chris Vogler, “Robert McKee’s “STORY”, Syd Field’s “Screenplay”, Dave Trottier’s “The Screenwriter’s Bible”, and books by my friend, “Band of Brothers” writer and producer Erik Bork, Lee Jessup, Jen Grisanti, William Goldman and John Truby.
Personally, I generally only recommend Dave's book "The Screenwriter's Bible" as a must-have. The others make interesting reading but could overstimulate your mind with TOO much information.
There is another book out there, by David Santo, called "A Practical Guide for Writing a Film". Rumor has it that I was interviewed for a section in this book.
Crafting Compelling Movie Scripts:
Crafting compelling movie scripts is an art form that requires mastery of screenwriting structure. From setting up the plot to resolving the story, each act plays a crucial role in engaging audiences. Understanding the three-act structure and screenplay format is key to captivating viewers from start to finish.
Three-Act Structure:
The three-act structure is a fundamental framework in screenwriting, crucial for crafting compelling movie scripts. It consists of three distinct parts:
Mastering this structure is essential for creating engaging narratives that captivate audiences from start to finish. By adhering to the three-act structure, screenwriters can effectively pace their storytelling, maintain tension, and deliver satisfying resolutions in their movie scripts.
Act One: Sets up the plot, introduces characters, and establishes the story’s world
Screenwriting?structure is critical in Act One to engage viewers from the start. This section serves as the foundation, laying the groundwork for what's to come.
Here’s how to nail it:
Additionally, use this segment to introduce crucial?characters?and their relationships, laying the groundwork for their development throughout the plot. Act One is your chance to draw viewers into the story's world and make them invested in what's to come.
Act Two: Introduces new circumstances, conflicts, and challenges
Act Two is pivotal. It ramps up the stakes, introduces new conflicts, and deepens character development. During this phase, the protagonist faces escalating challenges that force them to grow.
Act Two effectively involves:
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Screenwriters must keep the audience engaged by maintaining a steady pace and weaving together subplots that enhance the main story.
Act Three: Resolves the story, ties up loose ends, and provides closure
In the final act of a screenplay, the climax of the story unfolds, and all narrative threads start to intertwine. This phase serves as the ultimate resolution, offering closure for the audience.
To craft a satisfying Act Three, screenwriters should:
By following these guidelines, screenwriters can master the structure of Act Three and deliver a compelling conclusion to their movie scripts.
Conclusion:
Mastering screenwriting structure is essential in crafting compelling movie scripts. By following the three-act structure, screenwriters can effectively set up the plot, introduce characters, and resolve the story with closure.
By mastering these fundamentals, screenwriters can elevate their scripts and create impactful narratives that resonate with viewers.
Remember, screenwriting is an art form that requires meticulous attention to detail and structure for success.
WRITER'S BIO: Mr. Scala spent 24-plus years in the Hollywood community and was the Executive Director for the?72nd Annual Academy Awards,?as well as The Soul Train Awards,?The Grammys,?The Blockbuster Video Awards Show?and?The Saturn Awards Show. With three produced features- "Assassin 33 A.D.",?"Black Easter"?and?"The Tombs" (all are currently available on Amazon Prime and Tubi).
The Script Mentor continues to mentor over 550 new writers and authors and is available-for-hire for original screenplays, adaptations, ghostwriting, or rewrites.
This article series is sponsored, in part, by TSM Screenplay and Novel Marketing Services. Recently, The Script Mentor partnered with Erica Starr Enterprises (Social Media Marketing Business Plan - Erica Starr Enterprises) and created TSM Screenplay and Novel Marketing to help screenwriters and authors publicize and market their projects and themselves.
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Former Federal Agent and SWAT Sniper Turned Screenwriter
5 个月I could write a book on screenplay structure. It's one of my favorite topics; but I'm not going to, because I consider writing a book on how to write screenplays the last refuge of a defeated writer:)