Chapter 3: Screenplay Structure

The Three-Act Structure

Movie screenplays are typically written in a 3-act structure, summarized as:

• Act one, throw your character in the sea
• Act two, surround him with sharks
• Act three, pull him to safety

One page of script equals one minute of screen-time (1:1 ratio), so a standard two hour movie or a 20-minute short film is roughly broken down into the following three time/page acts:

Act One

Act one establishes the “real world” and embarks our hero on their journey.

The Set-Up

This occurs within the first 10 to 15 minutes of a feature-length movie (1 to 3 minutes of a 20-minute short film) and sets up the story. It establishes the “real world” and throws an obstacle at the Hero that is nearly impossible to overcome.

The Set-up:

• Introduces the Hero/Protagonist and other key characters
• Establishes the setting
• Reveals the time period
• Defines the genre
• Reveals a character’s socio-economic status
• Sets up the Central Question

The Central Question

This is a “story” or plot question, not a thematic one. It is a straightforward question that you are asking within the first 15 minutes of a feature-length movie (or within 3 minutes of a 20-minute short film) that is answered by the Climax of the film.

It is the “What is this movie about?” question that helps you decide whether or not to settle in and watch this movie or change the channel. For example: Will they find their true love? Will she take control of her life and be a winner? Will he find the missing child? Will they save the world from impending destruction? Will she get revenge?

The Catalyst/Inciting Incident

This is the moment that something happens to set the story in motion. It’s a problem, challenge or incident that could come in the form of dialogue or action that demands an action or reaction from our main character. This usually occurs about 15 minutes into a feature-length movie (3 minutes into a 20-minute short film.)

The First Turning Plot Point

In a feature-length movie, the 1st turning point occurs around 25 to 35 minutes in (4 to 6 minutes into a 20-minute short film.) This turning point should accomplish the following:

1. Turn the story in a new direction
2. Sets up Act 2
3. Raises the stakes
4. Re-asks the Central Question – in possibly a new way or with a different outcome
5. The Protagonist makes a decision

Act Two

Act Two is the main body of the movie where you get to raise the stakes and challenge your hero at every turn. In this act you develop your story idea, characters, subplots and relationships. This is where relationships blossom, characters grow and the plot thickens.

The Midpoint

This is a significant point in the movie that mirrors or reflects the ending, and it happens halfway through the film. If the movie ends on a high point, the midpoint might also be a high point, or sometimes it can be the direct opposite of the ending.

The Second Turning Point

The 2nd Turning Point occurs about 75 to 90 minutes into a feature film (14 – 16 minutes in a 20-minute short film.) This can be the darkest hour in the movie when things look hopeless. This turning point should accomplish the following:

1. Turn the direction of the story again
2. Raise the stakes again
3. Start a ticking clock that launches us towards the Climax
4. Asks the Central Question again
5. The Protagonist makes a decision

Act Three

This act includes a “ticking clock,” which is the “race to the finish line,” where your hero is faced with her greatest challenge and you get to wrap up the loose ends. This act should be no more than 30 minutes.

The Climax

This is the final and biggest conflict where the good guy faces off with the bad guy or two lovers finally get together. It’s the “race to the finish line” – the moment when the Central Question is answered.

The Conclusion

This is where the loose ends and subplots wrap up in the last 5 to 10 minutes of a feature-length movie (1 to 2 minutes of a 20-minute short film.)

Theme

What is your story really about? What are you saying? Themes are the messages or implicit meanings in the movie that the audience can take away with them. Here are a few examples: Love always wins in the end, do the right thing and justice will be served, the underdog can come out on top, families stick together no matter what, or life is pointless.