What is Screenplay Structure?
Screenplay structure refers to a type of story structure commonly taught for writing feature length films. Though screenplay structure is a guideline and not meant to be restrictive or used for formulaic drama, ignoring it completely would be a mistake for new writers. Many famous screenwriters urge aspiring writers to learn the rules well, then forget them and write from the heart.
Screenplay structure refers to a type of story structure commonly taught for writing feature length films. Though screenplay structure is a guideline and not meant to be restrictive or used for formulaic drama, ignoring it completely would be a mistake for new writers. Many famous screenwriters urge aspiring writers to learn the rules well, then forget them and write from the heart. Traditionally, screenplays follow a three act structure: the Setup, the Main Conflict (Action) and the Resolution. Each act is a complete part of the overall story that has a beginning, middle and end or climax. The end of Act I dovetails perfectly into the beginning of Act II, or Main Conflict, while the final climax of Act II delivers us to the Resolution of Act III. Though there are several climaxes throughout a movie, they should build in intensity.
