When I sit down to write a movie script, the very first thing I do is create a list of story beats. In that beat sheet lies the very first piece of screenplay structure. That structure then becomes the bones of the script, and I build out the muscle and fascia from there.
The secret to writing is understanding that there is no one screenplay structure that rules over others. Each story demands your attention and deliberate action on where you place the beats.
Today, I want to go over the idea of screenplay structure with you, look at some choices you can make, and how you can take your idea out of your mind and get it onto paper.
Sound good? Let’s get started.
What is Screenplay Structure?
A screenplay’s structure is its skeletal framework, a blueprint that guides the narrative from its inception to its resolution.
A well-crafted structure keeps the audience engaged, the plot cohesive, and the characters’ arcs impactful. It’s not a formulaic approach but rather a tool that can be adapted to various genres and personal writing styles.
Three Act Structure
Look, when most people talk about structure, they mean three-act structure. It is easily the most prevalent and effective structure in screenwriting.
It divides the story into three distinct parts:
- Act One: Introduces the main characters, the world they inhabit, and the inciting incident that disrupts their ordinary lives.
- Act Two: The main characters grapple with obstacles, face rising stakes, and undergo personal transformations.
- Act Three: The climax of the story, where the main characters confront their biggest challenges, resolve conflicts, and reach a satisfying conclusion.
This structure provides a clear narrative trajectory for any writer, allowing them to build tension, develop characters, and explore themes in a methodical manner.
Other Screenplay Structures
There are so many structural paradigms out there, I would encourage you to explore them and see how they work for you.
Three-act structure is a reliable framework, but some stories might benefit from alternative structures.
A few of them include:
- Hero’s Journey: A mythological structure where the protagonist embarks on a quest, faces trials, and returns home transformed.
- Five-Act Structure: Popularized by Shakespeare, this structure expands on the three-act model by adding a rising action and a falling action.
- Non-Linear Structure: The story is told out of chronological order, often using flashbacks or dream sequences.
Choosing the right structure depends on the specific needs of the story and the desired emotional impact on the audience.
Also, pick something you feel like you’re good at and that you like to do.
What Must Your Script Structure Have?
Regardless of the chosen structure, there are certain key elements are essential for a well-crafted screenplay.
Let’s go over a few together.
- Inciting Incident: The event that sets the story in motion and disrupts the protagonist’s life.
- Turning Points: Significant moments that propel the story forward and raise the stakes.
- Midpoint: The halfway mark of the story, often a major turning point that shifts the narrative direction.
- Climax: The peak of the story’s conflict, where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge.
- Resolution: The final outcome of the story, where conflicts are resolved, and loose ends are tied up.
How to Pick A Structure For Your Script
Okay, you now know a lot of different structures and ideas, how do you pick?
It’s about finding the right balance between following established guidelines and allowing for creative experimentation.
I really think the best way to pick is just to start writing and see where the beats fall, but here’s a few other ways you can dig in.
- Study successful screenplays: Analyze the structure of your favorite films and identify the key elements that make them work.
- Outline your story: Create a detailed outline before you start writing, ensuring a clear narrative arc and well-paced plot points.
- Get feedback: Share your work with trusted peers or mentors to get valuable feedback on your structure and overall story.
- Rewrite: Don’t be afraid to rework your screenplay multiple times, refining the structure until it feels organic and impactful.
Remember, mastering screenplay structure is an ongoing process.
The more you write, the more you’ll develop your own unique approach and find the structures that best suit your stories.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Author: Jason Hellerman
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
