“The character should take us on the journey that the structure evolves from.”
This is a direct quote from my mentor Mark Schwartz, and it’s a sentiment that strongly resonated with me.
As a screenwriting minor, I’ve been learning about the importance of structure since my freshman year. Most often, a screenplay’s structure is considered to have 3 acts:
Act 1: Approximately 30 pages in length (1-30), the writer must set up the problem to be solved and the dramatic question that needs to be answered.
Act 2: Approximately 60 pages (30–90), Act 2 is known as the Act of Complications. The writer must set up all of the obstacles that stand in the path of your main character. By the end of this act, the protagonist should reach a turning point.
Act 3: Approximately 30 pages or even less (90–120), Act 3 is known as the Act of Resolution. The problems set-up in the opening must be resolved; the main character must experience a change; and the theme must be revealed.
In addition to the 3 acts, I was taught to write my outlines/treatments in accordance with the 8 sequence structure. This was emphasized strongly in every one of my screenwriting classes... besides Mark’s. My mentor actually told me he hates the 8 sequence structure, and prefers not to teach it at all.
Upon further elaboration, he clarifies that structure is extremely important, therefore it’s important that it feels organic. He argues that skilled writers will have a natural sense for structure, and shouldn’t feel boxed into some page count. Instead of writing to hit a specific plot point at a specific page, writers should focus on building their story from character. Allowing themselves the freedom to evolve with one’s character.
I really enjoyed hearing his perspective. While I’ve met other students and professors who swear by these types of narrative structure, I’ve personally always felt intimidated and frozen in the face of such specific rules. It tends to only exacerbate my writer’s block. I’m glad I learned about the 8 Sequence structure, but I’m also happy to hear from someone who not only supports breaking the rules (when called for), but encourages it.
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