• Wondering which camera, gear, computer, or software to buy? Ask in our Gear Guide.

acts- what's in 'em?

insert_cliche_here

insert_cliche_here

I tried searching for other threads about this but the word 'act' is either 'too common, too long or too short' so is omitted from the search, making the results pretty much irrelevant.

What I want to know is very simple: what should be in each act? Say my story is about a girl who meets a boy and they have a very unhealthy relationship. They break up and she sleeps around a bit. Then she discovers she's pregnant. Knowing it must be his she tells him and he is supportive in her decision to get an abortion. Afterwards they have a fight and part ways for good. She meets a good man and lives happily ever after. Essentially. So how should I break it up? (If that makes sense)

Sorry if this has been covered before, I can't think of any way to search for it that doesn't involved the word 'act' -_-

Thanks guys (and girls)

ang
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
You already got it.

The first act is where they meet and build the relationship.
The second act is where they have problems.
the third act is where the problems are resolved.

Search "three act structure".
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Sweet, thanks :)

The indietalk search just comes up with results for structure because 'The following words are either very common, too long, or too short and were not included in your search: three, act', but I googled it and pretty much found exactly what you just said.

I'm just having trouble distinguishing between what is building up to the problem and what actually is the problem, if that makes any sense.
I'm writing out a breakdown of the scenes (including the ones I haven't written yet) in the hopes that it might help me put some structure into it. I'm too used to writing rambling, metaphorical prose about my feelings haha.

Thanks again :D

ang
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yep, what Directorik, said.

Three act structure is a very traditional formula originated by Aristotle in his Poetics. One of our Guru's, here, FilmJumper, authored a 4 act structure which I've found really comprehensive and easy to follow. (although Filmy's always available to the general Indietalk membership, he also gives priceless advice through Premiere membership....saw your other thread.:D) In fact, he's devised a whole methodology from brainstorming high-concept loglines to a step by step script outline. I am assuming that the complete package would be available for purchase? If so, it would be a wise investment.

Another structuring option I've seen is the 9 act:
http://www.jordandane.com/writers_9.php
But this just seems to further break down the 3-act into 3 x 3 parts, to easier assimilate.

My guess is that there are many ways to play with the traditional, just like many other artforms!

:)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I also agree with directorik.

You might want to check out "Save the Cat", by Blake Snyder. It goes beyond the three-act structure, giving you a very defined formula. I don't like formulaic stuff, but actually, this book has a WHOLE lot of wisdom in it. In writing my first screenplay, I didn't follow it strictly, rule-by-rule, but I sure did follow a lot of it's generalities, and I don't think there's any question I wrote a better screenplay than I would have, without having first read the book. It also gives you some really awesome organizational skills. It's intended for people trying to sell full-length spec scripts, but I think most of it's wisdom applies to pretty much any screenwriter.

And, it's a really quick read.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=save+the+cat&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=11106892379880215412&ei=5WBPTJi6HoL58Aaz2LXOAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDMQ8wIwAg#
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top