The 3 Act Structure

 

Most films have a 3 act structure similarly to this diagram above. There is the hook, then there is an event that makes the character act which leads onto act 2. There is usually a midpoint crisis to keep the film in full swing, then at the end of act 2 there is another turning point, perhaps a realisation ect... that brings the films events into focus and gives the character a final push towards his/her goal.

But it's not just the full film that obeys the 3 act structure, each scene also tends to follow the same structure. So if you break down the film into 3 acts you can also break down each scene into 3 acts as well and when you look at a film this way you see a clear formula at work. Understanding this formula is key to good screen writing, if anything it makes the job easier.

Here's a short film I watched that shows the 3 act structure at work.



There is another theory. The 3 acts are broken up into eight sequences and each of those sequences has its own part to play in creating a whole film. We've just taken a look at The Matrix and this film uses all the eight sequences to tell it's story. The formula is hidden in plain sight.

• Act 1 - Sequence 1 & 2
• Act 2 - Sequence 3,4,5 & 6 
• Act 3 - Sequence 7 & 8 

In sequence 3 the meat of the story is usually reveled and the premise is set, when coming into sequence 6 if the film has a sub plot ie. a love interest, it usually hits its peak which in turn helps the character change perspective, opinion, situation and enables them to reach the climax of the film with a flourish.    

Of course all these rules can be broken and many of them are but you still need to understand them.