This document discusses the three-act structure used in classic Hollywood film scripts. It begins with an overview of Act 1 which establishes the main characters, settings, conflicts and the protagonist's goal. Act 2 develops obstacles that impede the protagonist's goal and develops the characters. Act 3 contains the climax and resolution, where the goal is achieved and subplots are resolved. The document provides details on developing titles, backstories, subplots and considering the medium of TV, film or mini-series when writing scripts.

1. FLT 402: Technical Script Writing
Lecture 03:Developing Your Ideas: from idea to framework
Shaolin Shaon
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2. The Three Act Linear Structure (Aristotle)
Classic Hollywood Film Structure
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a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in reference to fictional narrative.
the point in a play, novel, etc., in which a principal character recognizes or discovers another character's true identity or the
true nature of their own circumstances.
A Catharsis is an emotional discharge through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual
renewal, or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress.
Catharsis is a Greek word meaning “cleansing.”

4. At a Glance
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5. More Details…….
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6. Act 1: Set Up
Establishes main characters,
settings, situations, a
conflict and goal
Protagonist begins the
journey to achieve that goal
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7. Act 2: Development
Develops the main story
Establishes and develops obstacles to that goals
Develops the protagonist and other characters
Adds depths and meaning to the story
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8. Act 3: Pay-off and Denouncement
Contains climax and resolutions
The main climax occurs
The goal has been achieved
All the characters relationships and subplots are resolved
Audience feel satisfied
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10. Title
Hook the
audience
It has to grab
the audience
Memorable
Essence of
the script
Tell the
Setting, core
idea and the
characteristics
Set up a
mental
picture
Create a
subconscious
emotions
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13. Background and Setting
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14. Society Emotions Economy Power Rituals Ethics
Spiritual
Life
Arts Content
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Background and Setting

15. Subplots
•A main plot
•A main subplot
•Other subplot
additional stories
linked to and
involving other
characters, incidents
which have an
influence on the
main plot and the
way your main
characters reacts
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16. Dramatic uses of Subplot
To show parallel action
To reveal subtext
To reveal different aspects of your characters
To surprise the audience
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17. Tod delay the development of your main story
To introduce another character
To reveal Back story
To provide a context/ setting of main story
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Dramatic uses of Subplot

18. Relationship of Subplot and Main Plot
Contradictory:
going against
the core idea of
your main plot
Complementary:
resonating the
ideas in your
main plot
Acting as a Set
up: and hooking
your audience
until you
introduce your
main plot
Complicating:
the life of the
main plot
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19. Final Considerations
• Special effects
• Period drama
• Exotic locations
• Specific weather
• Major star casting
Cost
• be careful about over research
Research
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20. •60 minutes
•6 main and secondary Characters
•Studio based and Location Shooting
TV Drama
•80-120 minutes
•7 main and secondary Characters
•Broad Visual Canvas, Location Shooting, Fits a genre
Feature Film
•2 or more episodes running on nights/ week
•Very broad canvas
•Family drama
•Adapted screenplays
TV Mini Series
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Final Considerations- Medium

21. •“The cheaper your budget, the more imaginative
and inventive you are forced to be.”
•Roger Corman
•Writer/producer/director
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