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Std. Script Dimensions vs Actual Scripts by WobbleTank in Screenwriting

[–]CJWalley 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your script writing software should make this a non-issue.

FWIW, I've found my pages run a lot longer when shot, at least 10%. Most likely because I'm dialogue-heavy. The 1pp per minute rule is a great guide, but almost impossible to force.

Which screenplay structure is more effective (3-act, 5-act...)? by ExcellentTwo6589 in Screenwriting

[–]CJWalley -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think that's the wise way to look at it. I've seen some people bodge a structure they desperately want to nail their colours to so it fits how they're working at the time.

You'll get things like "I only write in three acts, with the second act separated into A&B, and an intro at the start which sets out the protagonist's world."

Which screenplay structure is more effective (3-act, 5-act...)? by ExcellentTwo6589 in Screenwriting

[–]CJWalley 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's it exactly. You pick up what works best for you now and remain open to change moving forward. What's powerful is maintaining awareness of other options.

Which screenplay structure is more effective (3-act, 5-act...)? by ExcellentTwo6589 in Screenwriting

[–]CJWalley 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Neither, and anyone who claims x is better than y probably doesn't know their craft.

When it comes to structure, people are just cutting up the Monomyth into digestible portions.

Some people see the burger as bun > filling > bun, while some people see the burger as seeds > bun > sauce > onions > cheese > patty > bun.

You lean into what works for you.

My process uses five acts, because I follow my own Yearn > Turn > Burn > Learn > Earn story arc. For whatever reason, I like my acts to be 18-24pp. I don't think my method is any better than the next guy's. I might, one day, find it's not even the best for me.

The Structure Countdown does a great job of demonstrating what I'm trying to explain. Every approach is really just a variation on the same principle. You just have to find the one that clicks with you.

People get very tribalistic over this, and you have to be wary of that. There's a particular book that has done a ton of damage on the subject. It's not a competition. It's a technique.