Screenplay Structure

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Backstory (what happens before the film story begins)

ACT 1
(Approx. 30 min.)


ACT 2
(Approx. 45-60 min.)


ACT 3
(Approx. 20-30 min.)


Future story (what happens after the film story ends)

Hook
(occurs within 1st 5 min.)

Plot Point 1
(event that spins the story into the 2nd act)

Midpoint
(sometimes critical, sometimes not)
Plot Point 2
(event that spins the story into the 3rd act)
Climax
(event that the film is leading up to)
Denouement
(wraps up the film after the climax)