How To Write A Movie Script

Many have asked how to write a movie script. One of the most important things about movie scripts is the structure of the plot. The plot consists of all events that happen in your movie from beginning to end. The most popular form or structure of a movie script is called the three act structure. There are a few names of each division or segment of your script, but the two most popular are called Act 1, Act 2, Act 3 or beginning, middle, end. This simple formula is how to write a movie script.

Act 1 - Beginning

In the first act, you include exposition. Exposition refers to the knowledge your audience must know to understand the story. This includes things such as main characters, setting, time period, etc. Who is your main character? Where and when does he or she live? What is their outlook on life? Following this, you include what is called an inciting incident. An inciting incident is the event that sets the story into motion. It alters the character's life in a drastic way and sets up a conflict. It gives the character a goal to pursue. This leads to Act 2.

Act 2 - Middle

Act 2 is the largest portion of your screenplay. In fact, the second act consists of about half of the length. The other two quarters go to the beginning and end, respectively. Act 2 consists of a series of rising conflicts in which the character strives to overcome obstacles or challenges. You also develop relationships between characters here. Who likes who? Who dislikes who? The characters follow a path or goal.

Act 3 - End

This is where your good guy and bad guy meet for the last time. This is also where the climax of the movie is located. The climax is the last exciting battle, fight or drama of the story. It is where your main character either ultimately succeeds or fails. To have a satisfying movie script, you need a satisfying ending.

So there you go. That is how to write a movie script.

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