Digging deep into 5 Act Structure
Who does not want to have a masterpiece of a script? However, it is difficult to break down your script into appropriate sections, which would pen down the marvel you have in your mind. Well, the 5 Act Structure is just the one for you. This blog will teach you the best way to write down your script with proper sectioning.
What is 5 Act Structure?
Let's go a explore what 5 Act Structure.
The five-act structure is a conventional narrative framework used in storytelling, notably in plays and films. It is a method of structuring a tale into discrete sections or acts, each having its own purpose and function.
The five acts are:
Act 1, or "The Exposition"
As the name suggests, this section involves exposing your script to the audience. You need to introduce your character, the time, the place, and the action that keys the engine of your script. Basically, you need to involve a tension that would set your story in motion. Antonio’s ships sink. He falls into debt. Shylock is ready to take a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.
Act 2, or "The Rising Action"
To break it into simple words, this is the hindrance that comes into the plan of action in the movie. You can either change the track of the film or not. You can consider this section as the yeast in the yoghurt that helps in increasing the essence and density of your script. This is a more extended section of the script, as a lot happens here. Bassanio reaches for Antonio’s rescue. Portia dresses up as a man to save her cupid.
Act 3, or "The Climax"
This is the most crucial section of your script: the make it or break it a quarter. Keep your audience on your toes in this section. Don’t let the audience know about the action that follows. Involve them with adding a lot of effort and drama. Shylock, tangled in Portia’s web of words, ends up sparing Antonio.
Act 4, or "The Falling Action"
The Falling Action, aka the silence after the storm. The tension has passed, the plot has ended, the goal is reached; now, move towards the conclusion. Portia discloses her identity.
Act 5, or "Resolution"
Act 5, or the Resolution, is the final act of the five-act structure, and it brings the story to its conclusion. The main conflict is resolved, and any loose ends are tied up. The audience sees the final outcome of the characters’ struggles. This act is the resolution of the main story and the characters’ personal arcs. It can also include an epilogue, which gives a glimpse of the future, showing how the characters’ lives have changed after the events of the story. In this act, the audience sees the characters’ final decisions, actions and the consequences of those actions. It should leave the audience feeling satisfied and emotionally engaged with the story. In this act, the writer has the opportunity to give closure to the story and the characters, and show how the journey of the main characters has changed them.
The five-act structure has been a writers favourite since the Shakespearean Era. This is one of the most uncomplicated beat sheets that you can follow for your script. So, get your notes, your script, and your brainstorming idea and start executing your ideas. You can also take the help of StudioVity, India’s first video production management tool. It is a web, mobile-based, cross-platform video production management application. Studiovity is an end to end product management platform that allows you to increase your project’s productivity. Write your script by just adding a document, and you don’t need paper anymore.
Its features include script breakdown. You can add your cast and crew, call sheets, payment breakdown, standard report (PDF format), and shareable links to your production team.
