Field, S. (2005) Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, Chapter 1 – “What is a Screenplay?”
A screenplay can be described in comparison to terms such as : guide, outline, blueprint, and diagram. I differs from a novel because the action and storyline don't take place within a characters head (known as a mindscape). It also differs from a play, because the latter focuses primarily on language and words. A film/screenplay is mainly visual and dramatic.
The Form of a screenplay is the basic linear structure. This is a paradigm of dramatic structure.
Act I is the setup. Hollywood films are typically 120 minutes long, while European/ foreign films are typically 90 minutes. Each page of screenplay is about 1 minute of action/ dialogue. Act I should be around 30 pages long. This time is taken (especially the very first 10 minutes) to show who the characters are, what the dramatic premise is, and what the situation is.
Act II is the confrontation. This takes up approximately 60 minutes of screentime. This is where main characters encounter obstacles. Conflict is needed in this part to add to the drama.
Act III is the resolution. This is the solution of all of the film, resolving the story but not necessarily 'ending' it.
The end of each of the acts should have a significant plot point to lead into the next act, which functions as a hook.
Field gives a tip to try to assess the dramatic structure of each film you see: the beginning, middle and end. Also, see if you can work out whether you like or dislike a film within the first 10 minutes of screentime.
