I've always had passion for movies and the struggle of their characters.I also thin that watching a lot of movies,is the best way to practice screenwriting.It's not very easy and it takes time and needs patience.However,thanks for the useful video!
@EgyButterfly1212 Thanks. It's nice to see that this video is helpful. Most people seem put off that this video is a definitive structure for everything. It's just some similarities to my favorite movies. Don't forget about the clever or quick move at the end.
@justmeeagainn Would it fit into my ACTION MOVIE catagories? Not perfectly. But it does have a 3 act structure like Momento and Pulp Fiction. They set everything in the fist act and upset the balance of each individual story. Like getting fired, discovering a plot, or losing a child. The action in the first act leads to a re-action in the second.
@eddiechinglives Things get complicated. Stakes are raised. And leads to a 3rd act, where the pressure is let loose in a final showdown or situation or impending doom situation. Maybe the protagonist intervenes and wins. Maybe he loses. Or maybe it's a suicide mission, where they both win and lose.
Eddie, Thanks for the extra tips about the hero winning right at the last second before the end - some good visualisations that are not completely obvious to the eye :)
I love the film Robocop and funnily enough I only watched it last night! You made some good observations from this film and ideas on how to build up ones own story in terms of action and tension. Thanks for posting!
@DonnaEliza77 Thanks. A bonus point is there is one last CLEVER MOVE. A QUICK or SURPRISE move at the end, when the bad guy looks like he's going to win. With Big Trouble In Little China, Jack flings the knife back at Lo Pan. Terminator 2, Arnold surprises the T2 and blasts him when the T2 thought Arnold was dead and about to kill John. And in Robocop, Robo quickly uses his switch blade data port and gets Clarance in the neck when Clereance thought he was going to stab Robo to death.
I'm not sure what it is about this video that people have a problem with. It's just observations I've made about successful movies I enjoy. Patterns if you will. I didn't mean this video to come across as if I'm saying every movie has these things in it. Just some observations. That's all. Take it for what it is. If it helps you, cool. If not, I'm sure there's other videos out there that's better than this. I'm sure of it.
@cconat I don't know why cconat's comment was removed. All he said was that I would sound more eloquent if I didn't use the word "like" or "um" so much. A fair criticism. I just try to get the information across. I'm sure there's a better way, but my method is to get it out there for the 13 year olds who don't know any of this stuff yet.
Actually Pulp Fiction follows the three act structure, too. It only happens to switch times. Also optional are prologues and epilogues, which are what Pulp Fiction has. Romeo and Juliet and some of Shakespeare's other plays were told in five acts. See if you can find the plot points that join the three acts in Pulp Fiction. You don't think that the movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay without any structuring, do you?
@ummmiloveu Sorry. Information overload. I just noticed in many of my favorite action movies, they seem to reach a point where the movie looks like it's going to end well, then looks like it's about to end horribly. Then the heroes regroup, look like they're going to win, then look like their going to lose, then do a clever move and win at the end. It's a psychological way of keeping the suspense. So I felt like sharing.
Also, BTW, I find that a story that doesn't have a 100% happy ending are much more memorable! I wouldn't want one where there is 0% of a happy ending, because I feel then it was a failure and I wasted my time. However, one with an ending that's around 40-60% happy tends to be very memorable and realistic!
Memento is still 3 acts. Act 1: define the character and his "condition". Act 2: show how difficult it has been for him to track killer due to his condition. Low point is the discovery that the girl was using him, though he forgets it. Act 3: final fight between him and the "real" John G. He wins. (I have heard people say it would be cool to watch in normal order, but because it already fits the 3 act structure, that would actually ruin it as a story).
@saprissa30 Name three of your favorite movies. Non-boring movies, and I will try to see if this structure fits it. Just a random 3 movies that you think aren't boring and let's see if I can fit it into the very common structure that I've noticed in my favorite action movies.
@saprissa30 I understand that this information is boring, but others find this information helpful. James Cameron does extend his final act very effectively. Aliens or T2 for example. You think Ripley gets away scott free. You think the t1000 is dead when he's blasted away. But nope. The villain gets the upper hand and you think there's no way he's going to be stopped. But the hero finds a way to win. An extension of the act doesn't take away from the structure itself.
@eddiechinglives It still follows the structure. James Cameron just makes it seem like the movie has a happy ending in the final act, but brings in the final low point in a suprise at the end. And for the record, Avatar will never be as good a movie as Aliens or T2.
@delta2ish You are right about Momento. Definitely a unique film that can't be catagorized by "Hollywood Blockbuster." He does have a goal. He wants to find John G. It almost seems like if The Fugitive had amnesia and tried to solve his case, but realizes the possibility that it might be all in his head. The ending, such as a lot of the film is not explained, which leaves it up to the audience to decide. I like these endings, like what was in the briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
@WhiteRussianBC Noooooooooooooooooo! Why god, WHY???!!!!! Anyways, it's just some ways to build momentum and satisfying endings in films that I think are great. It's not THE way to write a story, just what I've noticed in the movies that I love.
this video totally makes me think of the spiderman movies.. especially spiderman 3, peter goes through this 3 act thing.. awsome! made me rethink my storytelling
this is great! this is why that piece of crap movie Paranormal Bullsh!t made all that money. Because the Dr Psychic guy they brought in did the setup. He said all this stuff at the beginning that later on in the movie you realize that he said it to get you scared when those moments that he mentioned arrived. Basically you wouldn't notice until you think about it and then watch the movie again.
You're welcome. I was really tired at the time, but wanted to post a video on the subject. To explain what I found out. Good tip. I'll try to Lesko it out next time. THESE STORY ACT STRUCTURES ARE INSANE!!!!!!!!!! Glad I helped you pass. Study more. Look into all of your favorite movies and dissect them to find out what makes them good.
...we see it all the time with back flashes with (1 week before or earlier) whatever. You all know what I'm talking about and then it goes back to the end showing the complete finish of the movie. Either way this is what the video is about. Just to give you an overall idea to get started with something. What you make of it is all on you. Restructure the steps if you'd like. It's your script people. Do what you want with it. It's just a sructure to get you going not a rule.
This is actually good work. You're absolutely right about the structure. With out that there wouldn't be any movies made. You would literally be writing blind if structuring wasn't the case. This video is just to give you an idea of how it works. In the end everyone is entitled to how they want to set up their own structure. Example if you want to start with 2 then start there. If you want to start with 3 then 2 then by all means do that.
Why watch a movie if there's not a problem, struggle, or motivation. It's not just a movie formula, you can apply it to anything. If you like slice-o-life stuff, don't worry about all this crap. Don't know why you are looking up old story structure videos if you are against the idea anyways. If you like action movies, it follows a set of principles designed to SETUP CHARACTERS and PROBLEMS, and HOW they go about FIXING them.
Everything should have strutcure and be predictable to a point. isn't somewhat predictable, it's not doing it's job. If you've seen movies that are bland generic , it isn't because of the 3 act structure, its the writer. Since mankind decided to write fiction, back to the anciet greek times, man has prodominently used the 3 act rule.
The essence of a 3 act strutcue, is... inciting problem;obstacles to the resolution(s), how ever many you'd like; and a resolution to the incitinng or climatic problem. If a movie or story doesn't have that, it's not worth reading or watching.
@newfrontier3000 Yeah, your right. It is't the 3 act structures fault if the book/movie is predictable it is the writer. I totally agree. I want to write a comedy screen play but I recently lost moitvation which is kind of funny considering I really cannot remember the last time I saw a decent comedy. Especially one that is newly released....
@newfrontier3000 if you have itunes, lookup sid field screenwriter's corner. 4 really great short segments on things that you speak of, coming from one of the master teachers. And the best part is they are all free.
Looked it up. never heard of before. Thanks for letting me know. Really appreciate. I'm listening to the latest podcast right now, very insightful. Thanks man. Cheers.
Wrong. The story of a three act movie does not traditionally begin with Act 1. It begins with a subplot that isn't necessarily related to the story. As you said it is the portion of the telling where we are introduce to the world our movie will take place. Act 1 begins shortly after the first major turning point. The inciting incident. In a three act story there our four major turning points. Since Act 1 is the first act of the story it cannot begin until the story is set in motion. After I.I.
great instructional... easy on the "like." it feels like we're back in high school. either that or u seem really distracted. but alas! i do appreciate u taking the time to post.
I'm not sure if I got it, unless your initials are IZ. I thought I replied, maybe not. Gmail me again, sorry. I know it's been a while, but with work and kid and wife, and trying to get started on issue #2, it's hard to find the time, or content to update. This is something I've been thinking about lately, so I thought it'd be a decent tutorial. Check out my eddiechinglivesDOTdeviantartDOTcom for some shot tips. I've been cranking 3 of them out last weekend. Horrible art, good advice.
It's weird. As a writer, this stuff becomes subconscious after a while and set-up a three-act structure without realizing it. It's good to be reminded.
I've always had passion for movies and the struggle of their characters.I also thin that watching a lot of movies,is the best way to practice screenwriting.It's not very easy and it takes time and needs patience.However,thanks for the useful video!
EgyButterfly1212 1 week ago
@EgyButterfly1212 Thanks. It's nice to see that this video is helpful. Most people seem put off that this video is a definitive structure for everything. It's just some similarities to my favorite movies. Don't forget about the clever or quick move at the end.
eddiechinglives 1 week ago
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Screenplay12 1 month ago
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Screenplay12 1 month ago
I know it's a very complicated movie, but would you say Syriana fits into the 3 act structure?
justmeeagainn 1 month ago
@justmeeagainn Would it fit into my ACTION MOVIE catagories? Not perfectly. But it does have a 3 act structure like Momento and Pulp Fiction. They set everything in the fist act and upset the balance of each individual story. Like getting fired, discovering a plot, or losing a child. The action in the first act leads to a re-action in the second.
eddiechinglives 1 month ago
@eddiechinglives Things get complicated. Stakes are raised. And leads to a 3rd act, where the pressure is let loose in a final showdown or situation or impending doom situation. Maybe the protagonist intervenes and wins. Maybe he loses. Or maybe it's a suicide mission, where they both win and lose.
eddiechinglives 1 month ago
Eddie, Thanks for the extra tips about the hero winning right at the last second before the end - some good visualisations that are not completely obvious to the eye :)
DonnaEliza77 3 months ago
I love the film Robocop and funnily enough I only watched it last night! You made some good observations from this film and ideas on how to build up ones own story in terms of action and tension. Thanks for posting!
DonnaEliza77 3 months ago
@DonnaEliza77 Thanks. A bonus point is there is one last CLEVER MOVE. A QUICK or SURPRISE move at the end, when the bad guy looks like he's going to win. With Big Trouble In Little China, Jack flings the knife back at Lo Pan. Terminator 2, Arnold surprises the T2 and blasts him when the T2 thought Arnold was dead and about to kill John. And in Robocop, Robo quickly uses his switch blade data port and gets Clarance in the neck when Clereance thought he was going to stab Robo to death.
eddiechinglives 3 months ago
I'm not sure what it is about this video that people have a problem with. It's just observations I've made about successful movies I enjoy. Patterns if you will. I didn't mean this video to come across as if I'm saying every movie has these things in it. Just some observations. That's all. Take it for what it is. If it helps you, cool. If not, I'm sure there's other videos out there that's better than this. I'm sure of it.
eddiechinglives 3 months ago
did M. Night Shmaylan use this when he wrote The Last Airbender, I think not good sir.
shadowgun22 4 months ago
@cconat I don't know why cconat's comment was removed. All he said was that I would sound more eloquent if I didn't use the word "like" or "um" so much. A fair criticism. I just try to get the information across. I'm sure there's a better way, but my method is to get it out there for the 13 year olds who don't know any of this stuff yet.
eddiechinglives 4 months ago
f*ck this, im watching pulp fiction
archfruit 5 months ago
@archfruit
Actually Pulp Fiction follows the three act structure, too. It only happens to switch times. Also optional are prologues and epilogues, which are what Pulp Fiction has. Romeo and Juliet and some of Shakespeare's other plays were told in five acts. See if you can find the plot points that join the three acts in Pulp Fiction. You don't think that the movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay without any structuring, do you?
MsAwesomeman12 4 months ago
my brain hurts.............alot.......
ummmiloveu 7 months ago
@ummmiloveu Sorry. Information overload. I just noticed in many of my favorite action movies, they seem to reach a point where the movie looks like it's going to end well, then looks like it's about to end horribly. Then the heroes regroup, look like they're going to win, then look like their going to lose, then do a clever move and win at the end. It's a psychological way of keeping the suspense. So I felt like sharing.
eddiechinglives 6 months ago
Wow that's so funny but helpful at the same time XDDD
jesuislepluscool 8 months ago
Hey, under what category would you put someone is writing? Example:
INT. PIZZA PALACE -- NIGHT
While Jake is waiting for Alicia, he’s at the table writing.
Have you seen any good movies lately? Who is your favorite band and/or artist?
You see the questions about movies and music? Is that under action or dialoge?
Villantic 8 months ago
Also, BTW, I find that a story that doesn't have a 100% happy ending are much more memorable! I wouldn't want one where there is 0% of a happy ending, because I feel then it was a failure and I wasted my time. However, one with an ending that's around 40-60% happy tends to be very memorable and realistic!
MichaelChin1994 9 months ago 3
@MichaelChin1994 Got any examples? I'm thinking Matrix 3 sucked when they did that, however you're dead on when it comes to No Country For Old Men.
eddiechinglives 9 months ago
good stuff man i like it
sourcekings 10 months ago
Prestige and memento from same writer :)
Memento is still 3 acts. Act 1: define the character and his "condition". Act 2: show how difficult it has been for him to track killer due to his condition. Low point is the discovery that the girl was using him, though he forgets it. Act 3: final fight between him and the "real" John G. He wins. (I have heard people say it would be cool to watch in normal order, but because it already fits the 3 act structure, that would actually ruin it as a story).
saluk 10 months ago 4
@saluk Wow. Great analysis.
eddiechinglives 10 months ago
@saluk Memento, such an amazing movie! That's very true, thanks for sharing lol
jesuislepluscool 3 months ago
thanx alot dude:)
Loye911 1 year ago
Thanx 4 sharing. It's nice to hear a human, down to earth voice. 1C1
1created1 1 year ago 3
@1created1 Thanks.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
Basically!
erniedouglas123 1 year ago
Fight Club is a great example of this
ConnorGunn 1 year ago
this is the structure for a normal and boring movie
saprissa30 1 year ago
@saprissa30 Name three of your favorite movies. Non-boring movies, and I will try to see if this structure fits it. Just a random 3 movies that you think aren't boring and let's see if I can fit it into the very common structure that I've noticed in my favorite action movies.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
@eddiechinglives you don't understand
what i mean is..
what you say is just the begin of that
any movie can have 3 acts
but the great movies have more than this 3 acts.
the action movies are entertaining but
the histories many times are fucking boring
saprissa30 1 year ago
@saprissa30 I understand that this information is boring, but others find this information helpful. James Cameron does extend his final act very effectively. Aliens or T2 for example. You think Ripley gets away scott free. You think the t1000 is dead when he's blasted away. But nope. The villain gets the upper hand and you think there's no way he's going to be stopped. But the hero finds a way to win. An extension of the act doesn't take away from the structure itself.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
@eddiechinglives It still follows the structure. James Cameron just makes it seem like the movie has a happy ending in the final act, but brings in the final low point in a suprise at the end. And for the record, Avatar will never be as good a movie as Aliens or T2.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
@eddiechinglives how about writing movies with a non liner structure do the acts work with that
delta2ish 1 year ago
@delta2ish Name some examples and we can examine them. Pulp Fiction is three different short stories.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
@eddiechinglives like memento and the prestige I kno i have seen other movies with non liener but those 2 are like the ones i am wondering about
delta2ish 1 year ago
@delta2ish You are right about Momento. Definitely a unique film that can't be catagorized by "Hollywood Blockbuster." He does have a goal. He wants to find John G. It almost seems like if The Fugitive had amnesia and tried to solve his case, but realizes the possibility that it might be all in his head. The ending, such as a lot of the film is not explained, which leaves it up to the audience to decide. I like these endings, like what was in the briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
Seriously : Are you stoned?
HallowedHoly 1 year ago
@HallowedHoly Um...no.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
@eddiechinglives Okay then.
HallowedHoly 1 year ago
@eddiechinglives Okay then.
HallowedHoly 1 year ago
I disagree with this. I'm gonna start with the resolution and end with the setup. Take that!
WhiteRussianBC 1 year ago
@WhiteRussianBC Noooooooooooooooooo! Why god, WHY???!!!!! Anyways, it's just some ways to build momentum and satisfying endings in films that I think are great. It's not THE way to write a story, just what I've noticed in the movies that I love.
eddiechinglives 1 year ago
@WhiteRussianBC Me too!! Yeah!!
burpo 1 year ago
a great reference for 3-act story writing is The Empire Strikes Back.
The structure of this movie is utterly perfect.
AwesomeCoasters 1 year ago
this video totally makes me think of the spiderman movies.. especially spiderman 3, peter goes through this 3 act thing.. awsome! made me rethink my storytelling
RavenKL20 1 year ago
That was amazing...rofl! I really enjoyed it big time...thanks man ;)
Balila82 1 year ago
Thank you! This helped alot! :D
isaacmiller1993 1 year ago
Comment removed
paulpasadena 1 year ago
this is great, very helpful
tomes55moon 2 years ago
The three act structure perpetuated by Hollywood producers is a missinterpretation of Aristotle's treastise "Poetics or Poetica".
souldude81 2 years ago
this is great! this is why that piece of crap movie Paranormal Bullsh!t made all that money. Because the Dr Psychic guy they brought in did the setup. He said all this stuff at the beginning that later on in the movie you realize that he said it to get you scared when those moments that he mentioned arrived. Basically you wouldn't notice until you think about it and then watch the movie again.
LRCProductionsUS 2 years ago
You just helped me pass my Digital Media Arts class. Thanks! But a bit of advice, put some expression in your voice. You sound so bored :p
kkslider55 2 years ago 2
You're welcome. I was really tired at the time, but wanted to post a video on the subject. To explain what I found out. Good tip. I'll try to Lesko it out next time. THESE STORY ACT STRUCTURES ARE INSANE!!!!!!!!!! Glad I helped you pass. Study more. Look into all of your favorite movies and dissect them to find out what makes them good.
eddiechinglives 2 years ago
I went to Peter David's writing mini class...fucking amazing.
Dylanio21 2 years ago
...we see it all the time with back flashes with (1 week before or earlier) whatever. You all know what I'm talking about and then it goes back to the end showing the complete finish of the movie. Either way this is what the video is about. Just to give you an overall idea to get started with something. What you make of it is all on you. Restructure the steps if you'd like. It's your script people. Do what you want with it. It's just a sructure to get you going not a rule.
velwear 2 years ago
This is actually good work. You're absolutely right about the structure. With out that there wouldn't be any movies made. You would literally be writing blind if structuring wasn't the case. This video is just to give you an idea of how it works. In the end everyone is entitled to how they want to set up their own structure. Example if you want to start with 2 then start there. If you want to start with 3 then 2 then by all means do that.
velwear 2 years ago
honestly if this structure is followed thescript will end up being generic, we wanna be suprised
bcarls50 2 years ago
Respectfully disagree.
eddiechinglives 2 years ago
Agree! Im so fed up of watching action, comedy, romantic etc movies which all follow the exact same predictable format.
bingstar316 2 years ago
Why watch a movie if there's not a problem, struggle, or motivation. It's not just a movie formula, you can apply it to anything. If you like slice-o-life stuff, don't worry about all this crap. Don't know why you are looking up old story structure videos if you are against the idea anyways. If you like action movies, it follows a set of principles designed to SETUP CHARACTERS and PROBLEMS, and HOW they go about FIXING them.
eddiechinglives 2 years ago
Everything should have strutcure and be predictable to a point. isn't somewhat predictable, it's not doing it's job. If you've seen movies that are bland generic , it isn't because of the 3 act structure, its the writer. Since mankind decided to write fiction, back to the anciet greek times, man has prodominently used the 3 act rule.
newfrontier3000 2 years ago
The essence of a 3 act strutcue, is... inciting problem;obstacles to the resolution(s), how ever many you'd like; and a resolution to the incitinng or climatic problem. If a movie or story doesn't have that, it's not worth reading or watching.
newfrontier3000 2 years ago
@newfrontier3000 Yeah, your right. It is't the 3 act structures fault if the book/movie is predictable it is the writer. I totally agree. I want to write a comedy screen play but I recently lost moitvation which is kind of funny considering I really cannot remember the last time I saw a decent comedy. Especially one that is newly released....
bingstar316 2 years ago
"I recently lost moitvation which is kind of funny considering I really cannot remember the last time I saw a decent comedy."
Neither Have I... it's a pretty good motivation to go out write one and go for it. Comedy films are really bland and uninspiring these days.
newfrontier3000 2 years ago
@newfrontier3000 if you have itunes, lookup sid field screenwriter's corner. 4 really great short segments on things that you speak of, coming from one of the master teachers. And the best part is they are all free.
eddiechinglives 2 years ago
Looked it up. never heard of before. Thanks for letting me know. Really appreciate. I'm listening to the latest podcast right now, very insightful. Thanks man. Cheers.
newfrontier3000 2 years ago
Thanks you just helped me with my homework on stroy structure :)
citrial 2 years ago
You're welcome. If you get an F though, I didn't do it.
eddiechinglives 2 years ago
Thanks for the insightful dissections :)
erwnerve 2 years ago
i go: act 2, act 1, act 3
illchiken10 2 years ago
Wrong. The story of a three act movie does not traditionally begin with Act 1. It begins with a subplot that isn't necessarily related to the story. As you said it is the portion of the telling where we are introduce to the world our movie will take place. Act 1 begins shortly after the first major turning point. The inciting incident. In a three act story there our four major turning points. Since Act 1 is the first act of the story it cannot begin until the story is set in motion. After I.I.
souldude81 2 years ago
Thanks for clearing that up.
eddiechinglives 2 years ago
Thank you! This really helps me a lot!
vilacom 2 years ago
great instructional... easy on the "like." it feels like we're back in high school. either that or u seem really distracted. but alas! i do appreciate u taking the time to post.
ciao,
v
talisman30 3 years ago
Yeah, me not too edumacated. Many people not like me use of words in videos. Me bad. Tanks for de nic commment.
eddiechinglives 3 years ago
thats a great video showing me the steps to creating a great movie
barkly54 3 years ago 2
this is awsome thanks a lot man
Dragonforce263 3 years ago
"I neeada learn kurate!"
Insightful and humorous. Awesome-ly done.
EleFlameMax 3 years ago
5 star man!!! good job, thanx
prylypko 3 years ago 8
You're welcome. Thank you.
eddiechinglives 3 years ago
Hilarious how many examples you fit into this! :D
userunderscorename 3 years ago 9
now this will help me with my movie that comin soon on youtube... not till spring lol
jarrenofwwe 3 years ago 3
thank you for sharing with all of us!!!
It certainly reminds us the basics things in compelling storytelling for movies.
Sadly, nowadays, I find it difficult to retain interest in the movies I am watching nowadays, except for well, the latest DARK KNIGHT returns. .
mezza001 3 years ago 2
Thanks for this information, very useful.
Kellsg101 3 years ago 3
cool idea man.
eaton1012 3 years ago
bout time u made another vid lol. thx prety helpful. plz reply to the message i sent to ur gmail.thx
RedMonth123 3 years ago 3
I'm not sure if I got it, unless your initials are IZ. I thought I replied, maybe not. Gmail me again, sorry. I know it's been a while, but with work and kid and wife, and trying to get started on issue #2, it's hard to find the time, or content to update. This is something I've been thinking about lately, so I thought it'd be a decent tutorial. Check out my eddiechinglivesDOTdeviantartDOTcom for some shot tips. I've been cranking 3 of them out last weekend. Horrible art, good advice.
eddiechinglives 3 years ago
thanx
Zuppka 3 years ago 3
It's weird. As a writer, this stuff becomes subconscious after a while and set-up a three-act structure without realizing it. It's good to be reminded.
Domestibot 3 years ago
wow never had a video from you in a long time!
travisoffbjh 3 years ago