Do I have to??

[alexs]

I've heard that I need to stick to the 3 act structure?  How important is that??

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[MacHamLP]

I'd stick with it if you can. Every now and then you hear about a script that sells or does well at the box office that didnt follow the structure. I dont think SE7EN followed it. But I've heard every agent and manager say you need to follow the 3 act structure. Most of them wont even look at your work unless you've followed that structure.

[caissiela]

It's HIGHLY recommended that you do.  You want to take the path of least resistance in the biz.  Are there examples that don't follow the three act structure that have been made...sure.  I think "Seven" is one.  Don't quote me on that though. The best advice I could give you is to stick to it as if your career depended on it.  Most readers, agents, managers, and producers have come to expect it, and seeing as that is the group of people you need to impress...

If you're having problems shoot out some questions and we'll see if we can help you out.

[caissiela]

Maybe I was right about "Seven"

[smartygal]

Stick with the structure.  30 60 30 are numbers to live by in this industry.

[Sexy Dan]

How would Act One end? 

[caissiela]

Act One would and should end with your first climax of the film.  It's basically the point in the film that forces the action for the rest of the film.  It's sometimes referred to as the "point of no return".  If you tell me what kind (genre) of a screenplay you're writing I could probably give you a better example.  Basically, think of it this way...if your movie is say a "Friday the 13th" the end of the first act would be when all the camp counselors have arrived at the camp, started to have fun with each other, and around page 30 (climax point)...the horror starts!  The first counselor gets killed or goes missing.  Then your second act is basically the counselors trying to fend for their lives from the mysterious killer. 

Hope that helps.  Like I said...just tell me what kind of script you're writing and I'll give you some more examples.

[~{Mindless Insanity}~]

I have a question. My screenplay doesn't follow the three act stucture at all, and it is a dark comedy...Think kinda like "Clerks" meets "Stand By Me". I am in the editing proseses right now? How should it go (plus I think the screenplay runs a bit long at 140 pages"