Structuring your Script
Write TV Script Zoom Course: Week 1
In the first week of the Write Your TV script course, at the outset I set out the shape of the script we will be following. Here are the key points from the opening session:
Three act-structure
The significant beats across the three acts of a story are as follows:
Act One:
Setup: Introduces the characters, setting, and situation. Establishes the "who, when, where, what" of the story.
Turning Point: Something changes for the main character, and "the game's afoot." This marks the end of Act One.
Act Two:
Midpoint: Approximately halfway through the script, where things get worse or more complicated. The stakes are raised.
Crunch Point/Worst Point: The end of Act Two, where the main character faces their lowest, most challenging, or most difficult moment.
Act Three:
Resolution: Things start to resolve. While the entire story might not be completely wrapped up (especially in a series), some aspect of the story within the episode reaches a conclusion.
Twist: Ideally, the very end of the episode contains a twist that provides a surprise.
The specific events at each of these beats can vary greatly depending on the tone and style of the story.
Multiple storylines
In a script, there are usually multiple storylines happening simultaneously. These are often referred to as the A story, B story, and C story (or plot). Here's a breakdown of them:
A Story: This is the main storyline. It's the most developed and significant story and primarily involves the main character. The A story follows the most precise structural beats (turning point, midpoint, crunch point) closely.
B Story: This storyline also typically involves the main character but is a different, secondary story. The B story can closely follow those key beats in step with the A story, or it may be a little looser.
C Story: This is often a more light hearted or silly storyline, providing comic relief. It involves less screen time than the A or B stories. The C story has a simple beginning, middle, and end, and it fits in around the other stories.
The number of storylines can vary (it could be just A and B, or A, B, C, and D, etc.), but having multiple storylines is common.
Often your main character is in all the stories.
Or the main character is central to the A and B story, and the C story focuses on a secondary character.
Or each story focuses on a different character.
A key aspect of these multiple storylines, especially in sitcoms, is that they often collide or intersect at the end of the episode.
In the course we explore lots of examples from shows including Ghosts, Hacks, Black Books and Miranda.