Aside from the first Act, Act II can be the most challenging part of a film script to write because much needs to be accomplished in this act in terms of plot and character development. However, take heart, Act II is also the longest part of a film script, so there is enough room to accomplish much in the story.
Act II
The second inciting incident propels a film script into Act II, the second most important part of the script. Act II is the longest act in a film script, but it is not any easier to write than Act I. At this point in the script, the main characters face unrelenting obstacles, they need to find different ways to conquer them, and they need to do it quickly before it is too late.
Much like a book, in a film script there needs to be only one or two main characters. Too many main characters will cause them to be underdeveloped to the point where the audience will not care for them at all.
Script writers also need to keep in mind that in Act II, nothing comes easy for the main character.
The Midpoint
With most script writers the beginning and ending are the easiest to write because they often know exactly what they want to accomplish or they have a strong idea of what is going to happen in the story at these points. However, the middle part can often be difficult to write because it more often than not, involves a complex development in plot. Most often, script writers do not have a clear picture of where the story is going. Once they reach this stage, script writers need to be able to let the script write itself.
In the midpoint, the main character’s parents die and now he and his siblings must find a way to fend for themselves. Perhaps, the main character receives cruel and threatening calls from her ex-husband. Whatever happens, the main character must focus all of their attention on their goals.
Plot Point II
Towards the end of Act II, the story should be close to reaching the climax. At this point, the main character is almost at the breaking point. They are distressed, fed up with all the hardships they have to endure and they are ready to give up. But, yet another incident has occurred, forcing them to face it whether they want to or not.
Three big things need to be accomplished in Plot Point II:
The main character must take action in attempt to solve this problem. If the problem is unsolvable, they need to find someway to escape it where it will not follow them ever again.
The character and the audience need to know that the time is ticking and they only have a certain amount of time left to finish what they set out to do, or to resolve a seemingly unending conflict.
The main character needs to focus on their goals like never before.
Once this is all accomplished successfully, the script should flow smoothly into Act III, the final act.
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