---
name: book-screenplay
description: "Screenplay patterns — 3-act film structure, sequence method, scene/cut formatting, dialogue rules, A/B story weaving."
---

# Screenplay Patterns

**3-Act Structure** (page-based): Act1 Setup(1-25) → Act2 Confrontation(25-85) → Act3 Resolution(85-110). One page = one minute of screen time.

**Sequence Method** (8 sequences): Act1 has 2 sequences (Setup + Complication), Act2 has 4 sequences (Rising Action A/B + Midpoint Shift + Rising Action C/D), Act3 has 2 sequences (Climax + Resolution). Each sequence = 12-15 pages with its own mini-arc.

**Scene structure**: Every scene needs a goal (what the character wants), conflict (obstacle), and outcome (yes/no/but/meanwhile). Enter late, leave early. Scene headings: `INT. LOCATION — DAY`.

**Dialogue rules**: Subtext over exposition. Each character has a distinct voice pattern (vocabulary, sentence length, rhythm). Monologue ≤ 5 lines. Voice-over (V.O.) sparingly — show don't tell.

**A/B stories**: A-story (main plot, 70% screentime), B-story (relationship/theme, 25%), C-story (comic relief/subplot, 5%). B-story carries the theme. Weave: alternate A/B every 2-3 scenes.

**Beat sheet per sequence**: Status Quo → Inciting Disruption → Strategy → Complication → Crisis → Decision → New Status Quo.

**Formatting**: Scene heading (slug line) → Action (present tense, visible only) → Character name (CENTERED) → Parenthetical (minimal) → Dialogue. Transitions (CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:) only between major sequences.

**Script types**: Feature film (90-120pp), TV drama (50-65pp), TV comedy (30-35pp), Web series (8-15pp per episode), Short film (5-30pp). Multi-episode: season arc bible + per-episode outline.

**Continuity checks**: Character introductions (ALL CAPS first appearance), prop tracking, location consistency, time-of-day logic, costume continuity between scenes.
