Creative Screenwriting (pt 2)
But what exactly are the rules?
The confusing thing is that there are many different rules and theories expounded by many different tutors. Some say the end of the first act has to happen on page 17, while others say between 20 and 25. Some say a script is definitely made up of 7 sequences, while others say 12, or more.
The truth is no one is right. They are all right according to their own interpretation and therefore structure should be approached as a guideline, not a rigid formula set in stone.
It is important, however, to absorb as many of the different theories as you can in order to fully understand the general principals of structure. The more theories you read, the more you realize they are all saying essentially the same thing, only in a different way. Despite what some gurus say, page numbers should only be seen primarily as a guide, so don’t get too hung up about hitting them on the head.
The old adage applies of only being able to break the rules once you’ve mastered them. The New Wave and Neo-Realist auteurs only made anti-structural avant garde films after mastering Hollywood techniques earlier in their career. Much in the same way as Picasso started out as a traditional artist.
If, on the other hand, you want to independently produce and finance a film without any of the structural conformities required by Hollywood, do so. But do so as a labour of love, without any career aspirations attached, because the chances of your work being seen by anyone outside of your immediate family are extremely slim.
