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Following on from our blog writing a scene in three acts, today we’re discussing writing a scene in one and half acts. Shorter, sharper and more to the point, this structure is the most common found in scenes.

As we described in our previous blog, the scenes reserved for the three act structure are usually the big emotional and / or turning point scenes. When the boy meets or loses the girl, when the adventurer hears about the quest, when the murderer is revealed etc.

So, what is a one and half act scene? These are scenes that follow the three act structure but get out at the midpoint. They contain the same pattern of Establishing, Call to Action, Big Event, but then, right after an unexpected twist or reveal at the Midpoint, they skip the All is Lost moment and go straight to the Climax.

Here’s a couple of examples:

In Rocky, when Rocky’s told by the promoter that Apollo Creed wants to fight him:

Establishing—Rocky is shown in by the receptionist

Call to Action—The promoter says he has a proposition

Big Event—He tells Rocky Apollo Creed wants to fight him

Midpoint—“It’s the chance of a lifetime. You can’t pass it by.”

Climax—Rocky thinks…

In Wedding Crashers, when John realizes Gloria’s a virgin:

Establishing—John and Gloria in bed, post sex

Call to Action—Gloria says nonchalantly it was her first time

Big Event—John confirms she was a virgin

Midpoint—Gloria says “I love you.”

Climax—CU: John’s horrified face

Writing a scene using these beats, whether it’s the full three acts or one and a half acts, really helps tighten them up, focuses the action and makes for leaner read.

See you on our next screenwriting blog post!