On The Page 927. Writing Act Three
7 snips
Mar 14, 2025 Discover the secrets to crafting a compelling third act in screenplays. Explore character triggers that lead to transformative 'aha' moments and learn genre-specific strategies. Delve into the importance of thematic payoffs for a satisfying resolution. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting surprise announcement at the end!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Triggers and Aha Moments
- To break into Act 3, use a "trigger" that leads your character to an "aha" moment.
- This trigger should be a concrete event, clue, or payoff, not just a sudden memory or dream.
Get Out Example
- In Jordan Peele's Get Out, the protagonist finds photos revealing the servants' true identities.
- This triggers his "aha" moment, realizing his girlfriend's family's sinister actions.
Working Backwards
- To create a clever ending, work backward from the big reveal or solution.
- Ask questions like: "What was discovered?", "Where?", "What clue led there?", and so on.