Film · FEATURE

Feature Film (3-Act Hero’s Journey)

The definitive 3-Act screenplay structure used in Hollywood and worldwide cinema. Includes beat markers for Inciting Incident, Break into Two, Midpoint Shift, All is Lost, and the Final Climax.

Page 1 — Starter PreviewCourier Prime 12pt
ACT I: THE ORDINARY WORLD & CATALYST
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
Morning light cuts through heavy smog. BROOKS (30s), jacket collar turned against the chill, steps onto the pavement carrying a battered leather satchel.
BROOKS
(to himself)
One more day. Just make it to five o’clock.
He pauses at the newsstand. A front-page headline catches his eye. His hands freeze.
CUT TO:
INT. DOWNTOWN DINER - CONTINUOUS
A bell CHIMES overhead. MAYA (30s) slides into the booth opposite Brooks without asking.

Structural Beats Included in this Template

  • Act I: Opening Image & Ordinary World (pp. 1-10)
  • Inciting Incident & Catalyst (p. 12)
  • Break Into Act II (p. 25)
  • Midpoint Shift & Rising Stakes (p. 55)
  • All Is Lost & Dark Night of the Soul (p. 75-85)
  • Act III Climax & Resolution (pp. 90-110)