In the realm of screenwriting, mastering Act 2 is often the most challenging and crucial part of crafting a successful screenplay. As the core of your story, Act 2 is essential for maintaining momentum, developing characters, and setting up a compelling climax. In today's competitive market, where scripts need to stand out to be noticed, optioned, or land a job, a strong Act 2 can make or break your script. As a screenwriter, you need to equip yourself with the necessary tools and insights to create an engaging and effective Act 2 that keeps audiences invested and propels the story forward.
While screenwriters struggle with Act 2, often falling into the trap of a dull, uninspired middle, despite having a solid beginning and end Common missteps include failing to develop character arcs, lacking a strong inciting incident, and not creating enough obstacles for the protagonist. Additionally, many writers overlook the importance of a meaningful sub-plot or B story that complements the main narrative. This webinar aims to address these pitfalls by providing practical strategies and techniques to construct a dynamic and coherent Act 2, ensuring your screenplay flows seamlessly from start to finish.
Your educator for this class is Robin Galloway. Robin is a manager and development executive for Gramercy Park Entertainment and the principal and founder of P-38 Lightning Productions. She’s worked with Sony Pictures Entertainment, FOX, and TNT, among others. Robin has worked with numerous writers, with credits on top-notch shows like WESTWORLD, MINDHUNTER, THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA, HEMLOCK GROVE, THE CLOSER, and many more. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of what makes scripts successful, Robin has guided numerous clients to achieve their screenwriting goals.
This exclusive, online 4-week class covers all critical aspects of writing a successful Act 2. You'll learn how to set up Act 2 using elements from Act 1, the importance of a strong inciting incident, and creating obstacles for your protagonist. You will also cover the structure of Act 2, including the art of weaving a meaningful sub-plot and how to construct a believable "All Is Lost" moment and transition smoothly into Act 3. By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of the pitfalls of writing the second act and will be equipped with the skills to keep your audience engaged and your story progressing effectively!
Sign up link: https://www.stage32.com/education?p=9438987845939
Email edu@stage32.com with any questions!
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Looking forward to this class beginning on Monday!!
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Yes sure
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When I wrote my screenwriting manual, I decided to make the section about act 2 longest. Because most screenwriters find this their worst problem. I can send a copy to anybody who is willing to give their email address.
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Mohammad, let me know if you have any questions regarding the class! You can email me directly at edu@stage32.com
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I am intrigued by the course. I know the standard story structure but write in a postmodern style that doesn't adhere closely to it.
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Sydney Summers the email says to send the questionnaire to Andrea Thompson, but there is no email address for Andrea?
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Always excited to sharpen my craft!
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Act Two is probably the hardest act to write, because the most dramatic acts are One and Three.
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Looking forward to taking this course next week. Lynette Willoughby I think you reply to all on the email. The email I received had an email address for Robin cc'd on it.
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Sydney Summers Thanks for sharing this! That Second Act can feel like a death trap lol. It's imperative to nail it, but it's probably the most difficult part of the screenplay to get right. This should be a good one!
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Hi, Lynette! Just messaged you Robin's email address.
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Can't wait for this class to begin!
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This is going to be such fun, I can't wait :)
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I’m also looking forward to this. I may just listen in though as its on from 23:00 to 01:00 in the UK, if I decide to join live..
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I’m going to watch the recording tomorrow. Enjoy the class whoever’s there live.
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Join you all soon
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Unfortunately going to have to miss the first live class (great start), but have to be up at 5am UK time!
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Could not make the first zoom but really enjoyed the replay. Looking forward to next week.
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Is this the place to ask questions about the class, or is there another link?
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Tina, this is the correct place!
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How's the class going for you, Tina?
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good, but I have a question . Am I the only one posting? The last post I can read is 7 days ago. Shouldn't there be a conversation going on?
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Hi Sydney -- wondering about the handouts for this past Monday's class -- thanks!
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Sydney Summers realized I should maybe pose the question with your address in front of it. Looking for the handouts for this past Monday's class --thanks :-)
Hi. I don't know what's happening. Zoom says the meeting has started, but then they say waiting for the host to start the meeting. Is there a meeting today?
Sydney Summers Hi. I don't know what's happening. Zoom says the meeting has started, but then they say waiting for the host to start the meeting. Is there a meeting today?
Why can't I get into the meeting today?
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I reached out to education as encouraged to. I have not heard back, but, I, too, received the same message.
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Timika, what message? Are you able to attend the meeting?
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No, I wasn’t able to join. I tried several times and kept receiving:
(m Zoom Workplace
X
Stage 32 Writing a Second Act Class with Robin
Galloway
This is a recurring meeting Waiting for the host to start the meeting. O
Host Sign in Test speaker and microphone
zoom Workplace
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The class ended after a couple of minutes on Monday. There were only two of us so Robin was going to check back with Stage 32 to hear if something went wrong in the organisation/communication. I think maybe it had to do with the change from summer to winter time (on different days in different parts of the world). I haven't seen any message on a rescheduling yet though. I assume next Monday the class will take place as planned. => Update: Email received in the mean time: third and fourth session are on 11 and 18 November
Who in class (during the second session?) asked about quiet movies? I saw "All of Us Strangers" recently: very quiet movie with a very loud message.
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Hi, i need help finding the exercises for the class. I haven't been able to attend any live as I work the same days. Thanks!
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Hi, can anyone help me with the handouts mentioned in the course information? I have not received the handout for "setting up and structuring the second act."