Scriptwriting- Tell the story

You need to write a good script treatment according to 3 Act Structure guideline. The treatment is not more than 2 pages and contains title, theme and genre of the story. The story is based on true experience, adaptation and imagination with your own idea. Select a few story as reference for your ideas.

Act 1:

(Introduce main character/s & the world they live in. Set up flaw / obstacle main character must face.)

Fade in

Int. Bedroom- Evening

Due to the evening light coming in through the window, the bedroom is dark. The dressing table and the opposite side of the room both have lights in the bedroom.

Alice comes up to Luke. She obviously wants to cry. Alice begins to sob and tremble. She is curious as to why Luke wants to separate from her.

Luke is facing Alice, who is there. She gives him a direct, angry look in the eyes.

ALICE: (with trembling voice) Why do you want a divorce? Is something not right?

Luke says nothing. He obviously wants to explain, but he is unsure how.

ALICE: Just tell me. Why can’t you tell me? Are you cheating on me?

LUKE: I apologise. I no longer feel anything for you.

ALICE: Okay. But allow me to initiate our divorce proceedings.

Alice wipes away her tears and exits the bedroom as Luke nods.

Plot Point 1:

(This is the major turning point that sends the main character in a different direction and does not allow them to return to the life they had before. Usually indicates main character’s desire to confront their flaw / obstacle.)

FADE IN

INT COURT-AFTERNOON

ALICE: I don't approve of this divorce. (Alice shouted, startling everyone in the room.)

Luke regarded Alice with astonishment.

JUDGE: Mrs. Alice, what game are you playing in the morning? You were the one who was frantically seeking a divorce and why do you suddenly claim that you don’t approve?

ALICE: I am to blame. It was I who filed the divorce petition. I adore him greatly. He is everything to me—my husband, my lover, and my best friend.

LUKE: You stated that this divorce was acceptable to you. We agreed to this together.

JUDGE: The court wants to give you both another chance, Mr. Luke and Mrs. Alice. For the purpose of resolving your differences and giving your relationship a chance, the court orders that you both live together for six months. If your relationship hasn't improved after six months, the court will grant you both a divorce. The court has currently dismissed.

Act 2:

(Main character deals with flaw / obstacle in different ways, but does not yet reach resolution.)

INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE- DAY

There is natural lighting in the office. The awkwardness of the situation is emphasised by the silence.

LUKE: So, has my illness made any progress? Can I go on living normally?

DOCTOR: Apologies, Mr. Luke. There is no advancement. You'd better prepare yourself and let your partner know about your condition.

Luke looks at the doctor and then looks at the floor. He bowed down while giving a head nod. He slowly exits the building. Despite not making much noise, Luke's steps are heavy. The atmosphere is completely silent.

Plot Point 2:

(This is when the main character comes in direct contact with their flaw / obstacle and decides either to overcome or be defeated. Usually takes place near the end of Act 2, right before the Climax. Plot Point 2 and the Climax are usually different events, although they sometimes can take place simultaneously.)

INT. Luke and Alice house - DAY.

When Luke got home, he passed out. He was discovered unconscious by Alice in the car in front of their house. She opened the car door with spare car key from their shoe cabinet. When she checks Luke's body temperature, she becomes concerned.

LUKE: Why I am here? Where am I? Who are you?

ALICE: You're unaware of me? I'm your spouse. You have Alzheimer's, I knew that. Your doctor just gave me a call. You want a divorce, why? You don't want me to be aware of your illness.

LUKE: Am I your husband? Really?

ALICE: I'll look after you. Not to worry. Just take your medications as instructed.

INT. Luke and Alice house – Night

LUKE: I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I apologise for the times when I forget who you are. Please accept my apology and stick with me.

ALICE: No worries. You have my undying love.

Act 3:

(Act 3 primarily consists of the Climax, AKA what happens after the main character comes in direct contact with their flaw / obstacle. Tie up any loose ends, bring everything together, end.)

INT. HOSPITAL PHARMACY- DAY

Outside, the sunlight is very bright. The hospital pharmacy's glass door allows light to enter. It's difficult to see that there is just one couple in need of medication.

As he spoke, Luke cocked his head in Alice's direction to make sure she could still hear him over the sounds coming from the hospital pharmacy.

LUKE: Are you alone?

ALICE: No. With my husband. Just picked up his medicines. (She faked a big smile)

LUKE: I'm hoping he'll be alright.

ALICE: (Turned and looked into Luke’s eyes) He definitely will.

Alice took out the old handbag that Luke had given her twenty years prior on their 15th wedding anniversary. Luke's expression turned perplexed as Alice's aged hand approached him.

ALICE: Come, honey. Let’s go home.

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