Good job on your narrative throughline, Scott. Having read a lot of "how to" books on screenwriting I've seen a lot of simular stuff for handling structure and plot. But it's always fun to put your own spin on things.

Would LOVE to be taught by a pro like you. People OUTSIDE L.A. are so blessed to have the opportunity to take those UCLA exention classes where you teach.

Keep rockin'!

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

Thanks Scott. I'm going to enjoy reading this.

Thanks very much for publishing this. Lambs is one of my favorite movies, and I look forward to reading your analysis.

Hey Scott,

Very interesting stuff. I see a lot of affinity with what you're doing a new screenwriting paradigm I've been developing over the past six years (I'm a professional screenwriter who teaches 4-5 weeks every year). Would love to trade perspectives sometime if I'm ever in your area--or if you're up here in Vancouver, BC.

Some great structure ideas here!

But it brings up a general screenplay structure question I have been wondering recently.

From what I have read and observed in recent years, screenplays seem to have gotten shorter than the traditional 120 pages. Nowadays 100-115 pages (even shorter for comedies, etc.) seems the expected length.

If this is true, I wonder where exactly are the pages being trimmed in relation to the various structuring paradigms?

Are all the plot points coming sooner, making each act a little shorter? Is there a common place where pages are being cut, like Act 2 or Act 3? Is the last act just being cut by 5-15 pages...or what?

Thanks for all your advice.