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#1 |
User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 147
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![]() For a standard TV Comedy series, how many acts are in the script?
I think it's 2: Teaser Act 1 Act 2 If it is 2 acts, which act should be longer? Or should they be about equal? Also, do I have to have acts? One of my TV comedy scripts is very different from your standard TV comedy (or I think it is).... would it be a huge No No to not include any acts and just write it like a feature script? ![]() |
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#2 |
Regular
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 415
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![]() Most sitcoms these days are three acts with a cold open (teaser). If you're writing a streaming or premium cable type series then you can ignore acts.
You can read a bunch of scripts at the Google Script Archive. You can take a look at a few scripts similar to the one you're working on if you want to get a sense of what the norms are. HTH,
__________________
Just my 2 cents, your mileage may vary. -Steve Trautmann 3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast Last edited by KitchonaSteve : 11-01-2016 at 05:18 AM. Reason: add link. |
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#3 | |
User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 147
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![]() Quote:
Thanks Steve! (Yeah, I'm writing for a streaming series.... hopefully, that is) ![]() |
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#4 |
User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 90
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![]() Multicams are often just two acts.
Single cams are usually three acts, though live-action Fox sitcoms are typically four shorter acts. But the main thing to keep in mind is that, if you decide to have acts, you need to make sure you have strong/funny act-outs-- not having those is one of the most common script criticisms I see (whereas I've never seen any reader complain "there are too few/many acts"). |
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#5 |
Regular
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 415
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![]() Often with a COLD OPEN and a TAG. Unfortunately the days of straight two-act sitcoms are long gone. Too many commercials, not enough time.
__________________
Just my 2 cents, your mileage may vary. -Steve Trautmann 3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast |
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#6 |
Regular
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 339
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![]() Breaking Bad pilot had teaser and four acts if you're interested.
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