Wendall Thomas Talks Scripts:

STORY & STRUCTURE – The Crucial Third Act

Some Like It Hot, Chinatown, Alien, Moonstruck, American Beauty, The Lives of Others, Argo, Animal Kingdom, Jaws, The Hangover, Grosse Pointe Blank and this year’s Whiplash (pictured) – no matter the genre, the third act is crucial and must be memorable, but can be the most elusive to nail. Yet the last ten minutes of a film can be integral to box office success given that this is often what stays with the audience after leaving the cinema.

Aiming to overcome the Third Act dangers of running out of steam, or writing an ending disconnected to what’s come before, this seminar shows how the third act relates to the first and second acts and outlines the requisite beats for a variety of genres. It focuses especially on the important character blindsides, as well as the climax and on creating a satisfying ending which is consistent with the tone, intent and promise of the film.

Please note: Tickets for this event are non-refundable and unable to be exchanged. MIFF passes are not valid for this event.

Tickets for this event cannot be printed at the venue, please pre-print your tickets at home, pre-collect them from The Forum Box Office, or display on the MIFF app.