Why I Use a 9-Act Structure for Every Script (Even When It’s Not A Made For TV Movie)
Screenplay writing hack time: If you’ve ever felt lost in the second act, let me introduce you to the easiest screenwriting structure I’ve ever used—and the one I still swear by.
This is a very niche 30 Rock reference that I thought was fitting when talking made for TV movie structure.
Wait, What’s a 9-Act Structure?
You might be thinking:"I’m struggling with three acts—why would I use nine?"
I get it. But hear me out, especially if you're writing horror or suspense.
The 9-act structure wasn’t designed for feature films—it was made for TV movies, where there had to be a commercial break every 10 minutes. And what do you do before a commercial break?
You drop a bomb.
That’s what makes it so effective:
✅ Every 10 pages, something big has to happen.
✅ That means no saggy middle.
✅ No pacing problems.
✅ No wondering, “What even happens in Act 2B?”
How I Got Hooked on It
The first feature script I ever got optioned was a TV movie. That’s how I cut my teeth. I had no formal screenwriting training—I just learned how to write a movie in 9 acts because that’s what I had to do.
And guess what? I still use that structure on every script I write today.
Why It Works (Better Than You Think)
Most scripts are 90–100 pages, which makes math your friend. In a 9-act structure, every act is 10 pages. That’s it.
Here’s what that does for you:
Pacing solves itself
Every act builds tension
Each act functions like a mini-movie
Your outline gets way easier
Do yourself a favor and watch “The Pregnancy Pact”
💥 So What’s an “Act Out”?
An act out is the final moment of an act—the moment right before a commercial break in a TV movie or series. It’s usually:
A cliffhanger
A surprise twist
A reveal
A bold choice
The goal?
✨ Make the viewer desperate to see what happens next.
Even if you’re writing a feature with no commercials, building in these moments of tension and payoff every 10 pages keeps the reader and viewer engaged all the way through.
How It Works with Save the Cat (and Other Structures)
If you’re someone who loves Save the Cat, Story Genius, or other structure tools, good news:
The 9-act structure doesn’t replace them—it enhances them.
Here’s how they match up:
Save the Cat vs. 9-Act Structure (Bulleted Breakdown)
Opening Image → Act 1 (pages 1–10)
Theme Stated / Catalyst → Act 2 (pages 11–20)
Debate / Break into Two → Act 3 (pages 21–30)
Fun & Games / B Story → Acts 4–5 (pages 31–50)
Midpoint → Act 5 (end of page 50)
Bad Guys Close In → Act 6 (pages 51–60)
All Is Lost / Dark Night of the Soul → Acts 7–8 (pages 61–80)
Break into Three / Finale / Final Image → Act 9 (pages 81–90)
It’s the same emotional arc and major turning points—the 9-act format just helps you pace it more effectively.
Sci Fi Pitch Deck available now in the Pitch Deck Store
9-Act Screenplay Structure Template
🎬 9-Act Screenplay Structure (Quick Breakdown)
Act 1 (Pages 1–10)
Introduce the protagonist and world
Show what’s “off” or unsettled
End with disruption or unease
Act 2 (Pages 11–20)
Inciting incident
Protagonist is pulled in or forced to act
End with them choosing to engage
Act 3 (Pages 21–30)
First escalation or success
A plan forms or a relationship deepens
End with a small twist or turning point
Act 4 (Pages 31–40)
Momentum builds, subplots develop
Unexpected wrinkle throws things off course
End with a “uh-oh” beat
Act 5 (Pages 41–50)
Midpoint: major reveal, reversal, or gut punch
The story shifts—stakes rise
Act 6 (Pages 51–60)
Fallout from the midpoint
Attempts to fix things fall short
End with a big loss or shake-up
Act 7 (Pages 61–70)
Tensions tighten, time’s running out
Secrets out, allies retreat
End with a major setback
Act 8 (Pages 71–80)
“All is lost” moment
A new truth, insight, or choice emerges
Protagonist recommits
Act 9 (Pages 81–90)
Final confrontation or decision
Resolution (win or lose)
Emotional and narrative closure
🧠 Think of each act like a chapter with a shift: a discovery, a disruption, or a turning point.
Have to give a shout-out to my cousin Duke! (The guy with the bolt cutters) in Fatal Fixer Upper on Lifetime!
The Saggy Middle Problem (Solved)
You know what kills momentum in most scripts? The middle.
Writers spend the first 30 pages setting everything up, and then stall out trying to build toward the climax.
Not with 9 acts.
When something major has to happen every 10 pages, your middle doesn’t sag—it slaps.
Would You Try It?
I know it’s unconventional, but I swear by it.
If you’ve ever struggled to stay on track—or keep the reader engaged—try outlining your next script in 9 acts.
Just label Act 1 through Act 9 every 10 pages and challenge yourself to make something matter in each one.
A very superior Arthurian legend story.
Bonus: My Favorite TV Movie Ever
If you want a taste of how this structure works in a bigger story world, watch the 1998 NBC miniseries MERLIN, starring Sam Neill.
It’s got drama, fantasy, suspense, heartbreak—everything. And yep, it follows a 9-act structure like clockwork.
Coming Soon: Free 9-Act Outline Template
I’m working on a downloadable version of the 9-Act Outline Template I use for every script. It’ll be part of a new Freebies section here on the site. Stay tuned!
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