[Yes.](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-standard-screenplay-format/) There are slight variations based on the type of screenplay (i.e. feature, dramatic teleplay, [multicamera sitcom](https://screenwriting.io/how-are-multicamera-tv-scripts-formatted/), etc) and writer preference, but there is most definitely a standard screenplay format, which includes a standard [font, spacing, indentations, and more](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-standard-screenplay-format/). Examples of properly formatted screenplays can be found in the [johnaugust.com library](http://johnaugust.com/library). Scriptwriting software such as […]
What does an outline look like?
Unlike screenplay formatting, there is no official standard. Generally, an outline provides a breakdown of how a story will play out. Outlines can take different forms based on many different factors including purpose, level of detail, method of creation, and writer preference. Some are incredibly detailed, listing every beat. Others give only very broad strokes. […]
Who is Syd Field?
Syd Field was a screenwriting guru, most famous for his articulation of the typical three-act structure. He is the author of [Screenplay (1979)](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385339038/?tag=johnaugustcom-20), among other books on screenwriting. In Field’s structure, the first act, which takes approximately one quarter of the film’s runtime, sets up the conflict. A plot point thrusts the main character into […]
How many acts are in a Broadway musical?
Typically, Broadway musicals have two acts. These acts are more distinct and defined than film acts, since musicals often have an act break between the two. ### More from johnaugust.com * [Big Fish, the musical](http://johnaugust.com/2011/big-fish-the-musical “Big Fish, the musical”) * [Two things I liked about Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark](http://johnaugust.com/2011/watch-out-websinger “Two things I liked about […]
How many acts does a TV show have?
As of 2011, the typical hour-long drama has an open, plus six acts. This is up from just a few years ago, where the norm was four acts. Half-hour multicamera comedies typically have an open, two acts, and a tag, while single-camera half-hour comedies can have either two or three acts sandwiched between the open […]
How long is a short film?
There is no official consensus or definition for the length of a “short.” Any film shorter than 50 minutes qualifies as a short film for the Sundance Film Festival, while any film with a run-time under 40 minutes is eligible for the shorts categories at the Academy Awards. The longest of the ten movies nominated […]