• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Marilyn Horowitz

Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

212-600-1115
  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Scripting
    • What is Scripting?
    • Scripting Cheat Sheet
    • Free Scripting Class

Sitcom Success: Write Act II

February 17, 2017 by Marilyn Horowitz

Now it’s time to write Act II.

The first step is to once again review your beat-by-beat outline. Because you’ve answered the Four Magic Questions, you know exactly what needs to take place in both Act II, Part 1 and Act II, Part 2. So, take your beat sheet, transfer the scenes into whatever screenwriting program you’re using, and that will become your template for Act II.

Write Act IIIn Act II of the Cheers pilot, Diane is stuck waiting at the bar while her boyfriend has gone home to his ex-wife to get the ring that he gave her, a ring that belonged to his grandmother and which he says he now wants to give to Diane. This is a terrific cliffhanger, of course, because all through Act II we’re wondering: Will he or will he not come back? Does your Act II have a similarly overarching dramatic question?

Remember, you’re going to work in proper TV format, so be sure you’re using a professional formatting program. In addition, read a few sample pilot scripts to see what they look like. TV producers know well how a TV pilot script should look, and your final script must be completely professional or it will end up in what used to be known as the “circular file”—in other words, the wastebasket.

So get to work and have fun. Try out different jokes, but above all keep the characters and story driving toward the climax. And don’t forget, this is Act II, so end it with another cliffhanger!

Primary Sidebar

Sign Up

for our Screenwriting Newsletter and Receive Our FREE Gift How To Write a Treatment.

Testimonials

Whatever doubts or second thoughts you’re having, don’t listen to them, because Marilyn’s class is worth it. I’ve taken a… Read more “Emma D.”

Marilyn’s techniques helped me stop overthinking and start writing! She gave me exercises to take the pressure off beginning a… Read more “Lauren D.”

I’m very grateful to be able to learn from Marilyn, Her focus on the psychological and spiritual foundations necessary to… Read more ““…grateful to learn from Marilyn””

Marilyn’s techniques helped me stop overthinking and start writing! She gave me exercises to take the pressure off beginning a… Read more “The Scritping Writing Room”

You are always a light. Thank you.

Desiree
View All Testimonials

Television Writing Evaluation & Guidance

Screenwriting Evaluation & Guidance

Classes & Seminars

Footer

Connect

Contact

CLASSES

Contact the office at 212-600-1115

MEDIA & SPEAKING INQUIRIES

Contact Marilyn Horowitz at 212-600-1115

PUBLISHING & FILM INQUIRIES

Contact Koehler Books at 757-289-6006

  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Scripting
    • What is Scripting?
    • Scripting Cheat Sheet
    • Free Scripting Class
Copyright © 2022 · Marilyn Horowitz. All rights reserved.