Structuring the Hour Long

Just stumbled upon this vis a vis the lovely Jen Grisanti. I almost cried from joy when I found it.

FORMAT/STRUCTURE SHEET FOR THE ONE HOUR DRAMA (6 ACT STRUCTURE)
This is a formula that I’ve discovered from watching current programs that have standout episodes. I studied several episodes of strong one hours. This was the formula that I found resonated the strongest with me.

COLD OPEN - DILEMMA
Set up of dilemma in your A, B and sometimes C story.

ACT I - SET UP OF GOALS
Set up of the goal of your central character in each story.
First beat of putting plan into action in each story.
By the end of the act, the goals for your central characters in each story should be clear.
End act with set up of first obstacle to goal in the A story.

ACT II - OBSTACLES
Obstacle or escalating obstacle for the goal in the A story.
Obstacle or escalating obstacle for the goal in the B story and/or C story.
End act on escalating obstacle for the A Story.

ACT III - ESCALATING OBSTACLES
If first plan didn’t work, new plan can be put into Action with the A story or you keep escalating the obstacles.
Escalating obstacle with the new plan or from the old plan with the A story, could also be the B
story.
End act on escalating obstacle on the A Story, big moment.

ACT IV - ESCALATING OBSTACLES OR TURNING POINT
Continue escalating the action and creating obstacles in your A story.
Escalating obstacle in your B story.
End act on escalating obstacle in your A story or turning point.

ACT V - BUILDING TOWARD “ALL IS LOST” MOMENT
New plan of action could be put into play or continue to escalate the obstacles in your A story.
Escalating obstacle in B and/or C story.
“All is lost” moment in your A story. This is when your central character in your A story feels as far away as possible from achieving the goal. Something in this moment should trigger them into action to achieve the goal in the last act.

ACT VI
Confrontation in B story leading to a resolution.
Confronation in your A story leading to a resolution or just a resolution in your A story and time spent showing what this picture looks like.

If it is a serialized show, you will want to end on a cliff-hanger note that will bring your audience back to your next show.