Screenplays Are Structure

William Goldman - Image Courtesy of Alchetron.com

“Screenplays are structure, and that’s all they are. The quality of writing—which is crucial in almost every other form of literature—is not what makes a screenplay work. Structure isn’t anything else but telling the story, starting as late as possible, starting each scene as late as possible. You don’t want to begin with ‘Once upon a time,’ because
​the audience gets antsy.”
-William Goldman

There is an enormous difference between structure and formula. Often, those who are critical of structure have mistaken one for another. Structure is a vital element of all great screenplays. There are many different variations of structure. Your job as the screenwriter is to utilize the structure that is most appropriate for the story you’re telling.