Skip to main content

Cineview community resources · Free download

Free Syd Field Story Structure Template

Use this free Syd Field story structure template to explore setup, confrontation and resolution, with turning points that redirect the action. This original worksheet accompanies the framework; it is not an official Syd Field publication.

Download free PDFDownload free Word file

No sign-up required. The Word file is editable in Microsoft Word and Apple Pages.

See the film example ↓
First page of the blank free syd field story structure template

Your worksheet, ready to use

How to use your free worksheet

Step 1

Describe the dramatic context

Write what each act is doing for the character and the audience, rather than starting with a fixed page count.

Step 2

Choose turning points

Identify events that change the direction of the action. Explain why the story cannot simply continue as before.

Step 3

Use timing flexibly

Feature-screenplay page ranges are illustrative conventions, not requirements for every short, documentary or experimental film.

Structure in practice · Film spoilers

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Framework credited to Syd Field. This original Cineview visual summarises Field’s published film worksheet; spoilers follow. No affiliation or endorsement is implied.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) mapped to syd field story structure; full text breakdown follows
Original Cineview teaching visual. The text below also makes the example readable without the image.

Setup

Andy is convicted and enters Shawshank.

Try it in your story: What dramatic situation introduces the protagonist and the problem?

Plot point 1

Andy asks Red for a rock hammer.

Try it in your story: What event redirects the story into its main conflict?

Confrontation and midpoint

Andy adapts, helps inmates and plays music over the prison speakers.

Try it in your story: What relationships, obstacles and central shift develop the story?

Plot point 2

Andy escapes from prison.

Try it in your story: What event sends the story towards its resolution?

Resolution

Andy and Red meet again in Mexico.

Try it in your story: How does the central action conclude?

Reference: Syd Field — Official Shawshank Redemption paradigm worksheet

Watch and compare

Three Act Structure Explained — The Secret to Telling a Great Story

Reference video from StudioBinder — companion overview of three acts. Compare its approach with the worksheet and decide what serves your own story.

The video loads from YouTube only when you choose to load it. YouTube’s privacy and terms then apply.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Before you start

Can I use this for a short film?

Yes. Adapt the number of beats and the space you give each stage to your film. You do not need to copy feature-length page counts.

Can I edit the template in Apple Pages?

Yes. Download the Word file and open the .docx document in Apple Pages. The download is a Word document, rather than a native .pages file.

Does this structure guarantee a successful story?

No. Use it to test choices, consequences and character change. You can combine or depart from models when your story requires it.

Explore another approach

From planning to production

Bring your next scene to Cineview Studios

When your script becomes a shooting plan, explore our film studio hire options, infinity cove studio and equipment list. Contact the studio to discuss the space and equipment your production needs.

Share with your crew

Send this free resource to a colleague, your production team or a WhatsApp group.

EmailWhatsAppLinkedInFacebookX

Use and attribution

You may adapt our original worksheets for your own production planning. Keep the website credit when sharing an unchanged template. These educational resources are not legal, financial or safety advice. Film titles, story frameworks and third-party videos belong to their respective rights holders. Cineview Studios is not affiliated with those publishers, and inclusion does not imply endorsement.

References are provided so you can compare approaches and form your own view. Check the rights to any photographs, scripts, music or other material you put in a production. Protect personal information when sharing crew and cast documents.

020 8305 2849