Notes:

• a screenplay is not meant to be read
• just because it is written in a action line it doesn’t mean it will be conveyed that way
• the writers job is to structure the story in ways that reveals the character
• one scene can change the whole tone of the story
• American beauty was almost a completely different movie

Notes:

• all the characters are variations of the theme
• characters are not random
• dialogue should reveal details about a character
• be direct firm and clearly show the truth of the situation

Notes:

• your protagonist is only as good as what they are fighting against
• a good antagonist is good at attacking a protagonist weakness
• an antagonist must be powerful
• pressure the protagonist into difficult choices
• competing for the same goal as the protagonist is the only way to force direct conflict

Notes:

• its essential that the audience cares about the protagonist
• give your audience a reason to hope and fear to a character
• if you establish that your character has flaws the audience
• characters should be relatable to real people
• create obstacles that stand in the ways of the characters weekness

Notes:

• before your screenplay can be turned into a movie it needs to be read first
• you only have 10 pages to setup 5 elements
• it is important to know the rules of the genera
• the world of the character is a vital piece of the screen play
• set your story in a unique world
• hint at your theme early
• the dramatic situation hints at the path of the story
• sometimes all 5 elements are covered in the first scene

Notes:

• a sequence is a self contained section of your story
• a sequence is only about 10 to 15 minuets long
• length ownership tension framework
• the sequence is usually owned by one character
• tension is what makes the audience have a invested interest
• its the tension throughout out that engages an audience
• in the beginning the wants or goals must be established

Notes:

• the first sequence of the screen play is the most important part
• the audience is always looking for a reason not to read the screenplay so you have to engage them in the first 10 pages
• the first sequence introduces tone
• tone is the mood of the story
• never shit tone without an intention
• you can create a hybrid by combining to aspects of a genera
• it is essential to introduce the the character with a clear goal and well defined flaws
• the status quo is how the world of the story is before the inciting incident
• the world of the story refers to the specific elements of the story that the character lives in
• the rules of the world must be clear and consistent
• within the first 10 pages you must establish the dramatic situation
• the inciting incident is the first major plot point of the story

Notes:

• in sequence two it is important to continue to flesh out elements in sequence one
• the inciting incident only opens to door to the predicament
• your protagonist objective is key because in determines the direction of the story
• the lock in divides act one and act two
• once your protagonist is locked into the predicament there is no going back

Notes

• there are 5 major plot points that dictate the structure of your film
• these 5 points are moments that will change the thrust of the story
• the inciting incident will happen in the middle of the first act
• the lock in is the point is when the character can no longer turn back
• about half way through the screen play the protagonist reaches their first success or failure
• the main culmination is the highest or lowest point in the story
• the third act twist is the wrench that is throw in the plans for the protagonist third act goal

Notes

• action refers to the basic unit of screen writing
• action discribes the environment and character
• in action description you must be precise
• clarity is key you must paint the scene in the minds of the painter
• creativity- not dull or boring
• when writing action it is important to write new paragraphs of create some kine of line space on the page
• the more white space on the page the better
• if you want to draw attention to a sound capitalize it

 Screenplay Form

Notes

Notes

• the writer is the first director of the script
• The writer’s job is never to direct on the page
• screenwriters see the film as they write it. They see it in shots – often very specific
• the writer should never be concerned with the type of shot or how many shots there are
• there is an infinite number of ways to shoot a scene
• a common mistake is when a writer fills a page with only visual action paragraphs called block pages.

David Mamet’s Three Magic Questions

Every Story is the Same Story Builder Template (PDF)

Notes

• the basic structure of all stories is the same
• there are constant characteristics of a successful story
• story circle with 8 steps that applies to all stories
• a hero is some one who goes into the unknown and comes back with ideas
• first line defines struggle against external force
• second line defines struggle against internal force
• 1 (establish the protagonist)
• 2 need (something is not quite right)
• 3 go (crossing the threshold)
• 4 search (the road of trials)
• 5 find (meeting with the goddess)
• 6 take (meet your maker)
• 7 return (bringing it home)
• 8 change (master of both worlds)
• the 8 step structure can be applied to any type of story
• a great story can change someones life

• What is Arch Plot and Classic Design?

Notes

• Arch plot is a goal-oriented plot where for better of worse the characters life is thrown out of balance
• a story that uses classic design has eleven basic story selections
• in act one there is the Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Crossing the First Threshold