Understanding Screenplay Structure and Techniques

Aug 23, 2024

Dissecting the Screenplay

Introduction to Screenplays

  • Screenplays are the written portion of films or television shows.
  • Understanding setup, tips, and tricks can help understand screenplay structure.

Dramatic Plot Structure

  • Different from typical English class plot diagrams (e.g., witch's hat structure).
  • Characters don't end up back to an "easy" life after the story.

Components of Dramatic Plot Structure

  1. Exposition

    • Introduction to everyday life, setting, time, place, conditions.
    • Meet main characters: protagonist and antagonist.
    • Inciting incident: dramatic event that starts the story.

  2. Conflict Types

    • Person vs. Person
    • Person vs. Self (inner thoughts, fears, concerns)
    • Person vs. Environment (nature, society)

  3. Rising Action

    • Journey with multiple minor climaxes to sustain audience interest.

  4. Climax

    • Point of decision; sometimes involves a choice between difficult options.

  5. Falling Action

    • Not resolution; story concludes without tying all loose ends.
    • Leaves audience with questions or anticipation for a sequel.

The Hero's Journey

  • A cycle beginning and ending in the hero's Ordinary World.
  • Passes through a Special World filled with trials and transformations.

Stages of the Hero's Journey

  1. Status Quo
  2. Call to Adventure: Hero receives a challenge or invitation.
  3. Assistance: Help from a mentor.
  4. Departure: Hero crosses into the special world.
  5. Trials: Solves problems, faces challenges.
  6. Approach: Facing biggest ordeal.
  7. Crisis: Darkest hour, potential rebirth.
  8. Treasure: Gains a reward or recognition.
  9. Result: Varied outcomes, potentially challenging.
  10. Return: Hero goes back to the ordinary world.
  11. New Life: Hero is changed by the journey.
  12. Resolution: Plotlines resolved at a new level.

Screenplay Timing and Structure

  • Page = Minute in a screenplay.
  • Exposition: Pages 1-16.
  • Call to Adventure: Page 17.
  • Crossing into Special World: Page 30.
  • Passive to Active Transition: Page 60.
  • Climax: Page 90.
  • Road Home: Page 90 to end.

Example: The Wizard of Oz

  • Ordinary World: Dorothy's life in Kansas.
  • Call to Adventure: Tornado lands Dorothy in Oz.
  • First Threshold: Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
  • Active Role: Dorothy decides to get the broomstick.
  • Climax: Decision to stay or go home.
  • Conclusion: Realization about home being valuable.

Assignment

  • Select a favorite film and analyze its structure using timestamps.
  • Compare the film's progression with the dramatic plot structure and Hero's Journey.