CLASS BLOG

Class Notes #2

Tan Wenting

2C

        F11DM0877

Standard terms for scriptwriters

Scriptwriter's Terminology:
1 Sentence Pitch
Log line
Synopsis
Character Bio
Character Bible
3 Act Structure
Story line
Treatment
Plots/Subplots
Scene Breakdown
Beats
Script

All situations/plots need:
Hook/Teaser
Motive
Conflict/Obstacles
Drama/Action
Dramatic Sequence
Up The Stakes
Chain Reaction
Resolution
Outcome
Closure

Terms and the 3 Act Structure:
Paradigm = diagram of a screenplay (story map)
Acts - Act1, Act2, Act3
Setup
Confrontation
Resolution
Plot Points
Motive
Conflict
Dramatic Entertainment

3 Act Structure

Reading/research: Syd Field

Act 1 -- Setup

Key character

Motive

Situation

--Turning Point--

Act 2 -- Confrontation

Conflict/Obstacles/Drama/Key Character struggles to fulfill motive

--Turning Point--

Act 3 -- Resolution

Make or Break?

Up the Stakes

Climax

Outcome

Resolution

Know Your Character

-Name, Nicknames
-Appearance
-Profile - age, race, background
-Nature/Personality
-Thoughts, Attributes, Values, Beliefs
-Behavior/Reaction
-Likes/Dislikes, Interests/Pet Peeves
-Strengths/Talents, Weaknesses
-Experiences/Backstories
-Relationships
-Motives/Objectives


Storytelling
-You create characters (with motives,
-Put them in situations (to reach an outcome)
-To communicate your key idea/message (moral of the story/revelations)

All Characters Have Motives

What are situations for?
Situations
-allow viewers to know your character better
-allow you to hook your audience
-all characters to reach a resolution for their motives
-help stories move forward from Act 1 to Act 3
-allow chain reactions, making your story more interesting



Our storyline can have many plots & subplots
Keep your story simple!

From Story to Script

1. 1- Sentence Story Idea

2  Synopsis & Story Angle

3. Character Bio (or Character Bible)
   - Character Motives
   - Situations, outcomes, key message
   - Dramatic Sequence - one thing leads to another/chain reaction

4 . 3 Act Structure
   - Identify Setup, Plots & Subplots
   - Create a Hook/Teaser
   - Turning Points
   - Climax

5. Storyline
   - Follow 3 Act Structure
   - Use Beats
   - Use Scene Breakdown

6. Script - Draft 1
-Use Standard Format

7. Story & Script Editing



Case Studies

Mulan: JQayrEE-gpw

The Money Pit #1: nJPju1f6p0E
The Money Pit #2: 9CJ9EDtZ2p8
The Money Pit #3:wBxRwF4qnhU

Tampopo: 38m-wnbHPLA



1 Sentence Summary
-Mulan: Mulan tries her best to honor her family by getting married but becomes a hero of china when she takes part in a war on behalf of her father.

-The Money Pit: Both Walter and Anna try to renovate the old house despite of the budget they have, but things turn upside down as the house develops

-Tampopo: A supermarket manager do all he can to stop from a crazy old granny from pressing everything she sees.