NOTE:
After years of trial and error I learned that screenwriting gurus and their books / theories are ignored by the professionals in Hollywood. This sheet (12 pages) shall show the world outside of Hollywood how Hollywood really works. The sheet proves you that a classic Hollywood movie is not structured like the screewriting gurus try to sell you. The sheet are for a monitor not smaller than 24 inch. You can also use the PDF on a projector. Blow up the PDF to 100 % or more or less, then press the space button (your mouse cursor will change into a hand) + press the left button of your mouse at the same time, then move your mouse up and down, from left to right and from right to left to read these sheets. This is just an example about what you can learn about classic Hollywood movie structure by studying movies instead of reading idiotic screenwriting guru books. It‘s always better to study pictures of Picasso, Rembrandt, van Gogh or Michael John Kelly instead of reading books about their drawings. These sheets also show you how to watch / analyse a movie to learn more about screenwriting / structure. Pimp your screenplay with these sheets and with the results of your own movie breakdown. Read yourself through these sheets and you will develop a much better understanding about screenwriting than any book about screenwriting can give you. Studying these sheets is like watching a movie while I explain how this movie is built. When you are done with these sheets you will know why it‘s better to watch movies instead of reading screenwriting guru books to learn the craft ! Read the IMDb biographies of the screenwriting gurus, then you will know what I am talking about. You really don‘t want to be instructed by these kind of dilettantes. It‘s a good idea to study these sheets more than once, and study also the movies I‘m talking about. And sorry for my english. If you want to know how to create a villain watch 20 movies and concentrate only on the villain. If you want to know how to create suspense... STUDY MOVIES!! Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by L. D. Jr. All rights reserved. If you like to read some books about screenwriting: http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip201.htm (William C. Martell, writer of 19 produced scripts). --- http://johnaugust.com/ --- http://www.keithcunningham.net/. (The soul of screenwriting). Update: 04.03.2016. From time to time I will update this sheet. Check http://movie-structure.blogspot.de for newest update.
Page 1 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Let‘s watch a movie! JAWS:
NOTE: There are four kinds of Disaster: 1. Something bad happens. 2. Something good happens. 3. Someone reaches his goal. 4. SomeoBuilding Block
ne don‘t reaches his goal. Later more about this Disasters.
Measure against disaster (MaD): Someone WANTS to do something
EMaD: Execution
against a disaster,
of a MaD. Someone
Building Block Action: Self-explaining. Someo-
Building Block Preparation: You have a
Building Block
she or he has a
DOES the MaD,
ne does something. You can have slow or quick acti-
date with a woman? Preparation is: Shave,
Building Block Exposition:
Disaster:
plan, an idea what
does something
A Building Block (BB) is divided into Micro Topics (MT). A
on. Swimming is slow action. A shootout is quick
take a shower, buy flowers... What ever you
Building Block Disaster:
Introduce someone or
Something bad
she / he can do to
against a disaster,
MT can be around 15 to 50 seconds long. A one minute BB
The Hunt starts: In lots of movies
Note: A Building Block can contain
Building Block Relief: Reaction (so-
action. To make quick action necessary mix it with an
need to do to prepare yourself. BB Prepara-
Someone reaches a goal:
something
happens
save the day
becomes active
has 2 MT. A 3 minute BB has 6 MT...
the hunt starts around minute 21.
more than one main content.
metimes emotional) on a disaster
EMaD.
tion can also prepare a following scene.
Brody kills the shark
ACT 1
01 06 01
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
17
Building Block
UNIT Building Block
21 21
SEQUENCE: DISASTER
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block: 17:28 - 19:45 (MaD)
- Disaster
- Exposition - MaD
- Exposition
- Disaster - MaD
- EMaD
- MaD
- Exposition
- Disaster
01:11 - 03:04
03:04 - 04:55
04:55 - 06:24
06:24 - 07:16
07:16 - 09:14
09:14 - 11:05
11:05 - 13:03
13:03 - 15:55
15:55 - 17:28
17:28 - 17:59
17:59 - 18:32
Beach party
Shark kills Chrissie
Expo: We learn
Brody drives to the
Disaster: Medical
EMaD: Brody tries to MaD: Mayor
People on the
Shark kills Pippet
MaD: Mrs. Kintner
People come into the The mayor speaks
about Brody and
beach. We learn
Examiner announces close the beaches -> doesn‘t want to
beach
the dog & Alex
wants that someone room
his family. MaD:
more about Amity
on the phone: „It was this is a Disaster for close the beaches a shark attack“
the corpse -> phone
MaD: Brody wants to
call
close the beaches
Building Block
MICRO TOPIC # 1 MICRO TOPIC # 2 MICRO TOPIC # 3 MICRO TOPIC # 4 18:32 - 18:57
18:57 - 19:45
close the beach
the Mayor
31
31
Building Block
Building Block
- Exposition - EMaD
- The hunt starts - Exposition
- Action - EMaD
19:45 - 21:39
21:39 - 23:31
23:31 - 26:34
26:34 - 29:45
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
ACT 2
41
41 41
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
SEQUENCE: DAY ON THE BEACH UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
ACT 3
69
63
63
SEQUENCE
69
63
63
SEQUENCE
69 69
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
82 82
SEQUENCE UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
92 92
SEQUENCE
Building Block
Building Block
SEQUENCE
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
They want to poi-
- They prepare the Starts with EMaD:
Starts with EMaD:
They are happy that
Quint became a
with the boat. Deci-
barrels. EMaD:
crew and boat
shark into shallow
son the shark
cage. They prepa- Hooper tries to poi-
Shark strikes back.
the shark is dead
fisher
sion: Quint kills the
They get the empty
water. Disaster:
radio
barrels
Boat breaks
- Preparation
- EMaD - Exposition
- Disaster / Action
- Disaster / Action
- Relief
- MaD - EMaD
- Disaster
- EMaD / Action
- Exposition
- Backstory
- Relief
- Disaster
- Disaster - Decision
- EMaD / Action
- MaD - EMaD
39:35 - 41:43
41:43 - 43:28
43:28 - 45:16
45:16 - 48:19
48:19 - 51:20
51:20 - 53:24
53:24 - 56:47
56:47 - 57:33
57:33 - 59:27
59:27 - 61:28
61:28 - 63:36
63:36 - 66:21
66:21 - 69:40
69:40 - 71:39
71:39 - 73:29
73:29 - 75:30
75:30 - 76:50
76:50 - 77:45
77:45 - 79:11
79:11 - 82:53
82:53 - 85:50
85:50 - 89:18
89:18 - 90:49
90:49 - 92:28
92:28 - 94:52
94:52 - 97:51
97:51 - 99:09
EMaD: Hooper
EMaD: They are on Shark is still alive; he EMaD: Brody tries
EMaD / Action: Peo-
Shark kills man
Relief: Hospital.
Quint and Brody
They prepare the
EMaD: Bait a fish.
Disaster: Quint has
Disaster: Fish bites
Quint and Hooper
MaD: Quint wants
First time they see
They hunt the
Who has the bigger The reason why
They sing
Shark attacks boat
is still alive. MaD:
cuts shark open;
the water.
MaD: Mayor signs
make a deal
boat
Exposition: Com-
a fish
piano wire
have a controversy
that Brody bait a fish. the big shark
shark
scar
They want to cut that
this proves that the Expo: Bla bla bla...
to close the beaches.
shark open
big shark is alive
Wrong MaD: Vaughn
Brody reads books Sequence kick-starts Prep: People come
Disaster: They
Hooper announces:
Relief: Mrs. Kintner Brody is depressed
We learn more about Disaster: Shark
about Quint. EMaD:
about sharks. In
around 23: Starts
Hooper announces:
to Amity to hunt
„It was a shark“
reached a „goal“
„It‘s probably the
is sad and angry.
because he feels
Hooper
They close the
lots of movies the
with EMaD: Two
shark. Expo: We
-> killed a shark.
wrong shark“
Disaster: Brody is
guilty of Alex‘ dead
beaches
hunt starts around
men want to kill
learn about Hooper.
Relief: They cele-
minute 21
the shark. Ends in
EMaD: They hunt
brate
killed Ben Gardner
Sequence kick-starts
which is a Disaster. around 43.
Disaster: Man nearly the shark
MaD: Hooper wants
killed
to go onto the
to convince Vaughn
People come to the beaches
Sequence kick-starts Disaster: Plastic around 53: People
shark. MaD: Get
go swimming
the people out of the water
ple storm out of the
contract
pressed air tank.
EMaD: Brody bait
water.
a fish
re Hooper
is dead
Of course it depends on the length of your screenplay / movie how long an act can be. For example JAWS: Act 1: 1 - 41 Act 2: 41 - 69 Act 3: 69 - 106 Act 4: 106 - 117
01 Building Block 1-3
11
SEQUENCE
Building Block 3-5
Building Block 5-7
Building Block 7-9
Building Block 9 - 11
11 Building Block 11 - 13
21
SEQUENCE
Building Block 13 - 15
Building Block 15 - 17
Building Block 17 - 19
Building Block 19 - 21
21 Building Block 21 - 23
SEQUENCE
Building Block 23 - 26
Building Block 26 - 29
ACT 2
31 31 Building Block 29 - 31
Building Block 31 - 33
41
SEQUENCE
Building Block 33 - 36
Building Block 36 - 37
Building Block 37 - 39
Building Block 39 - 41
41 Building Block 41 - 43
51
SEQUENCE
Building Block 43 - 45
Building Block 45 - 47
Building Block 47 - 49
(resolution): Shark
believes that Hooper explodes.
Example for timing with building blocks:
31
116:08-117:33
beaches
beach
31
112:08-116:08
wants to open the
wants to close the
ACT 1
- Relief
son the shark. Ends Ends in Disaster in Disaster: Crew
water. MaD: Brody
01
Building Block 49 - 51
51 Building Block 51 - 53
SEQUENCE
Building Block 53 - 56
Building Block 56 - 57
Building Block 57 - 59
61
61
61
61
Building Block 59 - 61
Building Block 61 - 63
ACT 3 71
SEQUENCE
Building Block 63 - 65
Building Block 65 - 67
Building Block 67 - 69
Building Block 69 - 71
71 Building Block 71 - 73
SEQUENCE
Building Block 73 - 75
Building Block 75 - 77
Building Block 77 - 79
81
81
81
81
Building Block 79 - 81
Building Block
MaD / EMaD: Draw
- EMaD
37:51 - 39:35
Building Block
Shark plays with
- Relief - MaD
36:25 - 37:51
Building Block
Disaster: Problems They hunt the shark MaD: Get empty
- Disaster
34:39 - 36:25
Building Block
UNIT / Action
108:20-112:08
- EMaD
33:31 - 34:39
Building Block
UNIT / Action
106:26-108:20
- Disaster - MaD
31:27 - 33:31
UNIT
117
105:31-106:26
- Slow Action
29:45 - 31:27
SEQUENCE
102:50-105:31
- Exposition
- Exposition
106
99:09 -102:50
- EMaD - MaD
- Relief
106
117
- Preparation
- Disaster
- Relief - Disaster
ACT 4
- Action
- Exposition - EMaD
- Disaster
106
- Starts with MaD - Ends in Disaster - MaD end of 3 at End of Act 3 (2) act
- Disaster - MaD
- Disaster - Relief
106
- Disaster - Hero starts attack - Villain starts attack - Fight: Part 2 - Fight: Part 1
- EMaD - Disaster - MaD
- Disaster
guilty of Alex‘ dead
51 51
UNIT
Building Block
69
SEQUENCE: LUNCH FOR THE SHARK
SEQUENCE: SHARK IS STILL KILLING
UNIT
Building Block
48 48
SEQUENCE: NIGHT SCENE
SEQUENCE: THE WRONG SHARK
UNIT
- Preparation - Exposition - EMaD
MaD: Brody wants to Expo: We learn
kills the shark
Building Block
36 36
SEQUENCE: PEOPLE FROM OUT OF TOWN
SEQUENCE: THE HUNT
UNIT
- Exposition
Brody wants to see
26 26
SEQUENCE
13 13
SEQUENCE: EXPOSITION UNIT
Building Block
17
SEQUENCE
41
Building Block 81 - 83
ACT 4 91
SEQUENCE
Building Block 83 - 85
Building Block 85 - 87
Building Block 87 - 89
Building Block 89 - 91
END
91 Building Block 91 - 93
END
SEQUENCE
Building Block 93 - 95
Building Block 95 - 97
Building Block 97 - 99
Building Block 99 - 101
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 2 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Some examples of other movies - Building Blocks:
Exposition
Preparation Relief
MaD
Disaster - Something bad happens
Disaster - Something good happens
Disaster - Someone don‘t reaches his goal
Disaster - Someone reaches his goal
Disaster - Someone reaches his goal in Midnight Run. 91 - 93: Dofler gets The Duke - IT‘S NOT THE END OF ACT 3 Disaster - Someone reaches his goal in The Rundown. 89 - 91: Beck brings Disaster - Someone don‘t reaches his
Travis to Walker
goal in The Rundown. 83 - 86:
Disaster - Someone reaches his goal in
Hatcher don‘t gets the Gato
Blood Diamond. 111 - 113: Archer gets the diamond - IT‘S NOT THE END OF ACT 3
Action / Disaster in Casablanca.
Action / Disaster in The Godfather.
Action / Disaster in JAWS. 59 - 61:
Disaster - Someone reaches his goal in
Action / Disaster in The Godfather.
Disaster - Someone reaches his goal in
Disaster - Someone reaches his goal in
Exposition in Blood Diamond.
Exposition in Blood Dia-
Disaster - Something good hap-
Exposition in Blood Dia-
Exposition in Blood Dia-
31:15 - 33:42: Ilsa appears in the
42:48 - 44:23: They try to kill Don Vito.
Shark kills man in the little bay.
Midnight Run. 65:13 - 67:12: The Duke
63:44 - 66:18: Michael kills Sollozzo
Disaster - Something good hap-
Disaster - Someone don‘t reaches his
The Rundown. 86:36 - 89:00 - End of
Midnight Run. 111 - 116: Jack brings
Minute 1 - 3: We learn about
mond. 8 - 11: We learn
pens: Blood Diamond. 13 - 15:
mond. 22 - 26: We learn
mond. 29 - 32: We learn
bar. 36:16 - 38:54 - Reaction / Relief:
Reaction / Relief 53:38 - 55:55:
Reaction / Relief 61 - 63: Brody‘s
escapes - so far. He falls into the river
and McCluskey. Reaction / Relief
pens in Enemy of the State.
goal in Blood Diamond. 109 - 111: Co-
act 3: Mariana gets the Gato. Nothing is
The Duke to L.A.
Solomon and his family
about Archer and his job
Solomon finds a big diamond
about Maddy and her job
about Colonel Coetzee
Rick falls into a depression
Vito‘s people kill Don Vito‘s driver
family in hospital
66:18 - 67:40: War in the streets
73:40 - 76:21: Dean gets the video
lonel Coetzee don‘t gets the diamond
lost. Mariana just reached her goal.
ACT 1
01
41
ACT 2
41
71
ACT 3
71
ACT 4
Disaster - Something bad hap-
Disaster - Something bad hap-
Disaster - Something bad hap-
Disaster - Something bad hap-
MaD in Blood Diamond. 29 - 32:
Disaster - Something bad hap-
MaD in Enemy of the State. 76 - 77:
Disaster - Something bad hap-
pens in Blood Diamond. 03 - 06:
pens in Blood Diamond. 11 - 13:
pens in Enemy of the State.
pens in Midnight Run. 24 - 26:
Colonel Coetzee wants the big
pens in Enemy of the State.
Preparation in Enemy of the Sta-
Dean wants to meet Brill because of the
pens in Matrix. 89 - 91: Tank
RUF separates Solomon from his
Archer loses the diamonds of Colo-
13 - 15: A video of the murder
Jack and The Duke aren‘t in the
diamond for the disaster between
43 - 46: Deans loses his job and
te. 47 - 48: They prepare an
disaster between 73 - 76 -> Dean gets
needs to pull the plug of Morpheus.
family
nel Coetzee
exists
plane
11 - 13 -> Leonardo didn‘t won the
his family
eavesdropping operation against
the video
It‘s the Disaster at the end of act 3.
oscar. Serious: Archer lost the
Dean
diamonds of Coetzee MaD in Enemy of the State.
MaD in Enemy of the State.
MaD in Matrix. 91 - 93: Neo
16:18 - 16:58: Reynolds wants the
Preparation in Enemy of the Sta-
47:17 - 47:46: Dean wants to
wants to rescue Morpheus. It‘s
video of the murder
te. 37 - 42: They bug Deans
meet Rachel
the MaD at the end of act 3.
house and clothes Preparation in Midnight Run. 13 - 15: Jack prepares the arrest of The Duke
Sometimes the hero or the villain starts an attack or strikes back. Often this can be the start of act 3. The Mummy 68:17: The Mummy (Imhotep) strikes back. When can the protagonist starts his real hunt? Around
When can the antagonist starts his hunt?
He becomes active. The heros are on the run now. Before
minute 21 starts the hunt. (BB = Building Block).
The Rundown BB 30 - 32: Hatcher wants the Gato.
that they where hunting.
The Fugitive - BB 21:25 - 23:20: Deputy Marshal Gerard
Blood Diamond BB 29 - 32: Coetzee wants the diamond.
JAWS 69:39: They strike back to kill the shark. They hunt
starts his chase for Dr. Kimble.
Around 18:05 Captain Poison makes it clear that he wants
the shark on the water.
The Rundown - BB 19:58 - 22:51: Becks starts his hunt
the diamond too.
District 9 66:34: Wikus strikes back. Before that he was
for Travis Walker. Everything before that is exposition.
Midnight Run BB 28 - 30: Dorfler wants The Duke.
on the run. It‘s not the beginning of act 3, it‘s a preparation
Blood Diamond - BB 19 - 22: Archer starts the hunt for
The Fugitive BB 42:30: Kimble starts his mission
for act 3. Act 3 starts around minute 72:16.
the diamond: Archer‘s pilot gives Solomon money.
to find the killer after the MaD 40:35 - 42:30 at the end of
Thelma & Louise 72:40: Thelma robs a store because J.
JAWS - BB 21 - 23: Brody reads books about sharks - he
act 1: Find that man. -- Kimble is the antagonist in Gerards
D. stole their money. Thelma strikes back, she becomes
hunts for informations about sharks.
goal, but Kimble is the protagonist in his own goal
active.
Enemy of the State - BB 21 - 23: Reynolds people
Groundhog Day 71:52: Phil strikes back (against his situa-
want into the apartment of Zavitz to get the video.
tion - he is trapped in a time loop). He starts to be nice. He becomes active in terms of changing his personality (OS).
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 3 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Where to place a MaD:
Sometimes the question of the MaD in 29 - 31 is answered around
Times for a MaD: They want to
end of act 3.
poison the shark in JAWS - it‘s the end of act 3 Times for a MaD *6 - *7: Archer and Solomon want to
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
NOTE: End of act 3 can
flee. EMaD: Archer kills
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Coetzee wants that big
Sometimes the question
be around 30, 37, 41 or
RUF guards. Solomon and
Dean meets Rachel becau-
diamond in Blood Dia-
of the MaD 31 - 33 is ans-
later. NO RULES !
Archer escape in Blood
se he wants to meet Brill in
mond (29 - 32)
wered around minute 60.
Diamond
Enemy of the State
105 - 106
Times for a MaD *7- *9: Jack Times for a MaD: Kimble wants
wants The Duke back + makes a
to find that man in The Fugitive
deal with the FBI in Midnight Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
The Duke wants to give
Dean phones Rachel -
Archer persuades Maddy
Reynolds wants to raise the stakes
Jack the slip. Midnight
he wants to meet her in
to help Solomon to find his
for Dean in Enemy of the State
Enemy of the State
family in Blood Diamond
between 69 - 70.
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1: Reynolds
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Mafia wants to know who
wants the copy of the video and
made the video in Enemy
he wants to know more about Dean
of the State
in Enemy of the State (30 - 31)
Run (30 - 33)
- it‘s the end of act 1
40 - 42
Run - it‘s the end of act 3
97 - 99
Sometimes the question of the first Times for a MaD *9 - *1. In Midnight
important MaD is answered at the end Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Times for a MaD *6 - *7: Rey
Times for a MaD *9 - *1: Archer
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Midnight Run MaD: 05:45 - 08:02
Eddie wants that Dorfler gets
Hatcher wants „El Gato
nolds wants to destroy Deans
wants to work together with So-
Robert wants to help Josie
The Rundown MaD: 9 - 11
The Duke in Midnight Run
do Diabo“ in The
life in Enemy of the State - it‘s
lomon in Blood Diamond - it‘s
to become admired in
(28 - 30)
Rundown (30 - 32)
the end of act 1 in EOTS
the end of act 1 in Blood Diam.
Never Been Kissed
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Times for a MaD *7 - *9:
Dean wants to talk with
Walker wants his son
Yondu wants to kill Star
Mrs. Kintner wants that
the mafia in Enemy of
back in The Rundown
Lord in Guardians of the
someone kills the shark in
the State
(Welcome to the Jungle)
Galaxy
JAWS
These first important MaD‘s (ques
of act 4. See also:
Times for a MaD *1 - *3: Per-
Run says Serrano „I‘m not interes-
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Mayor wants to open
kins wants Samantha dead in
ted in seeing either of you alive again
Dean wants to meet Brill in Enemy
Neo wants to free Mor-
the beaches in JAWS
The Long Kiss Goodnight
until you get the accountant, got it?“
of the State
pheus in Matrix - it‘s the
(48 - 51)
between 61 - 63.
between 70:58 - 71:37:
end of act 3
tions) will be answered at the end of the movie / end of act 4 - mostly.
06 - 07
09 - 11
11 - 13
13 - 17
17 - 19
29 - 31
31 - 33
36 - 37
46 - 47
39 - 41
49 - 51
ACT 2
ACT 1
Building Block MaD 17 - 19 - JAWS MICRO TOPIC # 1
If there is no Disaster between 21 - 26 why should there be a MaD between 29 - 31
MICRO TOPIC # 2 MICRO TOPIC # 3 MICRO TOPIC # 4 17:59 - 18:32
18:32 - 18:57
Mrs. Kintner wants that
People come into
The mayor speaks
someone kills the shark
the room
17:28 - 17:59 MaD # 1
18:28 - 19:46
that a shark killed Chrissie. In Midnight Run is a Disaster between 24:55 - 26:13
Disaster
(Jack and the Duke are not in the plan) wich requires a MaD between 28 - 30: Mos-
43 - 46
Disaster
Exposition
Disaster
MaD
Preparation
13:41 - 15:20
15:20 - 15:42
15:42 - 16:18
16:16 - 16:58
16:58 - 17:27
Zavitz made a video from
We see Reynolds
Reynolds gets
Reynolds
Reynolds recruits
the murder unaware
workplace
the message
wants the video
marines
Unit 13 - 17 - Enemy of the State of the State
MaD 47:18 - 47:46
MaD # 2
cone asks Dorfler for help. In Enemy of the State are two Disasters between 21 -
Dean loses his job
- Credit cards
Dean calls Rachel
26: Disaster # 1: Zavitz makes a copy of the video. Disaster # 2: Zavitz contacts
and his family
rejected
because he wants
close the beaches
Dean. MaD # 1 between 30 - 31: Reynolds wants that copy of the video. MaD # 2
- Suitcase stolen
to meet her
monds + Disaster # 2: Solomon finds a diamond between 13 and 17.
MICRO TOPIC # 1 MICRO TOPIC # 2 MICRO TOPIC # 3 MICRO TOPIC # 4
Disaster 46:36 - 47:18
MICRO TOPIC # 2
Brody wants to
diamond. Disaster # 1 for this MaD is between 11 - 13: Archer loses Coetzee‘ diaBuilding Block MaD - 15 - 17
Building Block MaD (46 - 47) MICRO TOPIC # 1
between 29 - 31, so we just have a Disaster between 29 - 31: Hooper announces
in stone - No rules! Blood Diamond: MaD (29 - 32): Coetzee wants that big pink
13 - 17
Buil. Block Disaster
or 31 - 33? In JAWS is no Disaster between 21 - 26 which requires a MaD
between 30 - 31: Reynolds wants to now more about Dean. But nothing is carved
Building Block Disaster
61 - 63
Unit 43 - 47
69 - 71
76 - 77
ACT 3
91 - 93
ACT 4
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 4 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Four acts, not three acts:
Unit 3 Ends in a MaD: Gerard wants to find Kimble in the hotel laundry.
The Fugitive START
Ends in MaD: Find that man.
Ends in EMaD: Kimble makes some phone
Ends in MaD # 1: Kimble wants
This MaD is so strong that it
calls to find a man + Ends in MaD: Cross-
to see a friend + MaD # 2: Ge-
should lead into a new act.
check these people for criminal records.
rard wants to find Nichols.
ACT 1
42:30
42:30
ACT 2
72:36
72:36
ACT 3
100:07
UNIT 1: 100:07 - 105:38
UNIT 2: 105:38 - 110:10
UNIT 3: 110:10 - 115:15
UNIT 4: 115:15 - 120:54
100:07
ACT 4
END
88:02
ACT 4
END
97:50
ACT 4
END
123:40
ACT 4 - RESOLUTION
END
Ends in MaD: With the help of Koobus, Smith wants to find Wikus.
District 9 START
Ends in EMaD: Wikus beats
Ends in MaD: Wikus wants
kidnaps Wikus out of the hospital. But I believe that act 2 starts
Christopher Johnson and
to bring Christopher Johnson
once Wikus is out of the MNU laboratory and on the run.
enters the alien ship.
to the drop ship and his son.
ACT 1
Enemy of the State START
It‘s also possible to end act 1 with the EMaD around 36:38: MNU
43:40
43:40
ACT 2
73:28
73:28
ACT 3
Act 1 ends with an act shifting MaD. The MaD bet-
At 37 the story goes into a
ween 31 - 33 „Reynolds wants to know if Dean has
new direction + the story really
Act 2 ends with an act shif-
Act 3 ends with an act shif-
the video“ isn‘t so strong like the MaD between 36 -
kick-starts here - we have
ting MaD: Reynolds wants
ting MaD: Dean and Brill
37 „Reynolds wants to destroy Deans life“.
much more speed now.
to raise the stakes for Dean.
want to strike back.
37
ACT 1
37
ACT 2
70:39
70:39
ACT 3
Act 1 ends with an act shifting MaD. The MaD between
Blood Diamond START
ACT 1 - EXPOSITION
88:02
97:50
Ends in a MaD + Disaster. MaD:
29 - 32 „Coetzee wants the diamond“ isn‘t so strong like
At 41:36 the story goes into a new
Act 2 ends with an act shif-
Archer asks Maddy to help Solo-
the MaD between 39 - 41 „Archer wants to work toge-
direction / the story really kick-
ting MaD: Reynolds wants
mon in London. Disaster: Ar-
ther with Solomon.“
starts here.
to raise the stakes for Dean.
cher dies.
41:36
41:36
ACT 2 - Kono / Maddy
NOTE: Also possible: 1 - 30 - 60 - 80 - 100. Watch movies to find out how to structure a story.
86:09
86:09
ACT 3 - FIND THE DIAMOND
123:40
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 5 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
The las act - act 4:
JAWS Fight - Part 1 (Unit) Hero starts an attack
Fight - Part 2 (Unit) Villain starts an attack
Midnight Run Climax end of act 4:
Climax end of act 4
Collateral: The Fight - Part in act 4
Climax / Resolution
Matrix: The Fight - Part in act 4
The Last Part
Resolution
Scene with the most Disaster end 3 act 102:49 - 105:31
Relief
MaD
Building Block
Building Block
106 - 108
108:20 - 110:06
Boat breaks. They
scene in this movie.
They want to
They prepare the
Starts with EMaD: Hooper
Starts with EMaD: Shark
can‘t call for help
Brody and Hooper
poison the shark.
cage.
in the cage tries to kill the
because Quint
lose their nerves in
shark. Ends in disaster: Ho-
killed the radio.
the MaD (105 - 106)
oper loses the poison.
Not really a relief-
105 - 106
Preparation
Building Block
110:06 - 112:08
112:08-114:03
Building Block 114:03-116:07
suspense or emotions.
Disaster
Resolution (so
Brody lies on the
Shark explodes.
Shark destroys boat kills Quint and wants to kill Brody.
Goal reached.
Shark hunts the hero in the last fight-part of the act 4. If
Relief / Disaster / Preparation
Relief / Disaster
Relief
Fight-Part 1 (Unit)
Fight-Part 2 (Unit)
Fight - Part 1 (Unit)
Fight - Part 2 (Unit)
Fight - Part 3 (Unit)
A long fight part
Fight - Part 1 (Unit)
Fight - Part 2 (Build.Blo.)
Fight - Part 3 (Building Block)
Fight - Part 4 (Build.Blo.)
Fight - Part 5 (Build.Blo.)
Fight - Part 6 (Unit)
metimes of this
mast of the sinking
Starts with EMaD: Shark stri- Starts with EMaD: Brody
climax): Someo-
boat while the
the villain is not hunting the hero in the last fight-part there
Jack loses The
Relief: Jack is alone in the bar.
Relief: Jack is angry with
wants to kill Hooper. Ends in
kes back / demolishes boat.
wants to shoot the shark.
ne reaches his goal
shark drives
will be not much suspense. Often the last attack of the
Duke
Disaster: FBI arrest Jack in the
Moscone. Disaster: Jack
Disaster: Crew belie-
Ends in Disaster: Boat
Ends in Disaster: Shark
or not or whatever.
towards him. Hero
villain drives the hero into a corner - movie reaches highest
bar. Preparation: Dorfler and The learns that Dorfler don‘t
ves Hooper is dead.
sinks.
explodes.
vs. Villain.
level of suspense = that is the climax which leads to the
Duke fly to Las Vegas.
has a plan and
91 - 93
93 - 95
95 - 97
has The Duke.
99 - 104
104 - 106
106 - 111
Disaster: Jack learns
97 - 99
Preparation: The good and
Serrano is angry
Serrano arrested.
Jack brings he
111 - 116
that Serrano will get
the bad guys prepare them-
with The Duke.
A long fight part
Duke to L.A.
The Duke. MaD: Jack
selves.
90:55 - 95:58
100:18 - 106:37
95:58 - 100:18
Starts with EMaD: Max wants to
Starts with EMaD: Max goes into the office
Act 4
End of Act 3
96 - 101
divided into Buil-
101 - 103
103 - 105
107 - 109
105 - 107
ding Blocks. A
Starts with EMaD: They kill
Starts with EMaD: They Starts with EMaD: Neo tries
109 - 114
Starts with EMaD: Smith kills Starts with MaD: Smith:
Starts with EMaD: Agents hunt Neo.
111:21 - 113:50
.............................
120:07 - 123:40
more things
MaD 120 - 123
Disaster
Tank needs to pull the plug of Morpheus.
NOTHING MORE
Preparation 93 - 96
Neo does his NPT: He believes and wants to free Morpheus.
ACT 4
93 - 96 contains also Exposition: Smith talks about the earth. Preparation: Neo takes weapons. Relief: Smith is depressed. MaD: Smith wants the codes to get free.
The red guy takes Lorraine
Kaaps cover.
away. Marty starts to dis-
kill cops on the roof.
to free Morpheus. Ends in
„They‘re not out yet.“ Meaning:
tries to kill Neo.
Ends in a Disaster: Agent Smith kills
Neo the truth, she has faith (Trinity does
phones with Maddy. It‘s
MaD: Angent Smith announ-
Ends in EMaD: Trinity
Disaster: Neo frees Morpheus. wants to stop their escape.
He wants to prevent their esca-
Ends in Disaster: Neo
Neo. This Unit is divided into two Buil
A long fight part (Unit) is mostly
Neo‘s NPT: don‘t be afraid, have faith).
also the MaD at the end
solve. George does his
into Building Blocks
Max‘ cell phone.
Disaster: Vincent loses his victim.
saster (resolution): Vincent dies.
with a MaD / EMaD
ces: „Find them and destroy
gets pilot program.
Remember Disaster? Someo-
Ends in Disaster: Trinity, Neo
pe. Ends in Disaster: Smith
escapes + Sentinels.
ding Blocks: 1. 114:30 - 116:36.
divided into Building Blocks. Buil
Then Trinity commands Neo to get up.
of act 3: Archer wants
NPT and shoves the red
and end in a Disas-
them.“
ne reaches his goal or not.
Morpheus have an exit.
kills the phone in the subway.
2. 116:36 -118:46.
ding Block 114:30 - 116:36 ends
Resolution: Neo kills Agent Smith.
that Maddy helps Solo-
guy away and...
Hero starts an attack
Hero starts an attack
ter.
Villain starts an attack
Relief / Disaster / Preparation
91 - 93
Hero starts an attack
Relief / Disaster
93 - 95 FBI arrest Jack in the bar.
Villain starts an attack
the helicopter because he
Villain starts an attack
Hero starts an attack
Villain starts an attack
also in a Disaster: Sentinels arri-
Villain starts an attack
Disaster + MaD - End of Act 3 97 - 99 Disaster: Jack learns that Serrano
95 - 97
Disaster 91 - 93
Disaster
MaD
59 - 61
61 - 63
more things
Disaster + MaD 97 - 99
Start of act 4 - around 99
Jack learns that Dorfler don‘t has The Duke. will get The Duke. MaD: Jack has a plan and wants to work together with the FBI.
Shark kills man in little bay. Mayor signs the contract.
ACT 3
Back to the Future
blows Van De
cops in the lobby. Ends with
ACT 4
MaD 91 - 93
Maddy Bowen
Archer dies while he
118 - 122
Block can start
Jack loses The Duke.
Disaster 89 - 91
... kisses Lorraine.
Blood Diamond
EMaD (Climax of the movie): Trinity tells
Fight-Part Building
MaD - End of Act 3 91 - 93
there will be not much suspense...
back. Climax: No escape from the train.
EMaD
ACT 3
ACT 4
Preparation - End of Act 2
JAWS
89 - 91
it‘s the penultimate fight-part)
EMaD: Max shoots Vincent. Ends in Di
Start of act 4 - 123:40
MATRIX
Resolution
victim. EMaD: Max shoots Vincent. Ends in
Archer asks Maddy to help Solomon.
ACT 3
Climax end of act 3 (three)
building. Disaster: Vincent aims a gun at his
Disaster Disaster 111:21 - 113:50
Resolution act 4
save Annie. Max hunts Vincent.
MaD + Disaster - End of Act 3
....................
Archer gets the Diamond.
Climax end of act 3
Ends in Disaster: Battery empty of
Midnight Run Blood Diamond
Fight - Part 8
(Unit) is divided
In Thelma & Louise the disaster between 68:39 - 70:33 (Angelina Aioli stole Brad Pitt Jennifer Aniston) is close at the end of act 2, so act 3 starts very soon after this disaster. Act 2 ends in a MaD between 70:33 - 72:41: FBI want the help of Darryl. No rules!
more things happens
114-118
Starts with EMaD: Smith
The Disaster between 91 - 93 in Midnight Run (Jack loses The Duke on Dorfler) is not the end of act 3. Sometimes there are more things to do between a disaster and the beginning of the next act. Sometimes there is also an other Disaster necessary to dive into the next act.
more things happens
If the villain is not hunting the hero in the last fight-part (in this movie
Starts with MaD: Vincent wants his victim
connects with the FBI.
Act 4
Disaster
Fight - Part 7 (Unit)
(Unit) is mostly
resolution of he movie.
End of Act 3
Preparation (Unit)
MaD
63 - 66 Quint and Brody make a deal.
66 - 69
Disaster 59 - 61
more things
Preparation 66 - 69
Start of act 3 - around 69
They prepare the boat.
ACT 2
ACT 3
Villain starts an attack
ve at the Nebuchadnezzar / ship.
Hero starts an attack
mon in London.
Marty survives.
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 6 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
How to build a sequence:
Enemy of the State - Sequence 51 - 61
Enemy of the State - Sequence 61 - 70
JAWS - Sequence 51 - 63
Note: Also every sequence can have a Disaster and a MaD for this disaster.
Preparation 51 - 52
EMaD / Disaster 52 - 56
MaD 56 - 57
Preparation 57 - 59
EMaD / Disaster 59 - 61
EMaD / Action 61 - 63
EMaD / Action 63 - 66
MaD / EMaD 66 - 67
EMaD / Action 67 - 69
MaD 69 - 70
Exposition 51 - 53
Slow Action 53 - 56
Disaster 56 - 57
EMaD / Action 57 - 59
Disaster 59 - 61
Relief / MaD 61 - 63
Slow pace: Dean
Speed up the pace (kick-
Slow pace: The real
Speed up the pace:
Speed up the pace: Disaster
They hunt Dean. Starts
Starts with EMaD:
Starts with EMaD:
Starts with EMaD: Dean Reynolds wants to
Slow pace: People
More Speed: Se
Mooore speed:
Mooooooore speed:
Light speed / Cli-
Slow pace:
drives to his date
start of sequence): Dean
Brill wants to talk with Brill kills bugs to
(resolution at the end of se-
with EMaD: Dean flees. Dean flees over bal-
Bring Dean to the
flees into tunnel. Ends
raise the stakes for
coming to the
quence kick-starts
The plastic shark.
People storm out of the max: Shark kills
with Brill.
meets the wrong Brill.
Dean.
prepare Deans ques-
quence): Brill an‘t help
Ends in disaster: Dean
cony. Ends in EMaD:
hospital. Ends in
in disaster: Dean esca-
Dean. They will kill
beaches.
around 53 (*3 mi-
tioning.
Dean.
is trapped in room with
Firefighter free Dean.
EMaD: Dean flees
pes.
Rachel.
UNIT # 1
UNIT # 2
nute „rule“): People
from ambulance.
fire.
UNIT # 1 IN THE HOTEL
UNIT # 2 ON THE STREETS
man.
water.
Note: We can say that roughly every 5th
it in 5 minute blocks (units):
minute can be a change in the direction.
Disaster (63 - 66): Tony don‘t gets The Duke. MaD (69 - 71): Serrano says to Tony: „I have no interest
23 - 26: Zavitz gives Dean the video
JAWS 51
56 = 5 Minutes
Matrix: 1 - 3 - 6: Trinity vs Agents. 6 - 9
whatsoever in seeing the two of you alive again unless you have the accountant! (The Duke)“.
33 - 36: Reynolds people don‘t find the video in
56
61 = 5 Minutes
- 11: Trinity and Neo in da Club. 11 - 13 -
Deans house.
16: Neo at work. 16 - 19 - 20 - 21: Agents
- Relief: Hospital.
Disaster (3 - 4 + 7 - 9): Shark kills Chrissie + Medical Examiner announces on the phone: „It was a
43 - 46: Reynolds destroys Deans life
Note: Like an Act a sequence can
interrogate Neo. Is there an MaD or Relief
- MaD: Mayor
shark attack“. MaD: Brody wants to close the beach. EMaD (9 - 11): Brody tries to close the beach.
52 - 56: Dean meets the wrong Brill
end in a MaD.
between *6 and *7 then the change into the
Enemy of the State / JAWS - Sequence 31 - 41:
signs contract.
UNIT # 2
UNIT # 1
Sequence-Disaster in Enemy of the State
JAWS - Sequence 1 - 13:
go swimming.
BB: Reynolds Home
Tell your story not in sequences, tell
13 - 17: Video of murder exist
Midnight Run - Sequence 61 - 71:
Building Block
73 - 76: Dean finds the video...
new direction can be about the *7th minute.
Disaster: Reynolds people don‘t find the video in Deans house. They killed the wrong shark. MaD (36
In lots of movies the kick-start of
But there are NO rules! Just write your
- 37): Reynolds wants to destroy Deans live. MaD (39 - 41): They want to cut that shark open.
the sequence is around minute *3.
story.
Suggestions to pimp your story:
How to end a building block to entertain?
Bevor someone wins something it looks like he loses something. Bevor someone loses so mething it looks like he wins something. A method to entertain and increase the suspense of the scene: When someone has to achieve a goal he achieves this goal narrowly. Victories and defeats are reached by a hairsbreadth. Act 4 of Back To The Future is a good example.
If possible introduce your characters in an interesting or entertaining way. Of course it depends on the genre. NOTE: Watch movies to learn how to introduce your characters in the best way to tell your story. Two examples of Gone in 60 Seconds:
JAWS 1. Backstory
1. Backstory
2. Disaster
1. Disaster Red calls the police.
How to end a building block to
Quint has the backstory.
Shark rams the boat.
Louise was raped in
FBI has location of Thel-
entertain? Blood Diamond 8 - 11:
entertain? Blood Diamond 11 - 13:
He was on the Indi
Engine damage.
Texas. This is why she
ma and Louise.
At the end is a disaster: Archer
Entertaining disaster at the end
How to end a building block
reaches his goal (gets diamonds)
which pushes the story forward:
to entertain? JAWS 21 - 23:
this pushes the story forward, but
Archer is arrested and loses Coet-
At the end is no entertaining
this isn‘t an entertaining climax.
zee‘ diamonds. No extra enter-
disaster which pushes the story
entertain? Blood Diamond 6 - 8:
The entertaining climax is at the
taining climax necessary in this
The same as in JAWS 21 - 23.
beginning with Captain Rambo.
scene.
Introducing Donny Astricky
Introducing The Sphinx
Gone in 60 Seconds Midnight Run Loses
How to end a building block
We learn about Donny
We learn about The
forward, therefore the scene ends
to entertain? JAWS 23 - 26:
while he is in a crazy
in an entertaining climax.
The same as in JAWS 21 - 23.
situation.
Wins
How to end a building block
Memphis and Kip are
Police arrest gangsters
Sphinx in an interesting /
to entertain? Diamond 36 - 39:
trapped / surrounded by
infront of the restaurant.
mysterious way.
The same as in JAWS 21 - 23.
gangsters.
Wins
Loses
09 - 11
11 - 13
21 - 23
23 - 26
25:45
27:39
36 - 39
48:55
ACT 1
50:39
Most important part of Jack‘s backstory. Jack‘s
don‘t want to drive
backstory is spread th-
determine his decisi-
through Texas. Her back-
rough the whole movie.
ons: He became a
story determine her
fisher.
decisions: No Texas.
MATRIX Loses Train will kill Neo.
Tony loses The Duke
and escapes of the
Duke.
on Dorfler.
railroad tracks.
62:06
62:27
90:39
95:01
105:11
83:20
80:10 113:03
Where to place the backstory?
ACT 3
48:19 - 51:20
Wins Neo defeats Agent Smith
Tony Darvo gets The
ACT 2 45:16 - 48:19
2. Backstory
anapolis. His backstory
85:50
START
2. Disaster
Midnight Run
How to end a building block to
How to end a building block to
07 - 09
Thelma and Louise
59:27 - 61:28
90:49 - 92:28
ACT 4 92:28 - 94:52
102:50-105:31
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 1 - The Disaster:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 2 - The Decision:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 3 - The Disaster:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 1 - The Disaster:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 2 - The Decision:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 3 - The Disaster
- Disaster (43 - 48): Shark is still killing.
- Decision (48 - 51): Mayor wants to open the beaches (MaD).
- Disaster (59 - 61): Shark kills man in little bay.
- Disaster (90 - 92): Shark damages the boat.
- Decision (94:30): Quint kills the radio.
at end of act 3 or near by the end of act 3:
- Disaster (43 - 46): Deans loses his job and his amily.
- Decision (46:40): Thelma and Louise give J.D. a ride.
- Disaster (68 - 70): J.D. stole the money from Louise.
- Disaster (105:11): FBI has location of Thelma & Louise.
- Decision (106:22): Decision in her inner conflict: Thelma can‘t
- Disaster (102 - 105): Boat kaput + they can‘t call for help.
- Decision (49 - 51): Dean wants to meet Brill (MaD).
- Disaster (59 - 61): Brill can‘t help Dean.
- Disaster (79:25): Agent Smith catches Neo.
go back, she wants to stay independent.
- Disaster (102 - 105): Cops discover Thelma and Louise.
- These disasters can trigger act 3 like the disaster at the end
- Disaster (80:10): Red calls the police (EMaD) -> this is a
- Decision (79:31): Morpheus sacrifices himself for Neo.
- Disaster (89 - 91): Tank needs to pull the plug from Mor-
of act 3 triggers act 4.
disaster for Jack.
- Decision (87:12): Decision in Jack‘s inner conflict: He
pheus.
don‘t let The Duke free.
- Disaster (91 - 93): Jack loses The Duke - near by the end of
- Decision (82:32): Dean makes a phone call.
act 3
- Disaster (73 - 76): Dean gets the disk.
- Disaster (91:41): Disk burns - destroyed.
113:29
END
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 7 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Questions and Answers:
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
A
Question # 1 in Midnight Run
A
A
A
A Answer for question # 1 in Mid-
Answer for question # 5 in Mid-
05 - 08: 1. Will Jack bring The
Question # 3 in Midnight Run
Question # 4 in Midnight Run
Question # 5 in Midnight Run
night Run - 63:14 - 67:08: The
Answer for question # 4 in Mid-
Answer for question # 3 in Mid-
Answer for question # 2 in Mid-
night Run 111 - 116 (Unit):
Duke to L.A.? 2. Will Mascone
Question # 2 in Midnight Run
11 - 13: Will Serrano get The
28 - 30: Will Dorfler get The
30 - 33: Will The Duke give
Duke gives Jack the slip - falls
night Run 91 - 93: Dorfler gets
night Run 101:27 - 103:00:
night Run 106 - 111 (Unit): FBI
1. Jack brings The Duke to L.A.
get The Duke?
08 - 11: Will the FBI get Serrano?
Duke?
Duke?
Jack the slip?
into the river.
The Duke.
Serrano gets The Duke.
gets Serrano.
2. Mascone don‘t get The Duke.
05 - 07
11 - 13
09 - 11
Midnight Run
regular time: 29
- 31
regular 31-33
ACT 1
Q
Q
91 - 93
63 - 67
ACT 2
Q
101 - 103
107 - 109 - 111
ACT 3
Q
111 - 113 - 115
ACT 4
A
A
A
A
Answer for question # 4 in The Rundown - 86:36 - 89:00:
Question # 1 in The Rundown
Question # 2 in The Rundown
Question # 3 in The Rundown
Question # 4 in The Rundown
Answer for question # 2 in The
Answer for question # 3 in The
End of 3 act: Mariana gets Gato.
Answer for question # 1 in The
09:30 - 11:04: Will Beck bring
13:58 - 15:48: Will Travis get the
30:40 - 32:40: Will Hatcher get
52:09 - 54:25: Will Mariana get
Rundown - 60:26 - 62:46: Disas-
Rundown - 84:30 - 86:36:
Nothing is lost. Mariana just
Rundown - 89:35 - 91:54: In
Travis home?
Gato?
the Gato?
the Gato?
ter: Travis gets the Gato.
Hatcher dies, no Gato for him.
reached her goal.
act 4: Becks brings Travis home.
09 - 11
The Rundown
13 - 15
regular time: 29
- 31
regular 59-61
regular 51-53
ACT 1
regular 83
ACT 2
- 86
86 - 89
regular 89
ACT 3
- 91
Very short version of an ACT 4
NOTE: Around the minute 60 you can ask a question and answer it until the end of the movie.
Question in Matrix 61:06 - 62:36 Will they get Morpheus?
Question in JAWS: Will they kill the shark?
Solomon gets his son, DIA (DIAmond).
111 - 113
Q Will Captain Poison get the
Q Will Archer get the diamond?
(1.) Will Maddy get informations
Q Will Solomon find his family?
A
Q Will Coetzee get the diamond?
Solomon finds his family.
to (2.) blow Van De Kaaps cover?
diamond?
17 - 19
Blood Diamond
Q
19 - 22
22 - 26
ACT 1
27 - 29
53 - 55
29 - 32
A
A
A
A
Answer for question # 1 A in
Answer for question # 1 B in
Maddy‘s question: Maddy gets
Maddy‘s question: Maddy gets
Captain Poison don‘t gets the dia-
Coetzee don‘t gets the diamond,
informations about Van De Kaap.
Archer‘s notebook.
mond, he dies.
he dies.
59 - 61
ACT 2
80 - 83
AA
103 - 106
109 - 111
111 - 113
111 - 113
New question rises: Will Solo-
New question: Will Archer die?
mon get his son back?
Archer gets the diamond - of course all is lost for Coetzee. Someone reaches a goal or not like Coetzee. I call the end of act 3 DISASTER but it must not be a disaster: George kisses Lorraine in Back to the Future. Ask questions to tell your story. Sollozzo shoots Don Vito Corleone. After the attempted murder Sollozzo wants peace with the Corleone family. Question: Will there be peace between Sollozzo and the Corleone family? Answer: No. Michael shoots Sollozzo (but before Michael kills him there are preparation-scenes). Ask a question. Answer it. The answer must be given in the right time. The answer can be given in the form of a new question. The answer „Michael shoots Sollozzo“ raises a new question: Will the police get Michael? The answer „Archer gets the diamond“ raises a new question: Will Archer bleed out - because a bullet hit him. You have to give the right answer for this new question. Michael has to flee to Italy. Archer has do die -> this was also announced when Archer says: „01:01:05 - 01:01:24“. You have this forecast also in Midnight Run around minute 63:57 when Jack says that he wants to let The Duke free - because Jack is angry with Eddie. You can rise a question with a Disaster or MaD. Disaster: Someone kidnaps your wife. Question: Will you free her? MaD (28 - 30): Eddie asks Dorfler for help to get The Duke. Question: Will Dorfler get The Duke?
Archer dies while he phones with
Maddy‘s question: Maddy
Maddy.
blows Van De Kaaps cover.
125 - 127
End of act 3
ACT 4
53 - 55
Every raised or open question must be answered - mostly. Who told you that everything is lost at the end of act 3? At the end oft act 3 is the time where you can answer a raised question:
A Answer for question # 2 in
Archer gets the Diamond.
ACT 3
Q
A
Q
Page 8 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Tell your story with UNITS, if you like.
Enemy of the State
ACT 1
01 SEQUENCE 6 - 17
SEQUENCE 17 - 26
SEQUENCE 1 - 13
SEQUENCE 26 - 37
UNIT
SEQUENCE 37 - 47
SEQUENCE 21 - 31
SEQUENCE 13 - 21
UNIT
ACT 2
37 37
SEQUENCE 42 - 51
UNIT
UNIT
- Exposition - EMaD
- Disaster
- Opening credits
- Disaster - MaD
- Exposition
- EMaD - Disaster
- MaD
- Disaster
- Disaster - MaD - Preparation
01 - 03
03 - 04
04 - 06
06 - 07
07 - 09
09 - 11
11 - 13
13 - 15
15 - 17
Reynolds talks with
Reynolds people kill Opening credits.
Disaster: Mafia
We learn about Ra-
EMaD: Dean talks
Mafia wants to
Zavitz made a video Dis.: Reynolds gets
Disaster: Zavitz
Dean goes shopping. Disaster: Zavitz
EMaD: They hunt
We learn about
Reynolds wants
EMaD: They check Sequence really
Reynolds wants
They bug Deans
Hammersley.
Hammersley.
makes trouble.
chel and Brill.
with the mafia.
know who made
from the murder
the message. MaD:
sees the killing on
This prepares the
copys the video.
Zavitz. Disaster:
Deans family.
the copy of the
Dean and a surveil- kick-starts around
to destroy Deans
house and... Disas- clothes. Relief: Dean
MaD: Dean wants to
Disaster # 1: Dean
the video or Dean is unaware.
Reynolds wants
the video, wants
following scenes.
EMaD: Reynolds
Zavitz contacts
video and he
lance video. MaD:
33:30 (3 minute
life.
ter: ...and destory it. talks with a friend
talk with the mafia.
reaches his goal.
a dead man soon.
that video. Prepa.:
to contact Lenny
people hunt Zavitz /
Dean and gives him
wants to know
Reynolds wants to
rule). EMaD: Rey-
Disaster # 2: So-
They recruit
Bloom. MaD: Rey-
the video.
the video.
more about Dean.
know if Dean has
nolds people visit
meone made a video
marines.
nolds wants that his
the video.
Dean - but don‘t find
from Pintero.
SEQUENCE 47 - 61
SEQUENCE 31 - 42
UNIT
UNIT
- Disaster - MaD
- Preparation building block for Disaster in 23-26
- Disaster - Hunt starts / EMaD
- EMaD - Disaster
- Exposition
- MaD
- EMaD - MaD
- EMaD - Disaster
- MaD
- Preparation - Disaster
- Preparation - Relief
17 - 19
19 - 21
21 - 23
23 - 26
26 - 30 (26 - 29)
30 - 31 (29 - 31)
31 - 33
33 - 36
36 - 37
37 - 40 (37 - 39)
40 - 42 (39 - 41) They bug Deans
people put a tap on
the video in Dean‘s
Bloom.
house which is an
42 - 43 (41 - 43) Rachel lost his job.
- Preparation
- EMaD - Disaster
- MaD
- Preparation
- EMaD - Disaster
- Action / EMaD
- Action / EMaD
- EMaD
- Action / EMaD
43 - 46
46 - 47
47 - 49
49 - 51
51 - 52 (51 - 53)
52 - 56 (53 - 56)
56 - 57
57 - 59
59 - 61
61 - 63
63 - 66
66 - 67
67 - 69
Dean loses ever-
Dean phones
They talk about
EMaD: Dean meets Dean drives to a
Dean meets the
Dean calls his wife.
They hunt Dean.
Bring Dean to the
They hunt Dean.
Rachel because
an eavesdropping
Rachel because he
wrong Brill.
MaD: The real Brill
Brill kills bugs on Dean.
EMaD: Brill and
ything he loves.
he wants to meet
operation. MaD:
wants to meet Brill
wants to talk with
Disaster: Brill can‘t
her.
Dean wants to talk
which is an MaD.
Dean.
help Dean.
about the burglary.
with Pintero.
41:36
- Exposition
- Disaster
- Exposition
- Exposition
- Disaster
- Micro Topic # 1
- Micro Topic # 2
- Micro Topic # 3
00 - 03
03 - 06
06 - 08
08 - 11
11 - 13
13:59 - 14:24
14:24 - 14:56
14:56 - 15:16
We learn about
Sequence really
- Discussion
We learn about
Archer loses the
Exposition.
Solomon finds
Solomon needs
Solomon and
kick-starts around
about diamonds.
Archer and what he
diamonds of
a big diamond.
to pee.
his family.
3:30 (3 minute rule). - Working in
does for a living. He Colonel Coetzee!
Disaster: RUF
the mines. Climax:
gets diamonds in
separates Solomon
Captain Poison kills
exchange for
and his family.
a man.
weapons.
- Micro Topic # 4
Micro Topic MaD - Micro Topic # 7
- Disaster
- MaD - Hunt starts
- Exposition - MaD
17 - 19
19 - 22
22 - 26 We learn about
- Exposition
- EMaD - Disaster
- Exposition - MaD
26 - 27
27 - 29
- EMaD
- Preparation - MaD
- Exposition
- MaD
29 - 32
32 - 33
33 - 36
36 - 39
39 - 41
- Micro Topic # 5
- Micro Topic # 6
15:16 - 15:43
15:43 - 16:21
16:21 - 16:57
16:57 - 17:18
Body search.
Solomon can‘t
MaD: Solomon
EMaD: Government Archer learns
MaD: Archer wants
EMaD: Solomon
Exposition: We
EMaD: Archer spe-
RUF prepares kids
We learn more
Archer wants to
conceal the
buries the diamond
troops drive RUF
about Solomon
Solomons diamond. Maddy. MaD: Maddy Cordell and that
tries to find his
learn about Coet-
aks with Solomon.
for war. MaD: Cap-
about the blood
work together with
diamond.
Disaster: Govern-
to jail.
and his big
It‘s a MaD because
wants informations
he works for
family. Disaster:
zee. MaD: Colonel
tain Poison wants
diamonds and
Solomon.
ment troops attack
diamond. It‘s a
to find a diamond
about blood dia-
Colonel Coetzee.
RUF kidnaps Dia.
Coetzee wants
to be Dias friend.
the situation.
the RUF an catch
Disaster BB because is a Disaster. Hunt
some of them.
next comes a MaD.
starts around 22 (EMaD): Archers pilot gives Solomon money.
monds.
We learn about
Solomon‘s big diamond.
UNIT
- EMaD - MaD
UNIT 13 - 17 - Solomon finds a big diamond Building Block 15 - 17 - EMaD: BURY THE DIAMOND
UNIT
UNIT
- Preparation - MaD
ACT 1 - EXPOSITION
Building Block 13 - 15 - Disaster: FIND A DIAMOND
UNIT
SEQUENCE 61 - 70
- MaD
nolds.
01
UNIT
meeting with Brill.
Dean talk.
They hunt Dean.
hospital.
NOTE: You can divide in Enemy of the State the minute 1 until 70 also into the sequences: Sequence 1 - 17; Sequence 17 - 31; Sequence 31 - 47; Sequence 47 - 61, Sequence 61 - 70. It‘s also possible to divide movies into 20 minute acts: 1 - 21; 21- 41; 41 - 61; 61 - 81; 81 - 101; 101 - 121... It‘s also possible to divide movies into the acts: 1 - 31 - 61 - 81 / 91 - END. Of course it depends on the length of your screenplay / movie and your story how long an act can be. Do everything what‘s necessary to tell your story the best way, but please: don‘t listen to screenwriting gurus !!!!!!
- Disaster
Disaster for Rey-
Blood Diamond
SEQUENCE 61 - 70
SEQUENCE 51 - 61
UNIT
- Disaster
70:39
Buildding Block
- MaD 69 - 70 Reynolds wants to raise the stakes for Dean.
Some movies have their start around minute 26, something important happens or the movie goes into a complete new direction: Midnight Run 26:12: Jack and The Duke sit in the train - their „road trip“ starts here. Gone in 60 Seconds 25:45: After they decided to make some phone calls. The Rundown 26:29: When they enjoy the fall. But every movie is different. In The Godfather around 25 Tom Hagen is in Hollywood to give Jack Woltz the message form Don Vito Corleone so nothing important for the rest of the movie happens here. Just tell your story. No rules.
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Page 9 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
JAWS
Character development: ACT 1
START 13:03 - 15:55
41
15:55 - 17:28
69
ACT 2
41 41:43 - 43:28
43:28 - 45:16
People on the
Shark kills Pippet
EMaD: Hooper cuts shark
EMaD: They are on the water.
beach
the dog & Alex
open; this proves that the
Expo: Bla bla bla...
59:27 - 61:28
59:27 - 61:28
ACT 3
69:40 - 71:39
NPT
Shark kills man
69
106
79:11 - 82:53
92:28 - 94:52
Grandpa declares the Operating System
Disaster which can force the hero to do or
Second step in Brody‘s NPT: He goes into
MaD: Brody wants to close
not to do the second step in his NPT. Idiots
the water and to safe his son - Brody has
the beach
call it Midpoint-Disaster, but it‘s just the di-
contact with water.
(OS; flaw) of the hero + first time we see the
saster wich can trigger the 3 act: Shark kills
OS of the hero: Brody‘s fear of water. NOTE:
man in the little bay.
END 112:08-116:08
They hunt the
Disaster: Problems
MaD / EMaD: Draw
They want to poi-
Starts with EMaD:
Exposition: Com-
shark
with the boat. Deci-
shark into shallow
son the shark
Shark strikes back.
sion: Quint kills the
water. Disaster:
Ends in Disaster
radio
Boat breaks
(resolution): Shark
a Disaster. MaD: Hooper wants to go onto the water.
105:31-106:26
ACT 4
EMaD: Bait a fish. pressed air tank.
big shark is alive which is
102:50-105:31
106
explodes. Disaster + a decision (sometimes in the inner conflict) can lead to the
Sometimes you have a person who declares
Hero lives or lives not his NPT (Grow or Die):
Hero or c-story-protagonist strengt-
Brody lives on the water with Quint and Hooper.
hen the NPT: Brody don‘t strengthen
the OS of the hero like in Rocky. Watch that
Hero needs a person (C-Story-Prota-
First time the hero does a step
Decision in the inner conflict prepares the up-
his NPT: He don‘t go to the end of
movie.
gonist) or some circumstances which
towards his new personality trait -
coming: Imagine Brody didn‘t pull his son out of
the pulpit
forces the hero to do his first step in
43:28: Brody goes upon the water
his new personality trait (NPT) - 43:20:
with Hooper in the night
Hooper, the C-Story-Protagonist,
disaster at the end of act 3 The MaD at the end of act 3 can be connected with a decision in the Disaster: Shark rams
Decision is not in the
the water. Would it be still believable that Bro-
the boat + Engine
inner conflict: Quint
dy does his NPT and hunts the shark upon the
damage
kills the radio
Sometimes the hero does a decision in his inner
inner conflict of the hero
conflict wich leads to the resolution of the movie
water?
forces Brody to do his NPT and go
Disaster at the end of act 3: Boat breaks +
MaD at the end of act 3:
upon the water with Hooper
they can‘t call for help because Quint killed
They want to poison the
Brody tries to hit the air tank with
the radio
shark = no decision in Bro-
his gun = no decision in Brody‘s inner
dy‘s inner conflict
conflict
Resolution: Shark explodes.
Thelma & Louise ACT 1
ACT 2 39:19
03:45
Seconds later
ACT 3 61:05
68:38
73:20
98:43
ACT 4 105:11 - 106:22
End of act 3
124:14
First time we see the OS of
Circumstances push Thelma towards
First time Thelma does a step
Thelma does a second
Disaster which can force the hero to do
Thelma lives her NPT (Grow or Die):
Thelma strengthen her NPT:
Disaster + a decision (sometimes
Disaster: Cops discover
MaD at the end of act 3: Thel-
Sometimes the hero does a decision in his inner
the heroine: Thelma has no
her New Personality Trait (NPT): The
towards her NPT: Thelma sends
step in her NPT. Thelma che-
his NPT. Idiots call it Midpoint-Disaster,
Thelma robs a store. Decision in the
Thelma threatens a cop with a gun.
in the inner conflict) can lead to the
Thelma and Louise.
ma and Louise flee. You can see
conflict wich leads to the resolution of the movie
self-confidence, she is depen-
a-story forces Thelma to have self-confi-
her husband to hell.
ats her husband with J.D.
but it‘s just the disaster wich can trigger
inner conflict prepares the upco-
dent on her husband.
dence, to be independent.
the act 3 or end act 2. J.D. stole the mo-
ming: The night with J.D. makes it
ney of Louise.
more believable that Thelma robs a
disaster at the end of act 3
a decision in the inner conflict of Thelma.
store.
Disaster: FBI has the location
Thelma (decision in he inner conflict)
Decision in her inner conflict: Thel-
Resolution: Thelma and
of Thelma and Louise.
can‘t go back, she wants to stay
ma does her NPT. She says: „Let‘s
Louise die
independent.
not get caught“ (Let‘s stay independent).
Midnight Run ACT 1
ACT 2
03:11
32:41 + 40:37
ACT 3
47:04
61:25
69:18
ACT 4
77:37
80:10 - 87:05
91 - 99
113:50
First time we see the OS of the hero: No scene
The Duke pushes Jack towards his New
First time Jack does a step
Disaster: Jack still wants the money,
Jack lives not his NPT: The Duke shows Jack what it
The Duke strengthen it what it
Disaster + a decision (sometimes
Disaster in story 1: Jack loses The Duke
MaD at the end of act 3 97 - 99: Jack
Sometimes the hero does a decision in his inner
which shows us Jack‘s operating system but a sce-
Personality Trait (NPT): The Duke tells
towards his NPT: Jack visits his
he don‘t let The Duke free. Jack‘s
means to have a friend and saves Jack out of the wild
means to have a friend and buys
in the inner conflict) can lead to the
on Dorfler. Disaster in Story 2: FBI
has a plan: He wants to make an exch-
conflict wich leads to the resolution of the movie.
ne which reflects Jack‘s OS: Jack‘s job (he dis-
(„forces“) Jack to visit his ex-wife and
ex-wife and daughter.
decision is a disaster for The Duke.
river but Jack lives not his NPT (like Brody or Thelma),
Jack food. Audrey - Best Friend. I
disaster at the end of act 3
arrests Jack. Disaster # 3: Jack learns
ange (disks vs. The Duke) and wants to
connects himself from mobsters) reflects his opera-
daughter.
Jack lets The Duke not free - Jack breaks his promise
love this song.
that Serrano will get The Duke.
connect with the FBI. After Cunningham
he gave The Duke seconds before. Decision in the
ting system: He don‘t want to have a relationship
61:25
with people.
this connection with the FBI is a movement
inner conflict prepares the upcoming: Jack‘s state-
Disaster # 1 80:10: The EMaD „Red calls police“
Jack (decision in his inner conflict) -
in Jack‘s Need/Mode conflict, but I don‘t
Decision in his inner conflict: Jack
Resolution: The Duke is free
ment around 61:25 (he wants the money) makes it more
is the disaster # 1 for Jack.
based on Keith Cunningham‘s book The
see it that way. In my opinion it‘s just a
lets The Duke free, Jack don‘t want
and Jack gets his money.
believable that he don‘t let The Duke free after The Duke
Disaster # 2 86:32 (Disaster # 2 is based on
Soul of Screenwriting: Jack decides not
necessary MaD without a movement in
the money.
saved Jack‘s life.
Keith Cunningham‘s book „The Soul of Screenwri-
to do his Need (NPT): He don‘t let The
Jack‘s inner conflict - have a relationship
Jack does not a Second step in his NPT:
ting: 16 Story Steps“): The Duke realizes that
Duke free. He still wants the money ins-
with someone.
Jack still wants the money, he don‘t let
Jack wants to deliver him to the guy who destroyed
tead of a friendship with The Duke.
The Duke free.This prepares his decision
Jack‘s life. This situation forces Jack to a decision
on 69:18: Jack will break his promise he
in his inner conflict: Money or a new friend in The
gave The Duke and will not let The Duke
Duke if he let The Duke free.
free.
Page 10 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Back to the Future
Character development: ACT 1
ACT 2
ACT 3
12:00
59:26
62:00
ACT 4
63:05
around end of act 3
First time we see the OS of
Marty forces George to have courage: „My
First time George does a step
Marty strengthen what it means to have
Disaster + a decision (sometimes
George does a decision in his inner conflict wich
George: George has no
name is darth vader.“ Marty (wants to
towards his NPT: Geroge shows
courage and beats Biff. Marty lives George‘s
in the inner conflict) can lead to the
leads to the resolution in the George / Lorraine story
courage.
reach a goal in the c-story) is the protago-
courage and speaks with Lorraine.
NPT courage, like Hooper who lives Brody‘s
disaster at the end of act 3
at the end of act 3.
nist in the c-story, George is the antagonist
NPT: Hooper is an oceanographer, he works
of Marty‘s goal. Marty presents the NPT
on the water - this is the opposite of Brody‘s
of George: Marty has guts. Marty is the
fear of water.
opposite of George.
Disaster: Biff molests Lorraine in
George (decision in his inner conflict):
George falls back into his OS: The
Resolution: George kisses
the car. This forces George to do
George shows courage and beats Biff.
red guy takes Lorraine away. Disas-
Lorraine.
a decision in his inner conflict: show
ter: Marty starts to dissolve. George
courage or live in hell.
does his NPT and shoves the red guy away. This leads to the resolution in the George / Lorraine story.
Collateral Ends in MaD: FBI wants to
ACT 1
START
Ends in MaD: Police wants
catch the killer and save the
to find Max‘s Taxi.
witness.
37:53 31:10
12:00
ACT 2
37:53
Seconds later
70:58 60:43
50:10
ACT 3
70:58
90:55
58:50
90:55
ACT 4
END
End of act 3
104:54
First time we see the OS of the hero:
Vincent forces Max to have courage. Vin-
First time Max does a step
Hero does a second step in his NPT: Max
Disaster wich triggers act 3: Cop dis-
Max lives his NPT (Grow or Die): Max visits
Disaster + a decision (sometimes +
Disaster at end of act 3: Max discovers
The MaD at the end of act 3 can be
Sometimes the hero does a decision in his inner
Max has no courage, even not to ask
cent is the protagonist in the c-story, Max
towards his NPT: Max shows
shows more courage, steals Vincent‘s suitcase
cover Max‘s taxi on the video monitor.
Felix the gangster.
in the inner conflict) can lead to the
that Annie is Vincent‘s next target.
connected with a decision in the inner
conflict wich leads to the resolution of the movie.
for a phone number.
is the antagonist in the c-story. Vincent
courage and sends his boss to
and throws it of the bridge. Brody goes into the
Shark kills man in the little bay.
presents the NPT of Max: Vincent has guts.
hell.
water and to safe his son - Brody has contact
Vincent is the opposite of Max.
conflict of the hero. 01:30:24: Max
disaster at the end of act 3
defeats the officer because Max wants to save Annie = MaD. In this confrontation
with water. Disaster 01:25:34: Vincent holds up the mirror to
Max (decision in his inner conflict)
with the officer is a movement in Max‘
Decision in Max inner conflict at the end of act 4:
Resolution:
Max: Max had achieved nothing in his life because
01:26:50: Max decides to do his NPT = to
inner conflict / NPT: Max shows courage.
- 104:54: Max decides to do his NPT and to be the bravest taxidriver
- Vincent dies.
Max has no courage. This sad but true news pus-
risk something, in this case to risk his live:
It needs more courage to fight a cop than
on earth: He risks to die and jumps into a shootout with Vincent.
hes Max into a decision...
He shows courage and drives like a lunatic.
to talk with a gangster / Felix.
Midnight Run
cares about someone) and brings
mon to Baltimore. Decision in the
Simon a soup.
inner conflict prepares the upcoming:
Brody‘s fear
Backstory
Operating system
Supporting context
To be attacked in the water. His
Brody was attacked by a big fish
Brody‘s backstory determines his
The supporting context reflects the operating system of the hero + allows the hero to keep
fear is caused by his Backstory
when he was younger
operating system: Brody‘s is afraid of water
New context
Context = Forcing situations
C-Story = A forcing person
C-Story-Protagonist
Start of the a,b and c-Story by the bad guy
To achieve the story goal someone (often the hero) has to change his operating
What does he need to change his OS? How does the c-ctory-protagonist and the progres-
Brody needs the context of the a-story to overcome his fear in the b-story. The shark
Around 43:20 Hooper forces Brody to go upon the
How must the c-story-protagonist
The shark triggers the a, b and c-story: he kills Chris-
system with the help of the a and c-story.
his OS + encourage the OS of the hero + hinders the hero to change his OS. How does
sion of the a-story help Brody to overceome his fear / operating system? Brody needs a
creates the context of the a-story so that Brody can overcome his fear of water. The
water
be designed? Hooper is the oppo-
sie. The appetite of the shark brings Brody and Hooper
Story goal: A shark must be killed on the water
his situation at the beginning of the movie supports his operating system? Brody lives on
context which forces him to go onto the water: A killer shark
shark kills a man in the little bay (59 - 61) which forces Brody to go into the water (have
site of Brody. As an oceanogra-
together so that Hooper can help Brody to overcome his
Inner conflict: Brody‘s operating system „Fear of water“ is the opposite of „going onto
contact with water) to save his son. The story needs some situations which help the hero
pher Hooper works on the water -
fear of water
the water to kill a shark“
to change himself in his b-story
Hooper presents Brody‘s NPT
dry land
Supporting context / circumstances
New context / circumstances
Context = Forcing situations
C-Story = A forcing person
Jack trusts no one. He is alone, he
To lose someone he likes or loves.
Jack lost his family because Serra-
His backstory determines Jacks
The supporting context reflects the operating system of the hero + allows the hero to keep
What does he need to change his OS? How does the c-story-protagonist and the progres-
The a-story needs situations which can help the hero to change his personality: Jack
Around 32:41 and 40:37 The Duke tells Jack to visit
How must the C-Story-Protagonist
C-Story-Protagonist
Serrano wants to kill The Duke. This situation brings
system with the help of the a and c-story.
wants no relationship.
This fear is caused by his
no couldn‘t bribe Jack with money.
operating system: never ever have
his OS + encourage the OS of the hero + hinders the hero to change his OS. How does
sion of the a-story help Jack to overceome his fear / operating system? Jack needs
needs money in the a-story. This forces Jack to do something in his b-story: he visits his
his ex-wife and daughter. Also: The Duke saves Jack
be designed? The Duke is the
Jack and The Duke together so that The Duke can help
Story goal: Victor László needs help.
a relationship again - with no one.
Jack‘s situation (what surrounds him) at the beginning of the movie supports his opera-
someone who cares about him. The Duke cares about him and tells him: „Don‘t smoke,
daughter and ex-wife to get money. Also: Jack nearly drowns in the river - The Duke
out of the river. The Duke organizes food for Jack.
opposite of Jack and lives in a
Jack to change a personality trait.
Inner conflict: Rick Blaine‘s operating system „I stick my neck out for nobody“ is the
ting system? No one cares about Jack Walsh, everyone tries to betray him - this is also
Jack.“ „Visit your ex-wife and your daughter.“ „Watch out your cholesterol level.“ The Duke
saves him. Jack needs something to eat - The Duke organizes food. Eddie tries to
With his behavior The Duke forces Jack to change a
relationship - he presents Jack‘s
a reason why Jack believes that a relationship with a person is not worthy. In the a-story
saves Jack out of the river and organizes food for Jack.
betray Jack.
personality trait.
NPT.
Start of the a,b and c-Story by the bad guy
To achieve the story goal someone (often the hero) has to change his operating
opposite of „someone needs help“.
Moscone tries to betray Jack concerning The Duke.
Collateral
A-Story = Main plot To stop a hitman.
B-Story = Inner conflict Max has no courage.
Operating system
- Neo wakes up and kills Agent Smith.
outside of Hollywood from the idiotic screenwriting gurus.
Brody‘s fear of water
Backstory.
life.
him. They named their first kid Lajos, the chosen who freed the world
B-Story = Inner conflict
Operating system
- Jules keeps his suitcase, Pumpkin keeps his
afraid, have faith -> Trinity tells Neo the truth: she wants babies from (Grow or Simon will die): Melvin drives Si-
To kill a shark
Backstory
- Because Neo is dead, Trinity does the NPT instead of Neo: don‘t be As Good as It Gets - Max lives his NPT
A-Story = Main plot
Jack‘s fear
- Death Star explodes.
as It Gets: Melvin does his NPT (he
Diving deeper into character development:
B-Story = Inner conflict
- Vincent dies.
- Jules does his NPT, he doesn‘t kill Pumkin.
Hero does a step in his NPT - As Good
Melvin drives Simon to Baltimore.
A-Story = Main plot
- Luke Skywalker trusts The Force.
doesn‘t want to have sex with Melvin.
It would be unbelievable / implausible that
Bring The Duke to L.A.
Resolution:
Disaster in As Good as It Gets: Carol
Imagine Melvin wouldn‘t bring Simon a soup.
JAWS
Decision in an inner conflict at the end of act 4:
Supporting context / circumstances
New context / circumstances
Context = Forcing situations
C-Story = A forcing person
C-Story-Protagonist
Backstory Everything what Max does is not
His backstory determines Max`
The supporting context reflects the operating system of the hero + allows the hero to keep
What does he need to change his OS? Max needs someone who forces him to do so-
Max needs the context of the a-story to change a personality trait in the b-story. If there is
Vincent forces Max to have courage (31:08): Max
How must the c-story-protagonist
A Drug cartel needs to kill the chief witnesses and the
system with the help of the a and c-story.
does. This fear is caused by his
good enough for his mother. This
operating system: He doesn‘t get
his OS + encourage the OS of the hero + hinders the hero to change his OS. How does
mething. There must be no chance for Max to say no or to defer the work. It‘s a matter
no new context for the hero the hero can‘t change his personality. The new situation forces
sends his boss to hell.
be designed? Vincent is a guy who
district attorney. This situation brings Max together
Story goal: To stop a hitman.
Backstory.
becomes clear when his mother
his head out of his butt, he is slug-
his situation at the beginning of the movie supports his operating system? Max sits the
of sink or swim.
Max to throw Vincent‘s suitcase from the bridge or to talk with Felix the gangster. All this
goes around and does something,
with Vincent so that Vincent can help Max to change a
Inner conflict: Max‘s operating system „Lack of courage“ is the opposite of
rejects the flowers in the hospital.
gish, he has no courage.
whole day. His job as a taxidriver presents his OS.
requires more and more courage from Max. The stakes raises.
who shows courage. He is a dyna-
personality trait.
„having guts to stop a professional killer“.
mic person. Vincent is the opposite of Max and presents Max`NPT.
Start of the a,b and c-Story by the bad guy
To achieve the story goal someone (often the hero) has to change his operating
Max‘s fear That it wouldn‘t be perfect what he
Page 11 of 12
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by Lajos D. Jr. All rights reserved.
Just a possibilities to structure a screenplay: Just a possibilities to structure a screenplay. It depends on your story. There are so many possibilities to structure a story. The best way is to study movies. Don‘t watch a movie, study it.
The MaD at the end of act 3 can be connected with a decision in the inner conflict of the hero: Max defeats the officer because Max wants to save Annie = MaD. If possible one disaster in every sequence which
Hero or c-story- protagonist
Disaster:
Decision which leads to the disaster at
pushes the story forward or is important for the
strengthen the NPT: Thelma
- Shark rams the boat +
the end of act 3:
Sometimes the hero does a decision
story. JAWS 23 - 26 has a disaster but this disaster
Act-breaking-MaD.
C-ctory-protagonist or story
Brody goes onto the water in
Disaster which can force
Hero does or does not a
Act-breaking-MaD. Before that MaD you can
Hero lives his NPT or not
Engine damage.....
- Quint kills the radio
Act-breaking-MaD.
in his inner conflict wich leads to the
First time we see the operating
isn‘t so important for the story like the disaster
Before that MaD you
forces hero to do a step to
the night.
the hero to do his NPT:
second step in his NPT:
have an act-breaking-disaster. The act-brea-
(Grow or Die): Brody lives
- FBI has the location of
- Thelma (decision in he inner conflict)
Before that MaD you
resolution of the movie: Thelma
system of the hero: Brody‘s
between 29 - 31: Hooper: „It was a shark.“
can have an
wards his NPT. Hooper forces
Shark kills man in little
Brody goes into the water
king-MaD doesn‘t have to be at the end of the
on the water with Quint and
Thelma and Louise
can‘t go back, she wants to stay inde-
can have an
does her NPT: „Let‘s not get caught“
act-breaking-disaster.
Brody to go onto the water.
bay.
and safes his son.
act like in JAWS (61 - 63). No Rules!
Hooper.
pendent.
act-breaking-disaster.
(Let‘s stay independent)
fear of water.
SEQUENCE
SEQUENCE
SEQUENCE
threatens a cop with a gun.
SEQUENCE
ACT 1
ACT 2
ACT 3
ACT 4
13 - 17: Shark kills
43 - 47 (8): Shark is
73 - 77: First time they
After the Disaster around the end of act 3 - before the act breaking MaD at
Alex. Video of murder
still illing. Deans life
see the Shark. Dean
the end of act 3 - the hero can fall back into his OS like Jack Lucas in The Fis-
exist.
is destroyed.
gets the Video.
her King. Disaster around the end of act 3: Henry Sagan falls into a catatonia -> this pushes Jack back into his OS between 106:17 - 114:00: Jack don‘t feel responsible for anyone, he is a yuppie. MaD - 114:00 - 114:58: Jack decides to
13 - 17
43 - 47
get the grail. This MaD is connected with a decision in the inner conflict of
73 - 77
Jack: He fells responsible for Henry.
Story example: I made a story of Johnny Depp‘s australian dog problem to show you how you can use the building blocks. Titel: The eye of a needle.
ACT 1
01 SEQUENCE 1 - 11: Dog arrested
41
SEQUENCE 11 - 21: Dog gets prison without possibility of parole
SEQUENCE 21 - 31: Johnny leaves Australia
SEQUENCE 31 - 41: Johnny is depressed and cant act anymore, he is missing his dog
ACT 2
41 SEQUENCE 41 - 51: Johnny wants to sell his soul to the devil to get his dog back
71
SEQUENCE 51 - 61: Johnny sells his soul to the devil to get his dog back
ACT 3
71 SEQUENCE 71 - 81
SEQUENCE 61 - 71
96
SEQUENCE 81 - 91
ACT 4
96
SEQUENCE 91 - 96
END
SEQUENCE 96 - 105
1 - 3: Johnny and Megan
3 - 5: Johnny and Megan
5 - 6: Night: Prime
6 - 7: Next morning:
7 - 9: Police arrest
9 - 11: In the mansion:
11 - 13: Johnny drives
13 - 16: In court. Boo-
16 - 17: In the night: Depres-
17 - 19: Some men make fun
19 - 21: Men kidnap Johnny
21 - 23: Johnny screams for
23 - 26: Next day he explores
26 - 29: Johnny and his
29 - 31: Megan is happy to
31 - 33: Three weeks la-
33 - 36: On the movie
36 - 37: Producers deci-
37 - 39: Producers tell
39 - 41: Johnny and
41 - 43: Johnny tries to
46 - 47: Johnny speaks
47 - 49: Johnny meets
49 - 51: Johnny and the
51 - 53: Johnny explains
53 - 56: Johnny and the
56 - 57: Johnny rages,
59 - 61: Johnny gets
61 - 63: Johnny calls the
63 - 66: Johnny and the
66 - 67: They find a
67 - 69: Hans wants
69 - 71: They call the
71 - 75: Johnny drives to
75 - 76: Johnny slepps in
76 - 78: Johnny eats
78 - 81: Johnny tells
81 - 83: Johnny and
86 - 89: Johnny is in the
89 - 91: Johnny sits in a
91 - 93: Johnny wins
95 - 96: One month later:
96 - 99: Johnny founds
99 - 101: Johnny is in
101 - 103: Johnny mar-
103 - 105: 40 years later. Johnny
fly to Australia in a
arrive in Australia.
Minister sees on TV that
Johnny goes to the last
Boomerang in the dog
Megan tells Johnny what
to the police station but
merang in handcuffs and
sed Johnny has some drinks
about Johnny and his dog. It
and bring him to a desert
help but nobody hears him.
the island, he is completely
bodyguards find the men who
have Johnny back. Johnny
ter... Depressed Johnny
set: Depressed Johnny
de to help Johnny becau-
Johnny that they want to
Megan have dinner at
find a devil worshipper
with his producer about
with the devil worship-
devil worshipper try
the producer how to
producer try to call the
beats the producer, des-
his dog back but it‘s the
devil again. Devil appe-
producer try to find a
homeless, Hans, but he
to look good when he
devil. The devil appears
some of his friends but
a dirty alley... with rats.
food out of a garbage
Frank his story and that
Frank make a plan
police station. Hans co-
dark, dirty alley. It rains.
the jackpot: One billion
Johnny leaves a super-
a homeless charity. He
the Jimmy Kimmel talk
ries the most beautiful
is a happy grandpa surrounded by
private jet. Johnny plays
Paparazzi make pictures
a littel dog tail waves out
official shooting day of
groomer. Sad Megan
happend to his dog.
they don‘t give him his
in orange dog prison clo-
in a bar like Rick Blaine after
ends in a fist fight. Men beat
island - 2 hours distance from
He has a bad night on the
alone here. Then he sees a
kidnap Johnny and beat the
tells Megan what happend
drives to a new movie
can‘t act anymore. He
se he is a crowd-puller,
help him to get his dog
home, Megan cooked
on the internet.
what happend. Producer
per who explains Johnny
to call the devil but it
come in contact with the
devil but it doesn‘t func-
troys furniture. Then he
wrong dog. It‘s a white
ars and tells Johnny that
homeless who will sell
wants to sell his soul for
meets the devil. Megan
but the homeless wants
nobody knows him any-
Action.
can. He begs for money.
he misses Boomerang.
how to break into the
mes to the police station,
He weeps and laughs:
dollar.
market with two beautiful
helps homeless to find
show because Johnny
woman in the world.
his little grandchildren. Someone
with Boomerang his
and videos of Johnny
of Johnny‘s leather bag.
Pirates Of The Carib-
can‘t reach Johnny on his
They have a big quarrel.
dog. Police tells him
thing. Dog gets lifetime
he saw Ilsa. „Of all the towns,
the hell out of poor Johnny.
Australia with a speedboat.
island.
sailboat on the ocean. The
hell out of them. Johnny gets
in court and tells her the
set while he phones with
shall play a funny man
the producers are afraid
back. They make a brain-
it. Johnny don‘t like
gives him an address
how to come in contact
doesn‘t function. Johnny
devil and that he needs
tion. They have dinner.
screams: „Devil, if you
husky, his frist dog from
he didn‘t said which dog
his soul for 10.000.000
50.000.000 dollar. John-
cooks for Hans. Hans
the life of Johnny in
more. One of them says:
Other homeless beat
Johnny tells Frank why
mansion.
Johnny tries to kill him.
„Over a dog! Over an
Good Disaster.
women. He sees a home-
a job and an apartment
became the most-loved
They become four kids.
knocks on the door. It‘s the devil.
little dog / teacup terrier.
and Megan at the air-
Minister wants to know
bean 5. Megan goes
cell phone.
She packs her suitcase
that there will be a court
without parole. Johnny
in all the countries, in all the
Johnny‘s haircut is ruined.
Men take Johnny‘s cell phone.
MaD: To get help. EMaD:
crew brings Johnny back to
his cell phone back. He flies
kidnap-island-story. Megan
his lawyer in Australia.
but he can‘t, instead he
to lose a cashcow.
storming how they can
the dinner but he is a
43 - 46: Johnny meets
from a devil worshipper.
with the devil. It‘s not
phones his producer
the help of the producer.
Producer announces that
can hear me, you can
his childhood. Because
he wanted. Devil tells
dollar.
ny agrees. Hans has
takes a shower, shaves
exchange for his soul.
„You inspired me for a
the hell out of Johnny.
he loves his dog so much
Preparation.
Hans is amused. He
ugly dog!“ Johnny prays
less eating out of a garba-
and a better life. The
US-American ever.
Johnny is in heaven.
The devil tells him that GOD bought
Megan is jealous.
port. Johnny and Megan
if Johnny is smuggling
to a dog groomer with
It‘s a disaster for Johnny
and leaves him - she goes
proceeding in one week.
gets lifetime entry ban
world we had to shoot here.“
Disaster / Action: Fist fight.
Men tell Johnny that he will
Johnny screams for help.
Australia.
back to the USA.
is very angry with Johnny
Lawyer tells Johnny that
weeps. He is missing
MaD: Producers want to
get the dog back. They
gentleman and eats it
with a devil worshipper
Relief. MaD: Producer
possible to contact the
because he wants to meet
In the meanwhile Megan
he fooled Johnny and
have my soul if you give
Johnny isn‘t sooooo hap-
Johnny: „If you want
EMaD.
dreadlocks and a beard
his legs.
Johnny and Hans change
pirate movie.“ Johnny:
Frank, a homeless, saves
(Backstory). Frank has
don‘t want to file a char-
to GOD for a second
93 - 95: Johnny buys
ge can. Johnny looks up
people love Johnny.
They talk about the
Johnny‘s soul back because Johnny
Exposition: We learn
drive to a mansion - they
a dog to Australia. He
Boomerang.
but an EMaD for the
back to the USA.
EMaD: Johnny goes
for Australia. Johnny
Relief.
be on the island for the rest of
Sometimes you don‘t have to
EMaD: Find someone on
EMaD / Action.
because he was on the move
the appeal was rejected.
his dog.
help Johnny.
have no ideas like always
with a lying smile. They
but it ends in a disaster,
gives Johnny an address.
devil alone.
him.
cooks dinner.
that the devil worship-
me my dog back.“
py to see his childhood
your dog back I need a
like Jack Sparrow.
Preparation.
their lifes. Megan and
„It‘s me, Johnny. I‘m
Johnny.
the idea to break into
83 - 86: Johnny and
ge against Johnny. Hans
chance. Then a lottery
a biiiiig mansion. He
to heaven: „Okay, now I
Because Johnny inspired
offers from Hollywood
helped so many people. Instead of
that Johnny shoots Pira-
live like kings.
makes a phone call.
Action.
police.
Disaster (big quarrel)
to the police. Disaster:
says goodbye to his dog
his life.
speak out the MaD because
the island. Good disaster:
without his bodyguards and
Sad Johnny watches
Disaster: Johnny can‘t
in Hollywood. so we
talk about a way how to
they are attacked by
EMaD. Exposition.
EMaD: Call the devil.
EMaD. Exposition.
per is an old friend of
dog the husky bites in
new soul. One wish one
Disaster (goal reached).
the producer don‘t
Captain Jack Sparrow.“
EMaD: Search food.
Johnny‘s mansion and to
Frank break into the
thanks Johnny for his
ticket lands in front of
parties a lot. He is back
understand the mission of
so many people in other
to become an actor but
Johnny the devil took Megan. John-
tes Of The Caribbean 5
Action.
Disaster: Minister sees
+ EMaD (Megan leaves
Court proceeding in one
and tells his lawyer to
MaD: Men want to kidnap
the EMaD makes it clear what
Johnny sees a sailboat on the
put himself into great danger.
videos of Boomerang on
act anymore.
have to wacht superhero
get the dog back to the
hardcore Christians
Disaster: No success in
the producer and that
57 - 59: The devil
Johnny‘s balls - AHH-
soul.“ Johnny wants to
know Johnny anymore.
One of them: „Jack
Disaster: He gets the
kidnap Boomerang and
mansion. Security
new super life but there
him.
on track.
my second chance.“
countries to help their
Johnny don‘t want to
ny: „Why Megan?“ Devil: „Because
in Australia and that he
the dog tail. MaD:
Johnny). MaD: Johnny
week.
go in appeal. Johnny
Johnny. EMaD: Men kidnap
the MaD is.
ocean. EMaD: crew brings
Relief.
his cell phone.
movies until the end of
USA. Johnny has the
with baseball bats. On
calling the devil. MaD:
everything was a fake.
appears. He greets the
HH!
find someone who sells
Security kicks Johnny
Sparrow is a cool name
bashing of his life.
to steal some money.
catches Johnny, Frank
is one downer: Megan
MaD: Johnny wants the
Relief.
homless, Johnny gets
become an actor.
she can‘t cook.“ Johnny: „That‘s re-
loves his dog more than
Minister wants to know
wants his dog back.
leaves court without his
Johnny = this is a disaster for
Disaster: Appeal was
our lives.
idea to sell his soul to the
the bats you can read:
Johnny wants to meet his
He also tells Johnny that
producer, they know
Disaster: Johnny gets
his soul to the devil so
out of his mansion while
for a pirate captain. You
EMaD / Action: Frank
Relief. Backstory. MaD.
escapes.
can‘t cook. Johnny lea-
help of GOD. EMaD:
MaD: He wants to help
the Nobel Peace Prize.
ally a reason to burn in hell.“ Johnny
Megan.
if Johnny is smuggling
bodyguards.
Johnny.
rejected. Relief: Sad
EMaD.
devil. Johnny phones his
„We‘re on a mission from
producer.
it‘s not a good idea to sell
each other. Johnny sells
the wrong dog.
that Johnny gets his dog
Boomerang runs in the
should become a movie
helps Johnny.
EMaD. Disaster.
ves the police station.
He prays.
people.
He made the world a
gets Boomerang back. Johnny cries
a dog. EMaD: Minister
Disaster: Johnny loses
Johnny watches videos
producer and tells him
God.“
his soul to the devil for
his soul to the devil, they
back.
arms of Megan.
producer. Good bye!“
better place. He is a su-
tears of joy. Devil leaves cursing:
makes a phone call.
his dog. MaD: To go in
of Boomerang.
about the idea.
41 - 43 - EMaD.
a dog.
make a deal. The devil
MaD: Find a new soul
EMaD. Disaster: John-
EMaD: Johnny tries
per-de-duper megastar.
„How shall I gather people in hell
EMaD: Johnny tries to
43 - 46 - EMaD, Disaster.
for the devil.
ny loses his super life.
to find help. Disaster:
when they always pray to GOD for
Nobody knows him.
help?“ Johnny and Boomerang walk
appeal.
Johnny back to Australia.
Disaster.
Disaster: They can‘t call
gives Johnny a vision of
find an idea.
the devil + Producer
the hell. Devil disap-
MaD: Johnny wants to
fooled Johnny.
pears.
into the sunset. They become shorter
56 - 57 - Relief: Johnny
and shorter. It looks like if they go
rages. EMaD: Johnny
through an eye of a needle. END
sell his soul to the devil.
calls the devil. 57 - 59 - Disaster # 1 (goal reached): Devil appears. Disaster # 2: Johnny sells his soul.
30 - 60 - 90 - 120 = Syd Field. I don‘t no a movie which is structured 30 - 60 - 90 - 120. Oh, wait a minute, you have to ask Robert McKee maybe the movie Barbie as the Island Princess is structured 30 - 60 - 90 - 120. Mckee was story consultant for this movie. And forget the „one page = one minute“ rule. Screenwriting gurus telling so much nonsense. http://www.indiewire.com/article/six-second-screenwriting-advice-and-why-all-screenwriting-books-are-a-con https://vine.co/v/h1bBEqjX0F3
Bevor someone wins something it looks like he loses something. Bevor someone loses something it looks like he wins something. A method to entertain and increase the suspense of the scene: When someone has to achieve a goal he achieves this goal narrowly. Victories and defeats are reached by a hairsbreadth. Act 4 of Back To The Future is a good example.
Blood Diamond
Question
17 - 19
19 - 22
22 - 26
29 - 32
53 - 55
111 - 113
Will Archer get the
(1.) Will Maddy get infor-
Will Solomon find
Will Coetzee get
New question
Poison get the
diamond?
mations to (2.) blow Van
his family?
the diamond?
rises: Will Solomon Will Archer die?
diamond?
De Kaaps cover?
103 - 106
Answer
27 - 29
Will Captain
get his son back?
59 - 61
111 - 113
80 - 83
125 - 127
53 - 55
109 - 111
111 - 113
End of act 3
Captain Poison
Archer gets the
1 a: Maddy gets infor -
1 b: Maddy gets
2. Maddy blows
Solomon finds his
Coetzee don‘t gets
Solomon gets his
don‘t gets the dia-
Diamond. New
mations about Van De
Archer‘s notebook.
Van De Kaaps
family. Question
the diamond, he
son, DIA (DIAmond). he phones with
question: Will
Kaap.
cover.
rise: Will Solomon
dies.
mond, he dies.
E N T E R T A I N
New question:
Archer die?
Archer dies while Maddy.
get his son back?
How to end a building block to entertain? Blood Diamond 8 - 11: At the end is a disaster: Archer reaches his goal (gets diamonds) this pushes the story forward, but this isn‘t an entertaining climax.
How to end a building block to
The entertaining climax is at the
entertain? Blood Diamond 11 - 13:
beginning with Captain Rambo.
Midnight Run
Gone in 60 Seconds
Wins (62:06)
Loses (62:27)
Loses (48:55)
Wins (50:39)
Loses (113:03)
Wins (113:29)
Tony Darvo
Tony loses The
Memphis and
Police arrest
Train will kill
Neo defeats
gets The Duke
Duke on Dorfler
Kip are trap-
gangsters
Neo
Agent Smith
ped. They are
infront of the
and escapes
surrounded
restaurant
of the railroad
by gangsters
tracks
Disaster (63 - 66): Tony don‘t gets The Duke. MaD (69 - 71): Serrano says to Tony: „I have no interest
23 - 26: Zavitz gives Dean the video
Element: The snake
Element: The gangsters
Element: Car + cocaine + Castlebeck
whatsoever in seeing the two of you alive again unless you have the accountant! (The Duke)“.
33 - 36: Reynolds people don‘t find the video in
Castlebeck visits Memphis and his crew.
Disaster (3 - 4 + 7 - 9): Shark kills Chrissie + Medical Examiner announces on the phone: „It was a
43 - 46: Reynolds destroys Deans life
shark attack“. MaD: Brody wants to close the beach. EMaD (9 - 11): Brody tries to close the beach.
52 - 56: Dean meets the wrong Brill
JAWS - Sequence 1 - 13:
a scene / make it
They steal a car. Under
Good guys need the car
thrilling. Gone in 60
the passenger seat is a
keys form the dog.
Seconds
snake. Now they have
Gangster make trouble.
Disaster: Reynolds people don‘t find the video in Deans house. They killed the wrong shark. MaD (36 -
some entertainment.
37): Reynolds wants to destroy Deans live. MaD (39 - 41): They want to cut that shark open.
25:45
27:39
Introducing Donny Astricky
Introducing The Sphinx
ting or entertaining way.
at the end of act 3? At the end oft act 3 is the time where you can answer a raised question:
Archer is arrested and loses Coet-
Of course it depends on
Archer gets the diamond - of course all is lost for Coetzee. Someone reaches a goal or not
zee‘ diamonds. No extra enter-
the genre. Gone in 60
We learn about Donny while
We learn about The Sphinx
taining climax necessary in this
Seconds
he is in a crazy situation.
in an interesting way
Enemy of the State Sequence 51 - 61 Preparation (51-52)
regular 29-31
learn how to introduce your
tion: Will there be peace between Sollozzo and the Corleone family? Answer: No. Michael
Question # 3 in Midnight Run
characters in the best way to
shoots Sollozzo (but before Michael kills him there are preparation-scenes). Ask a question.
11 - 13: Will Serrano get The
tell your story.
Answer it. The answer must be given in the right time. The answer can be given in the form of
How to end a building block to
a new question. The answer „Michael shoots Sollozzo“ raises a new question: Will the police
entertain? Blood Diamond 6 - 8:
get Michael? The answer „Archer gets the diamond“ raises a new question: Will Archer bleed
The same as in JAWS 21 - 23.
Question # 4 in Midnight Run
Duke?
out - because a bullet hit him. You have to give the right answer for this new question. Michael - 01:01:24“. You have this forecast also in Midnight Run around minute 63:57 when Jack says
07 - 09
that he wants to let The Duke free - because Jack is angry with Eddie. You can rise a question
Question # 2 in Midnight Run
How to end a building block
Gato?
to entertain? JAWS 21 - 23:
08 - 11: Will the FBI get Serrano?
06 - 07
09 - 11
MICRO TOPIC # 1
Examples for MaD:
17:28 - 17:59
Enemy of the State 16:18 - 16:58: Reynolds wants the video
Mrs. Kintner wants that
People come into
Enemy of the State 47:17 - 47:46: Dean wants to meet Rachel
someone kills the shark
the room
Enemy of the State 13 - 15: A video of the murder exists Enemy of the State 43 - 46: Deans loses his job and his family Midnight Run 24 - 26: Jack and The Duke aren‘t in the plane
Matrix 91 - 93: Neo wants to rescue Morpheus
has a plan and
selves.
connects with the FBI.
- 31
36 - 39
Building Block Disaster
Disaster
Exposition
Disaster
MaD
Preparation
13:41 - 15:20
15:20 - 15:42
15:42 - 16:18
16:16 - 16:58
16:58 - 17:27
Hatcher wants „El Gato
Reynolds wants to
do Diabo“ in The
destroy Deans life in
Times for a MaD *6 - *7: Ar-
- 31: Hooper announces that a shark killed Chrissie. In
(28 - 30)
Rundown (30 - 32)
Enemy of the State
cher and Solomon want to
she or he has a
becomes active
plan, an idea what
29 - 32: We learn about Colonel Coetzee
she / he can do to
START
06
TO READ
01
17
SEQUENCE
Building Block MaD (46 - 47) MICRO TOPIC # 1
boat while the
the villain is not hunting the hero in the last fight-part there
56
61 = 5 Minutes
- 11: Trinity and Neo in da Club. 11 - 13 -
because Quint
lose their nerves in
oper loses poison.
ves Hooper is dead.
metimes of this
shark drives to
will be not much suspense. Often the last attack of the
16: Neo at work. 16 - 19 - 20 - 21: Agents
killed the radio.
the MaD (105 - 106)
climax): Someo-
wards him. Hero
villain drives the hero into a corner - movie reaches highest
ne reaches his goal
vs. Villain.
level of suspense = that is the climax which leads to the
quence kick-starts
The plastic shark.
speed: People
Climax: Shark kills
- Relief: Hospital.
beaches.
around 53 (*3 mi-
storm out of the
man.
- MaD: Mayor
nute „rule“): People
water.
signs contract.
UNIT # 2
Note: Like an Act a sequence can
interrogate Neo. Is there an MaD or Relief
end in a MaD.
between *6 and *7 then the change into the
Building Block
Fight - Part 1 (Unit) Hero starts an attack
End of Act 3
But there are NO rules! Just write your story.
UNIT Building Block
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block: 17:28 - 19:45 (MaD)
- Exposition
- Disaster - MaD
- EMaD
- MaD
- Exposition
- Disaster
11:05 - 13:03
13:03 - 15:55
15:55 - 17:28
17:28 - 17:59
17:59 - 18:32
People on the
Shark kills Pippet
MaD: Mrs. Kintner
People come into the The mayor speaks
beach
the dog & Alex
wants that someone room
- Exposition
- Disaster
- Exposition - MaD
01:11 - 03:04
03:04 - 04:55
04:55 - 06:24
06:24 - 07:16
07:16 - 09:14
09:14 - 11:05
Beach party
Shark kills Chrissie
Expo: We learn
Brody drives to the
Disaster: Medical
EMaD: Brody tries to MaD: Mayor
about Brody and
beach. We learn
Examiner announces close the beaches -> doesn‘t want to
his family. MaD:
more about Amity
on the phone: „It was this is a Disaster for close the beaches
Brody wants to see
a shark attack“
the corpse -> phone
MaD: Brody wants to
call
close the beaches
31
Building Block
MICRO TOPIC # 1 MICRO TOPIC # 2 MICRO TOPIC # 3 MICRO TOPIC # 4 18:32 - 18:57
18:57 - 19:45
kills the shark
the Mayor
Building Block
Building Block
JAWS
- Exposition - EMaD
- The hunt starts - Exposition
- Action - EMaD
Disaster
Question in JAWS:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Will they kill the shark?
Reynolds wants to raise the stakes
19:45 - 21:39
21:39 - 23:31
23:31 - 26:34
26:34 - 29:45
Rundown - 60:26 - 62:46: Disas-
dead in The Long Kiss
accountant, got it?“
District 9 66:34: Wikus strikes back. Before that he was
End of 3 act: Mariana gets Gato.
night Run 91 - 93: Dorfler gets
to help Solomon to find his
ter: Travis gets the Gato.
Goodnight
on the run. It‘s not the beginning of act 3, it‘s a preparation
Nothing is lost. Mariana just
The Duke.
to meet her
Enemy of the State
family in Blood Diamond
for act 3. Act 3 starts around minute 72:16.
We learn more about Disaster: Shark
is sad and angry.
because he is guilty
Hooper
They close the
lots of movies the
with EMaD: Two
shark. Expo: We
-> killed a shark.
wrong shark“
Disaster: Brody is
of Alex‘ dead
beaches
hunt starts around
men want to kill
learn about Hooper.
Relief: They cele-
minute 21
the shark. Ends in
EMaD: They hunt
brate
Grandpa declares the opera-
Disaster: Man nearly the shark
ting system (OS) of the hero
killed
guilty of Alex‘ dead
reached her goal.
regular 59 Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Building Block Action:
- 61
61 - 63
D. stole their money. Thelma strikes back, she becomes
69 - 71
Coetzee don‘t gets the diamond Answer for question # 4 in Mid-
The Rundown 83 - 86: Hatcher don‘t gets the Gato Also possible = Building Block Disaster: Something good happens
49 - 51
86 - 89
active.
Building Block Preparation: You have a
ACT 2 48 48
Building Block
51 51
SEQUENCE: DAY ON THE BEACH UNIT
Building Block
- EMaD - Disaster - MaD
- Exposition - EMaD
41:43 - 43:28
43:28 - 45:16
69
SEQUENCE: LUNCH FOR THE SHARK
SEQUENCE: SHARK IS STILL KILLING
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
- Disaster
- EMaD - MaD
- Exposition
45:16 - 48:19
48:19 - 51:20
51:20 - 53:24
EMaD: Hooper
Expo: Bla bla bla... Shark is still alive; he EMaD: Brody tries
is still alive. MaD:
cuts shark open;
EMaD: They are on killed Ben Gardner
They want to cut that
this proves that the the water.
to close the beaches.
shark open
big shark is alive
Wrong MaD: Vaughn
Sequence kick-starts around 43.
ter. MaD: Hooper
People come to the beaches
to convince Vaughn
91 - 93 Also possible = Building Block
tion - he is trapped in a time loop). He starts to be nice. He
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Times for a MaD *7- *9:
Disaster: Someone don‘t reaches a
becomes active in terms of changing his personality (OS).
Dean wants to meet Brill in Enemy
Answer for question # 3 in The
Answer for question # 1 in The
Neo wants to free Mor-
Jack wants The Duke
goal
of the State
Rundown - 84:30 - 86:36:
Rundown - 89:35 - 91:54: In
pheus in Matrix at the
back + makes a deal with
Blood Diamond 111 - 113: Archer gets the diamond
Hatcher dies, no Gato for him.
act 4: Becks brings Travis home.
end of act 3
the FBI in Midnight Run
Midnight Run 65:13 - 67:12: The Duke escapes. He
76 - 77
Building Block
- Slow Action
- EMaD
53:24 - 56:47
56:47 - 57:33
Sequence kick-starts Disaster: Plastic
Building Block
63
63
SEQUENCE
69
63
63
SEQUENCE
69 69
Building Block
Building Block
- Disaster
- Relief - MaD
- EMaD
57:33 - 59:27
59:27 - 61:28
61:28 - 63:36
EMaD / Action: Peo-
Shark kills man
around 53: People
shark. MaD: Get
go swimming
the people out of the water
ple storm out of the
Building Block
82 82
SEQUENCE
Building Block
- 91
91 - 93
Building Block
Building Block
- Preparation
- Disaster / Action
- Disaster / Action
63:36 - 66:21
66:21 - 69:40
69:40 - 71:39
71:39 - 73:29
Relief: Hospital.
Quint and Brody
They prepare the
EMaD: Bait a fish.
MaD: Mayor signs
make a deal
boat
Exposition: Com-
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
Building Block
- Relief
- Disaster
- EMaD / Action
- Exposition
- Backstory
- Relief
73:29 - 75:30
75:30 - 76:50
76:50 - 77:45
77:45 - 79:11
79:11 - 82:53
82:53 - 85:50
85:50 - 89:18
Disaster: Quint has
Disaster: Fish bites
Quint and Hooper
MaD: Quint wants
First time they see
They hunt the
Who has the bigger The reason why
a fish
piano wire
have a controversy
that Brody bait a fish. the big shark
shark
scar
pressed air tank.
EMaD: Brody bait
UNIT Building Block
Building Block
- Disaster
- Disaster - Decision
89:18 - 90:49
90:49 - 92:28
92:28 - 94:52
They sing
Shark attacks boat
Disaster which can force the hero to do his NPT. Idiots call it Midpoint-Disaster,
Examples for pushe hero towards his New Personality Trait (NPT):
wants to go onto
but it‘s just the disaster wich can trigger the 3 act
reaches a goal
Midnight Run 111 - 116: Jack brings The Duke to L.A.
Building Block
106
106
ACT 4
106
106
SEQUENCE
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block
UNIT / Action Building Block
Building Block
117 117
UNIT / Action
- Preparation
- Disaster - Hero starts attack - Villain starts attack - Fight: Part 1 - Fight: Part 2 108:20-112:08
- EMaD / Action
- MaD - EMaD
- Action
- Starts with MaD - Ends in Disaster - MaD end of 3 at End of Act 3 (2) act
94:52 - 97:51
97:51 - 99:09
99:09 -102:50
102:50-105:31
105:31-106:26
106:26-108:20
Building Block
- Relief
112:08-116:08
116:08-117:33
Disaster: Problems They hunt the shark MaD: Get empty
Shark plays with
MaD / EMaD: Draw
They want to poi-
- They prepare the Starts with EMaD:
Starts with EMaD:
They are happy that
with the boat. Deci-
barrels. EMaD:
crew and boat
shark into shallow
son the shark
cage. They prepa- Hooper tries to poi-
Shark strikes back.
the shark is dead
fisher
sion: Quint kills the
They get the empty
water. Disas: Boat
radio
barrels
breaks
son the shark. Ends Ends in Disaster
re Hooper
in Disaster: Crew
(resolution): Shark
believes that Hooper explodes. Hero or c-story-protagonist Hero lives his NPT or not (Grow or Die)
+ first time we see the OS of
Examples for first time we see / hear the OS of the hero:
- 43:20: Hooper forces Brody to do his NPT and go upon the water with Hooper
the water. MaD:
97 - 99 Disaster:
the hero. NOTE: Sometimes
- JAWS Grandpa announces Brody‘s fear of water + first time we see Brody‘s operating system: fear of water
- 39:19: The a-story forces Thelma to have self-confidence / be independent
Brody wants to
Jack loses The Duke
Jack learns that
you have a person which
- Thelma & Louise 03:45: Thelma has no self-confidence, she is dependent on her husband
- 32:41 + 40:37: The Duke tells („forces“) Jack to visit his ex-wife and daughter
close the beach
on Dorfler in Midnight
Serrano will get The
declares the OS of the hero
- Midnight Run 03:11: No scene which shows us Jack‘s operating system but a scene which reflects Jack‘s
- 59:26: Marty forces George to have courage. Marty (wants to reach a goal in the
Run
Duke. MaD: Jack
like in Rocky. Watch that
OS: Jack‘s job (he disconnects himself from mobsters) reflects his operating system: He don‘t want to have a
c-story) is the protagonist in the c-story, George is the antagonist of Marty‘s goal.
has a plan and wants
movie.
relationship with people
Marty presents the NPT of George: Marty has guts. Marty is the opposite of George
Hero needs a person or some
to work together with
- Back to the Future 12:00: George has no courage
- 31:10: Vincent forces Max to have courage. Vincent is the protagonist in the
circumstances which forces the
Examples for Disaster which can trigger the heros NPT:
the FBI.
- Collateral 12:00: Max has no courage, even not to ask for a phone number
c-story, Max is the antagonist in the c-story. Vincent presents the NPT of Max:
hero to do his first step in his new
- Shark kills man in the little bay. This situation forces....
Examples for Hero does or does not a step in his NPT:
Vincent has guts. Vincent is the opposite of Max
personality trait (NPT)
The MaD at the end of act 3 can be connected with
strengthen the NPT
Disaster + a decision (sometimes in the inner con-
Decision in the inner conflict prepares the
Sometimes the hero does a decision in his inner conflict wich leads to the resolution of the movie
flict) can lead to the disaster at the end of act 3
Examples for Hero lives his NPT or not:
out of the water. Would it be still believab-
Examples for Strengthen the NPT:
Hero does or does not a second
- Brody lives on the water with Quint and Hooper
le that Brody does his NPT and hunts the
- Brody don‘t strengthen his NPT: He don‘t go to
step in his NPT
- 73:20: Thelma robs a store
shark upon the water? --- Thelma lives her
the end of the pulpit
- 69:18: The Duke shows Jack what it means to
NPT and robs a store. The night with J.D.
- 98:43: Thelma threatens a cop with a gun
have a friend and saves Jack out of the wild river
makes it more believable that Thelma robs
- 77:37: The Duke strengthen it what it means to
Examples for Disaster:
but Jack lives not his NPT (like Brody or Thelma),
a store. --- Jack‘s statement around 61:25
have a friend and buys Jack food
- Shark rams the boat + Engine damage.....
towards his new personality trait
is dead
a decision in the inner conflict of the hero
upcoming: Imagine Brody didn‘t pull his son
First time the hero does a step
Midnight Run 91 - 93: Dofler gets The Duke
Quint became a
a fish
beaches
UNIT
Building Block
Building Block Disaster: Someone
The Rundown 89 - 91: Beck brings Travis to Walker
SEQUENCE
UNIT
- MaD - EMaD
water.
wants to open the
97 - 99
92 92
SEQUENCE
UNIT
- EMaD - Exposition
contract
regular 89
- 86
ACT 3
UNIT
Building Block
- Disaster - MaD
regular 83
69
UNIT
Building Block
Examples for Disaster - Someone reaches his goal:
falls into the river
regular 71 - 73
sary mix it with an EMaD.
41
which is a Disas-
Midnight Run
Examples for Disaster - Someone
Groundhog Day 71:52: Phil strikes back (against his situa-
91 - 93 Disaster:
JAWS
finds a big diamond
Thelma & Louise 72:40: Thelma robs a store because J.
UNIT
Relief: Mrs. Kintner Brody is depressed
Blood Diamond 13 - 15: Solomon
85:50 - 89:18
Archer persuades Maddy
UNIT
„It‘s probably the
111 - 113 - 115
Examples for Disaster - Something good happens:
he wants to meet her in
41 41
Hooper announces:
107 - 109 - 111
101 - 103
Dean phones Rachel -
SEQUENCE: NIGHT SCENE
reached a „goal“
rough the whole movie.
because he wants
tion can also prepare a following scene.
Disaster: They
a character.
Blood Diamond 109 - 111: Colonel
need to do to prepare yourself. BB Prepara-
„It was a shark“
drive through Texas.
don‘t reaches his goal:
47 - 48: They prepare an eavesdropping operation against Dean.
Hooper announces:
2. Mascone don‘t get The Duke.
Dean gets the video
Enemy of the State 37 - 42: They bug Deans house and clothes.
to Amity to hunt
1. Jack brings The Duke to L.A.
Serrano gets The Duke.
Enemy of the State 73:40 - 76:21
To make quick action neces-
around 23: Starts
night Run 101:27 - 103:00
backstory is spread th-
that they where hunting.
A shootout is quick action.
about sharks. In
Jack‘s backstory. Jack‘s
He becomes active. The heros are on the run now. Before
the suspense and the stakes + pace gets faster. BUT: No rules.
Brody reads books Sequence kick-starts Prep: People come
police.
determine the decisions / OS of
71:37: Midnight Run - Serrano:
metimes emotional) on a disaster
about Quint. EMaD:
Louise. Note: The backstory
she don‘t want to
Answer for question # 1 in Mid-
Times for a MaD *9 - *1: 70:58 -
take a shower, buy flowers... What ever you
39:35 - 41:43
Texas. This is why
mage.
The Mummy 68:17: The Mummy (Imhotep) strikes back.
date with a woman? Preparation is: Shave,
37:51 - 39:35
boat. Engine da
backstory determine his decisi-
Dean calls Rachel
(48 - 51)
36:25 - 37:51
was on the Indianapolis. His
Rundown - 86:36 - 89:00:
Never Been Kissed
34:39 - 36:25
night Run 111 - 116 (Unit):
Answer for question # 4 in The
Act 4: 10 Minutes
33:31 - 34:39
Answer for question # 3 in Mid-
the shark on the water.
Act 3: 20 Min.
31:27 - 33:31
29:45 - 31:27
Most important part of
JAWS 69:39: They strike back to kill the shark. They hunt
Act 1: 40 Min. Act 2: 30 Min.
- Exposition
Red calls the
of you alive again until you get the
ne does something. You
- Relief
FBI has location of Thelma and
„I‘m not interested in seeing either
Self-explaining. Someo-
- Disaster
Louise was raped in
Perkins wants Samantha
the beaches in JAWS
- Disaster - MaD
Shark rams the
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
Mayor wants to open
- Relief - Disaster
Quint has the backstory. He
Answer for question # 2 in The
to become admired in
Building Block
2: Backstory (80:10)
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Robert wants to help Josie
Building Block
1: Disaster (83:20)
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
Act 4: 91 - 100.
Building Block
2: Disaster (105:11)
back. Often this can be the start of the act 3.
Midnight Run 13 - 15: Jack prepares the arrest of The Duke
Building Block
1: Backstory (95:01)
Where to place the backstory?
61 - 63
Examples for Preparation:
Building Block
2: Disaster (90:39)
Sometimes the hero or the villain starts an attack or strikes
can have slow or quick acti-
Building Block
night Run 106 - 111 (Unit): FBI
1: Backstory (85:50)
ons: He became a fisher.
Act 3: 71 - 91.
UNIT
Midnight Run
gets Serrano.
- 53
Act 2: 41 - 71.
SEQUENCE: THE WRONG SHARK
- Disaster
resolution of he movie.
Answer for question # 2 in Mid-
63 - 67
Unit 43 - 47
36 36
Thelma and Louise
Question in Matrix 61:06 - 62:36
MaD 47:18 - 47:46
46 - 47
- Disaster - Relief
or not or whatever.
into the river.
on. Swimming is slow action.
31
Building Block
Fight - Part 2 (Unit) Villain starts an attack
The last act
Acts getting shorter and shorter. Why? To compress the story - rise
UNIT
- Preparation - Exposition - EMaD
MaD: Brody wants to Expo: We learn close the beach
Building Block
explodes.
Act 4
Answer for question # 5 in Mid-
Building Block Relief: Reaction (so-
SEQUENCE: PEOPLE FROM OUT OF TOWN
SEQUENCE: THE HUNT
105 - 106
Not really a Relief
new direction can be about the *7th minute.
MICRO TOPIC # 2
46:36 - 47:18
41 21 21
Shark hunts the hero in the last fight-part of the act 4. If
mast of the sinking
solution (so-
until the end of the movie.
Buil. Block Disaster
Act 1: 1 - 41.
SEQUENCE: DISASTER
Goal reached.
emotions. Re-
Disaster: Crew belie-
Enemy of the State
26 26
kes back / demolishes boat.
wants to kill Hooper. Ends in
shark. Ends in disaster: Ho-
se he wants to meet Brill in
SEQUENCE
13 13
SEQUENCE: EXPOSITION
HERE
17
Shark destroys boat kills Quint and wants to kill Brody.
in the cage tries to kill the
Diamond
36 - 37
ACT 1
01
Shark explodes.
cage.
save the day
JAWS
Brody lies on the
They prepare the
Archer escape in Blood
31 - 33
more than one main content.
most suspense or
poison the shark.
(69 - 70)
Note: A Building Block can contain
Starts with EMaD: Shark stri- Ends in Disaster: Shark
They want to
can ask a question and answer it
the hunt starts around minute 21.
Starts with EMaD: Shark
Brody and Hooper
Dean meets Rachel becau-
The Hunt starts: In lots of movies
Starts with EMaD: Hooper
scene in this movie.
coming to the
regular 51
Disaster # 1: Zavitz makes a copy of the video. Disaster
17 - 19
The Last Part
Resolution
can‘t call for help
RUF guards. Solomon and
JAWS -> Reaction / Relief: 61 - 63: Brodys family in hospital
something
Climax end of act 4
Boat breaks. They
and the Duke are not in the plan) wich requires a MaD
JAWS -> Action / Disaster: 59 - 61: Shark kills man in the little bay
8 - 11: We learn about Archer and his job
106 - 108
Building Block 114:03-116:07
Matrix: 1 - 3 - 6: Trinity vs Agents. 6 - 9
for Dean in Enemy of the State
Midnight Run MaD: 05:45 - 08:02
the movie / end of act 4.
Building Block 112:08-114:03
minute can be a change in the direction.
Slow pace:
NOTE: Around the minute 60 you
of act 4. See also:
tions - will be answered at the end of
Building Block 110:06 - 112:08
56 = 5 Minutes
Light speed /
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Mrs. Kintner wants that
Topic contains only one theme / topic.
Building Block 108:20 - 110:06
it in 5 minute blocks (units): Mooooooore
flee. EMaD: Archer kills
Times for a MaD *7 - *9:
Topics. 4 minute BB has 8 Micro Topics. Usually a Micro
Preparation
MaD
JAWS 51
Mooore speed:
Midnight Run is a Disaster between 24:55 - 26:13 (Jack
has 2 MT. A 3 minute BB has 6 MT... Blood Diamond:
against a disaster,
Climax end of act
saster.
4: Scene with the
Will they get Morpheus?
Eddie wants that Dorfler gets
MT is around 15 to 50 seconds long. A one minute BB
does something
and end in a Di-
Act 4
102:49 - 105:31
the Gato?
The Duke in Midnight Run
EMaD: Execution
against a disaster,
with a MaD / EMaD
Note: We can say that roughly every 5th
52:09 - 54:25: Will Mariana get
between 29 - 31, so we just have a Disaster between 29
Godfather -> Reaction / Relief: 86:20 - 87:40: War in the streets
to do something
Block can start
into Building Blocks
Tell your story not in sequences, tell
Question # 4 in The Rundown
is no Disaster between 21 - 26 which requires a MaD
mond between 13 and 17.
Introduce someone or
Relief
(Unit) is divided
Relief/MaD (61-63)
Duke gives Jack the slip - falls
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
important MaD is answered at the end
Building Block Exposition:
has The Duke.
Midnight Run End of Act 3
BB: Reynolds Home
night Run - 63:14 - 67:08: The
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
29 - 31
Disaster: Jack learns
Disaster (59 - 61)
How to build a sequence?
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
between 28 - 30: Moscone asks Dorfler for help. In
95 - 97
EMaD/Action 57-59
UNIT # 1
Unit 13 - 17
Godfather -> Reaction / Relief: Vito‘s people kill Don Vito‘s driver
1 - 3: We learn about Solomon and his family
Slow Action (53-56) Disaster (56 - 57)
93 - 95
MICRO TOPIC # 1 MICRO TOPIC # 2 MICRO TOPIC # 3 MICRO TOPIC # 4
Godfather -> Action / Disaster: Michael kills Sollozzo and McCluskey
Examples for Exposition in Blood Diamond:
UNIT # 2 ON THE STREETS
Disaster end 3 act
Slow pace: People More Speed: Se
Building Block MaD
regular 31-33
Coetzee‘ diamonds + Disaster # 2: Solomon finds a dia
These first important MaD‘s - ques
UNIT # 1 IN THE HOTEL
go swimming.
Disaster # 1 for this MaD is between 11 - 13: Archer loses
The Rundown MaD: 9 - 11
UNIT # 2
The last act (4)
JAWS Sequence 51 - 63 Exposition (51-53)
- Suitcase stolen
22 - 26: We learn about Maddy Bowen and her job
UNIT # 1
How to end a building block
Sometimes the question of the first
someone kills the shark in
can‘t help Dean.
minute *3.
that man.
rejected
JAWS
A long fight part
Duke fly to Las Vegas.
- Credit cards
16:21 - 16:57 - 17:18 = around 3,5 minutes = 7 Micro
Fight-Part 2 (Unit)
bar. Preparation: Dorfler and The learns that Dorfler don‘t
and his family
BB 13:59 - 17:18: 13:59 - 14:24 - 14:56 - 15:16 - 15:43 -
Fight-Part 1 (Unit)
Rachel.
Dean loses his job
of a MaD. Someone
Relief
escapes.
Godfather -> Action / Disaster: They try to kill Don Vito
DOES the MaD,
Preparation (Unit)
disaster: Dean
Casablanca -> Reaction / Relief: Rick falls into a depression
disaster (MaD):
MaD 97 - 99
Relief / Disaster
from ambulance.
# 2: Zavitz contacts Dean. MaD # 1 between 30 - 31:
Someone WANTS
mon in London.
EMaD: Dean flees
MaD (29 - 32): Coetzee wants that big pink diamond.
happens
ter.
free Dean.
nothing is carved in stone - No rules! Blood Diamond:
Measure against
Relief / Disaster / Preparation
guy away and...
EMaD: Firefighter
disaster in 73 - 76 -> Dean gets the video.
Building Block
Disaster
NPT and shoves the red
that Maddy helps Solo-
trapped in room.
Enemy of the State 76 - 77: Dean wants to meet Brill because of the
Something bad
Villain starts an attack
of act 3: Archer wants
and end in a Disas-
in disaster: Dean is
43 - 46
Disaster:
Hero starts an attack
with a MaD / EMaD
Deans questioning. of sequence): Brill
Disaster
ne don‘t reaches his goal. Later more about this Disasters.
(resolution): Vincent dies.
Brill.
Casablanca -> Action / Disaster: Ilsa appears in the bar
2. Something good happens. 3. Someone reaches his goal. 4. Someo-
Disaster: Vincent loses his victim.
solve. George does his
meets the wrong
Examples for Relief:
A Building Block (BB) is divided into Micro Topics (MT). A
EMaD: Max shoots Vincent. Ends in Vincent. Ends in Disaster
Max‘ cell phone.
also the MaD at the end
the diamond too.
30 - 31: Reynolds wants to now more about Dean. But
Building Block
saster: Battery empty of
Climax / Resolution act 3, 4
Block can start
Around 18:05 Captain Poison makes it clear that he wants
Reynolds wants that copy of the video. MaD # 2 between
NOTE: There are four kinds of Disaster. 1. Something bad happens.
from the train. EMaD: Max shoots
Fight-Part Building
close the beaches
Matrix 89 - 91: Tank needs to pull the plug of Morpheus
cent aims a gun at his victim.
Marty survives.
Duke to L.A.
Brody wants to
The mayor speaks
away. Marty starts to dis-
A long fight part
marines
Blood Diamond 11 - 13: Archer loses the diamonds of Colonel Coetzee
The red guy takes Lorraine
Kaaps cover.
with The Duke.
wants the video
Blood Diamond 03 - 06: RUF separates Solomon from his family
blows Van De
phones with Maddy. It‘s
the bad guys prepare them-
the message
MaD # 2
Archer dies while he
The Duke. MaD: Jack
workplace
18:28 - 19:46
hunts Vincent. Ends in Di-
ding Blocks. A
Moscone. Disaster: Jack
the murder unaware
18:32 - 18:57
his victim back. Climax: No escape Fight-Part Building
Disaster: FBI arrest Jack in the
wered around minute 60.
17:59 - 18:32
Starts with MaD: Vincent wants
the office building. Disaster: Vin-
Duke
Run (30 - 33)
MaD # 1
Back to the Future
Dean. They will kill
to entertain? Diamond 36 - 39:
Enemy of the State are two Disasters between 21 - 26:
the disaster between 11 - 13 -> Leonardo didn‘t won the oscar. Serious:
Starts with EMaD: Max goes into
wants to save Annie. Max
MaD (69 - 70)
Maddy Bowen
tunnel. Ends in
Jack the slip. Midnight
Archer lost the diamonds of Coetzee
Starts with EMaD: Max
Hero starts an attack
Blood Diamond
divided into Buil-
hospital. Ends in
in Enemy of the State (30 - 31)
Examples for Disaster - Something bad happens:
100:18 - 106:37
balcony. Ends in
he wants to know more about Dean
Blood Diamond 29 - 32: Colonel Coetzee wants the big diamond for
Collateral - Fight Part in act 4
95:58 - 100:18
Dean flees. Ends
Reynolds recruits
MICRO TOPIC # 2 MICRO TOPIC # 3 MICRO TOPIC # 4
... kisses Lorraine.
(Unit) is mostly 90:55 - 95:58
solution at the end
Reynolds
Building Block MaD 17 - 19
Resolution
bugs to prepare
Reynolds gets
11 - 13
Climax end of act 3 (three)
of sequence): Dean talk with Dean.
We see Reynolds
want into the apartment of Zavitz to get the video.
Resolution act 4
with Brill.
Zavitz made a video from
be a MaD between 29 - 31 or 31 - 33? In JAWS
Climax end of act 3
A long fight part
Hero starts an attack
ve at the Nebuchadnezzar / ship.
Blood Diamond BB 29 - 32: Coetzee wants the diamond.
of the MaD 31 - 33 is ans-
If there is no Disaster between 21 - 26 why should there
Villain starts an attack
ding Blocks. A
The Duke wants to give
Enemy of the State - BB 21 - 23: Reynolds people
Fight - Part 3 (Unit)
Villain starts an attack
divided into Buil-
wants the copy of the video and
hunts for informations about sharks.
Fight - Part 2 (Unit)
also in a Disaster: Sentinels arri-
Villain starts an attack
Jack brings he
The Rundown - BB 19:58 - 22:51: Becks starts his hunt
Galaxy
Fight - Part 1 (Unit)
Villain starts an attack
111 - 116 - EMaD
Sometimes the question
(Welcome to the Jungle)
Hero starts an attack
Serrano arrested.
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
the State
Resolution: Neo kills Agent Smith.
106 - 111 - EMaD
Times for a MaD *9 - *1: Reynolds
JAWS - BB 21 - 23: Brody reads books about sharks - he
ding Block 114:30 - 116:36 ends
104 - 106
starts his chase for Dr. Kimble.
the diamond: Archers pilot gives Solomon money.
116:36. 2. 116:36 -118:46.
Serrano is angry
sequence is around
end of act 3.
Lord in Guardians of the
kills the phone in the subway.
99 - 104
mond (29 - 32)
Yondu wants to kill Star
Morpheus have an exit.
Preparation: The good and
answered around
back in The Rundown
ne reaches his goal or not.
that Serrano will get
Travis home?
Walker wants his son
Then Trinity commands Neo to get up.
Relief: Jack is angry with
get The Duke?
the mafia in Enemy of
divided into Building Blocks. Buil
Relief: Jack is alone in the bar.
diamond in Blood Dia-
Dean wants to talk with
Neo‘s NPT: don‘t be afraid, have faith).
Building Blocks: 1. 114:30 -
91 - 93
MaD in 29 - 31 is
21 - 23
A long fight part (Unit) is mostly
escapes + Sentinels.
Jack loses The
Question # 5 in Midnight Run
Blood Diamond - BB 19 - 22: Archer starts the hunt for
This Unit is divided into two
pe. Ends in Disaster: Smith
raise the stakes for
09:30 - 11:04: Will Beck bring
for Travis Walker. Everything before that is exposition.
Ends in Disaster: Neo
Ends in Disaster: Trinity, Neo
Reynolds wants to
the kick-start of the
regular time: 29
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
He wants to prevent their esca-
Remember Disaster? Someo-
Neo the truth, she has faith (Trinity does
Dean flees into
but Kimble is the protagonist in his own goal - MaD: Find 30:40 - 32:40: Will Hatcher get
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
Disaster: Neo frees Morpheus. wants to stop their escape.
Villain starts an attack
EMaD (Climax of the movie): Trinity tells
Starts with EMaD:
to find the killer. Kimble is the antagonist in Gerards goal, Question # 3 in The Rundown
Times for a MaD *6 - *7:
ter: Agent Smith kills Neo.
Bring Dean to the
Duke to L.A.? 2. Will Mascone
The Fugitive - BB 21:25 - 23:20: Deputy Marshal Gerard
tries to kill Neo.
Starts with EMaD:
Jack the slip?
of the State
gets pilot program.
Hero starts an attack
hunt Neo. Ends in a Disas-
„They‘re not out yet.“ Meaning:
Dean flees over
30 - 33: Will The Duke give
09 - 11
Ends in MaD: Trinity
ces: „Find them and destroy them.“
Starts with EMaD: Smith
the helicopter because he
Starts with EMaD:
Coetzee wants that big
05 - 07
MaD: Angent Smith announ-
there will be not much suspense...
Starts with EMaD: Smith kills Starts with MaD: Smith:
Starts with EMaD:
Times for a MaD *9 - *1:
minute 21 starts the hunt. (BB = Building Block).
to free Morpheus. Ends in
They hunt Dean.
question of the
made the video in Enemy
kill cops on the roof.
pace: Disaster (re
Sometimes the
When can the protagonist starts his real hunt? Around
Starts with EMaD: They Starts with EMaD: Neo tries
cops in the lobby. Ends with
it‘s the penultimate fight-part)
59-61: Speed up the
Question # 1 in The Rundown
Mafia wants to know who
Starts with EMaD: They kill
118 - 122
Starts with EMaD: Agents
pace: Brill kills
In lots of movies
to entertain? JAWS 23 - 26:
Times for a MaD *1 - *3:
105 - 107
Speed up the
Midnight Run BB 28 - 30: Dorfler wants The Duke.
The same as in JAWS 21 - 23.
21 - 23
103 - 105
real Brill wants to
05 - 08: 1. Will Jack bring The
in an entertaining climax.
101 - 103
Slow pace: The
disaster which pushes the story
13 - 15
109 - 114
Fight - Part 8
the pace (kick-start
The Fugitive BB 40:35 - 42:30: Kimble starts his mission
At the end is no entertaining
Question # 1 in Midnight Run
107 - 109
Fight - Part 7 (Unit 114-118) If the villain is not hunting the hero
52 - 56: Speed up
Duke?
23 - 26
forward, therefore the scene ends
Fight - Part 6 (Unit)
drives to his date
The same as in JAWS 21 - 23.
13:58 - 15:48: Will Travis get the
Matrix - Fight Part in act 4
After years of trial and error I learned that screenwriting gurus and their books / theories are ignored by the professionals in Hollywood. My sheet shall show the world outside of Hollywood how Hollywood really works. This sheet proves you that a classic Hollywood movie is not structured like the screewriting gurus try to sell you. If you don‘t like a challenge, then this sheet isn‘t for you. This sheet is for a monitor not smaller than 24 inch. You can also use the PDF on a projector. This is just an example about what you can learn about classic Hollywood movie structure by studying movies instead of reading idiotic screenwriting guru books. It‘s always better to study pictures of Picasso, Rembrandt, van Gogh or Michael John Kelly instead of reading books about their drawings. This sheet also shows you how to watch / analyse a movie to learn more about screenwriting / structure. Pimp your screenplay with this sheet. Start to read this sheet on the left side at the middle where it says JAWS START TO READ HERE ! Read yourself through this sheet and you will develop a much better understanding about screenwriting than any book about screenwriting can give you. Studying this sheet is like watching a movie while I explain how this movie is built. When you are done with this sheet you will know why it‘s better to watch movies instead of reading screenwriting guru books to learn the craft ! Read on IMDb the biographies of the screenwriting gurus, then you will know what I am talking about. You really don‘t want to be instructed by these kind of dilettantes. It‘s a good idea to study this sheet more than once, and study also the movies I‘m talking about. And sorry for my english. If you want to know how to create a villain watch 20 movies and concentrate only on the villain. If you want to know how to create suspense... STUDY MOVIES!! Don‘t be afraid of this construct, it‘s very easy to unterstand. Copyrighted Material. Copyright 2016 by L. D. Jr. All rights reserved. If you like to read some books about screenwriting: http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip201.htm (William C. Martell, writer of 19 produced scripts). --- http://johnaugust.com/ --- http://www.keithcunningham.net/. (The soul of screenwriting). Update: 18.02.2016. From time to time I will update this sheet. Check http://movie-structure.blogspot.de for newest update.
EMaD/Action 61-63 EMaD/Action63-66 MaD/EMaD 66 - 67 EMaD/Action 67-69
Fight - Part 5 (Build.Blo.)
Slow pace: Dean
the Gato?
MaD (28 - 30): Eddie asks Dorfler for help to get The Duke. Question: Will Dorfler get The Duke?
EMaD / Disaster
Fight - Part 4 (Build.Blo.)
in the last fight-part (in this movie 96 - 101
Enemy of the State Sequence 61 - 70
Preparation (57-59)
Fight - Part 3 (Building Block)
The Rundown BB 30 - 32: Hatcher wants the Gato.
Question # 2 in The Rundown
with a Disaster or MaD. Disaster: Someone kidnaps your wife. Question: Will you free her?
MaD (56 - 57)
Fight - Part 2 (Build.Blo.)
When can the antagonist starts his hunt?
28 - 30: Will Dorfler get The
How to end a building block
11 - 13
has to flee to Italy. Archer has do die -> this was also announced when Archer says: „01:01:05
EMaD / Disaster
Fight - Part 1 (Unit)
(Unit) is mostly
NOTE: Watch movies to
Corleone. After the attempted murder Sollozzo wants peace with the Corleone family. Ques-
73 - 76: Dean finds the video...
problems and we get
If possible introduce your
scene.
Deans house.
Enemy of the State / JAWS - Sequence 31 - 41:
characters in an interes-
11 - 13
Midnight Run - Sequence 61 - 71:
How to improve
which pushes the story forward:
09 - 11
13 - 17: Video of murder exist
64:21
Entertaining disaster at the end
Lorraine in Back to the Future. Ask questions to tell your story. Sollozzo shoots Don Vito
Disaster in Enemy of the State
Note: Also every sequence can have a Disaster and a MaD for this disaster. 52:28
69:10
Every raised or open question must be answered - mostly. Who told you that everything is lost
like Coetzee. I call the end of act 3 DISASTER but it must not be a disaster: George kisses
NOTE:
Screenplay-Structure-Sheet
MATRIX
Disaster
Disaster
Decision
MaD Resolution
Decision Examples for Disaster at the end of 3:
Examples for MaD at the end of 3:
Examples for A decision:
- Boat breaks / they can‘t call for help
- They want to poison the shark - no decision in
Examples for Decision at the end of act 4:
Examples for Resolution:
- .....Quint kills the radio
- Cops discover Thelma and Louise
Brody‘s inner conflict
- 124:14: Thelma does her NPT: „Let‘s not get caught“
- Thelma and Louise die
Examples for First time hero does a step towards his NPT:
- 68:38: J.D. stole the money of Louise. NOTE: This doesn‘t triggers
- ...Brody to go into the water and safe his son
Jack lets not The Duke free - Jack breaks his
(ee wants the money) makes it more belie-
- 63:05: Marty strengthen what it means to have
- 105:11: FBI has the location of Thelma and Louise....
- 106:22: Thelma (decision in he inner conflict) can‘t go
- 91 - 97: Disaster in story 1: Jack loses
- 97 - 99: Jack has a plan: He wants to make
(Let‘s stay independent)
- The Duke is free and Jack gets his
- 43:28: Brody goes upon the water with Hooper in the night
the second step in Thelma‘s inner conflict, it triggers the third step /
- 61:05: Thelma cheats her husband with J.D.
promise he gave The Duke seconds before.
vable that he don‘t let The Duke free after
courage and beats Biff. Marty lives George‘s NPT
- 80:10: The EMaD „Red calls police“ (is the disaster # 1 for Jack) + 86:32 Disas-
back, she wants to stay independent
The Duke. Disaster in Story 2: FBI arrests
an exchange (disks vs. The Duke) and connects
- 113:50: Jack lets The Duke free, Jack don‘t want the
money
- 39:19: Seconds later: Thelma sends her husband to hell
hero lives his NPT.
- 61:25: Jack decides not to do his NPT: He still wants the money.
- As Good as It Gets:
The Duke saved Jack‘s life. --- Imagine
courage, like Hooper who lives Brody‘s NPT -
ter # 2: The Duke realizes that Jack wants to deliver him to the guy who destroyed
- 80:10: Based on Keith Cunningham‘s book The
Jack.
with the FBI = MaD. After Cunningham this
money
- Vincent dies
Soul of Screenwriting: Jack decides not to do his Need:
- 81:36: George falls back into his OS.
connection with the FBI is a movement in Jack‘s
- 104:54: Max decides to do his NPT and to be the bra-
- Death Star explodes
He don‘t let The Duke free. He still wants the mo-
The red guy takes Lorraine away. 82:20:
Need/Mode conflict - I don‘t see it that way.
vest taxidriver on earth: He risks to die and jumps into a
- Jules keeps his suitcase, Pumpkin
Melvin drives Simon to
+
- 47:04: Jack visits his ex-wife and daughter
- 61:25: Jack still wants the money. His decision is a disaster for The
This prepares his decision on 69:18: Jack will break his promise he
Baltimore
Melvin wouldn‘t bring Simon a soup. It would
Hooper is an oceanographer, he works on the wa-
Jack‘s life. This situation forces Jack to a decision in his inner conflict: Money or a
A-Story = Main plot: To kill a shark. B-Story = Inner conflict: Brody‘s fear of water. Fear: To be attacked in the water. This fear is caused by his Backsto-
A-Story = Main plot: Bring The Duke to L.A. B-Story = Inner conflict: Jack trusts no one. He is alone, he wants no relationship. Fear: To lose someone he
A-Story = Main plot: To stop a hitman. B-Story = Inner conflict: Max has no courage. Fear: That it wouldn‘t be perfect what he does. This fear is caused by
- 62:00: Geroge shows courage and speaks with Lorraine
Duke. NOTE: There is no disaster beforehand which triggers this
gave The Duke and will not let The Duke free
- 58:50: Max visits Felix the gangster
be unbelievable / implausible that Melvin
ter - this is the opposite of Brody‘s fear of water
new friend in The Duke if he let The Duke free (Disaster # 2 is based on Keith Cun
ry. Backstory: Brody was attacked by a big fish when he was younger. Operating system: Brody‘s backstory determines his operating system: Brody‘s
likes or loves. This fear is caused by his Backstory. Backstory: Jack lost his family because Serrano couldn‘t bribe Jack with money. Operating system: His
his Backstory. Backstory: Everything what Max does is not good enough for his mother. This becomes clear when his mother rejects the flowers
- 31:10: Seconds later: Max shows courage. He sends his
decision in Jack‘s inner conflict. Jack‘s decision is the disaster.
- As Good as It Gets: ...Melvin does his NPT (he cares about
ningham‘s tremendous book „The Soul of Screenwriting: 16 Story Steps“ - a very
ney instead of a friendship with The Duke.
George does his NPT and shoves the red
In my opinion it‘s just a necessary MaD without
shootout with Vincent
keeps his life
is afraid of water. Supporting context: The supporting context reflects the operating system of the hero + allows the hero to keep his OS + encourage the
backstory determines Jacks operating system: never ever have a relationship again - with no one. Jack prefers money over a relationship. Supporting context
in the hospital. Operating system: His backstory determines Max` operating system: He doesn‘t get his head out of his butt, he is sluggish, he has no courage.
boss to hell
- As Good as It Gets: Carol doesn‘t want to have sex with Mel
someone) and brings Simon a soup
good book about Screenwriting, if you want to read one)
- George shows courage and beats Biff.
guy away. Disaster at the end of act 3:
a movement in Jack‘s inner conflict
- Luke Skywalker trusts The Force
- Neo wakes up and kills Agent Smith
OS of the hero + hinders the hero to change his OS. How does his situation at the beginning of the movie supports his operating system? Brody lives on
/ circumstances: The supporting context reflects the operating system of the hero + allows the hero to keep his OS + encourage the OS of the hero + hinders
Supporting context / circumstances: The supporting context reflects the operating system of the hero + allows the hero to keep his OS + encourage the OS of
vin...
- 50:10: Max shows more courage, steals Vincent‘s suitcase and
- Biff molests Lorraine in the car. This forces George to do a decision in his inner
- 01:26:50: Max decides to do his NPT = to risk something,
George kisses Lorraine
- 01:30:24: Max defeats the officer because
- Jules does his NPT, he doesn‘t kill Pumkin
(Lajos wakes up and kills the idiotic
dry land. New context: What does he need to change his OS? How does the c-ctory-protagonist and the progression of the a-story help Brody to overceo-
the hero to change his OS. How does Jack‘s situation (what surrounds him) at the beginning of the movie supports his operating system? No one cares about
the hero + hinders the hero to change his OS.
- 60:43: Cops discover Max‘s taxi on the video monitor. NOTE: This
throws it over the bridge
conflict: show courage or live in hell.....
in this case to risk his live: He shows courage and drives
- Disaster at the end of act 3: Max disco-
Max wants to save Annie = MaD. In this
- Because Neo is dead, Trinity does the NPT instead of
screenwriting gurus)
me his fear / operating system? Brody needs a context which forces him to go onto the water: A killer shark. Context = Forcing situations: Brody needs
Jack Walsh, everyone tries to betray him - this is also a reason why Jack believes that a relationship with a person is not worthy. In the a-story Moscone tries to
job as a taxidriver presents his OS. New context / circumstances: What does he need to change his OS? Max needs someone who forces him to do so
- 01:25:34: Vincent holds up the mirror to Max: Max had achieved nothing in his life
like a lunatic.
vers that Annie is Vincent‘s next target.
confrontation is a movement in his inner conflict
Neo: don‘t be afraid, have faith -> Trinity tells Neo the
the context of the a-story to overcome his fear in the b-story. The shark creates the context of the a-story so that Brody can overcome his fear of water. The
betray Jack concerning The Duke. New context / circumstances: What does he need to change his OS? How does the c-story-protagonist and the progres-
mething. There must be no chance for Max to say no or to defer the work. It‘s a matter of sink or swim. Context = Forcing situations:
/ NPT: Max shows courage. It needs more
truth: she wants babies from him. They named their
shark kills a man in the little bay (59 - 61) which forces Brody to go into the water (have contact with water) to save his son. The story needs some situa-
sion of the a-story help Jack to overceome his fear / operating system? Jack needs someone who cares about him. The Duke cares about him and tells him:
of the a-story to change a personality trait in the b-story. If there is no new context for the hero the hero can‘t change his personality. The new situation forces Max
courage to fight a cop than to talk with a gangs-
first kid Lajos, the chosen who freed the world outside of
tions which help the hero to change himself in his b-story. C-Story = A forcing person: Around 43:20 Hooper forces Brody to go onto the water. C-Sto-
„Don‘t smoke, Jack.“ „Visit your ex-wife and your daughter.“ „Watch out your cholesterol level.“ The Duke saves Jack out of the river and organizes food for Jack.
to throw Vincent‘s suitcase from the bridge or to talk with Felix the gangster. All this requires more and more courage from Max. The stakes raises. C-Story =
ter / Felix
Hollywood from the idiotic screenwriting gurus
ry-Protagonist: How must the c-story-protagonist be designed? Hooper is the opposite of Brody. As an oceanographer Hooper works on the water -
Context = Forcing situations: The a-story needs situations which can help the hero to change his personality: Jack needs money in the a-story. This forces
A forcing person:
Hooper presents Brody‘s NPT. Start of the a,b and c-Story by the bad guy: The shark triggers the a, b and c-story: he kills Chrissie. The appetite of the
Jack to do something in his b-story: he visits his daughter and ex-wife to get money. Also: Jack nearly drowns in the river - The Duke saves him. Jack needs so-
signed? Vincent is a guy who goes around and does something, who shows courage. He is a dynamic person. Vincent is the opposite of Max and presents Max`
shark brings Brody and Hooper together so that Hooper can help Brody to overcome his fear of water. To achieve the story goal someone (often the
mething to eat - The Duke organizes food. Eddie tries to betray Jack. C-Story = A forcing person: Around 32:41 and 40:37 The Duke tells Jack to visit his
NPT. Start of the a, b and c-Story by the bad guy:
hero) has to change his operating system with the help of the a and c-story. Story goal: A shark must be killed on the water. Inner conflict:
ex-wife and daughter. Also: The Duke saves Jack out of the river. The Duke organizes food for Jack. With his behavior The Duke forces Jack to change a perso-
Brody‘s operating system: „Fear of water“ is the opposite of „going onto the water to kill a shark“.
nality trait. C-Story-Protagonist: How must the C-Story-Protagonist be designed? The Duke is the opposite of Jack and lives in a relationship - he presents Jack‘s NPT. Start of the a, b and c-Story by the bad guy: Serrano wants to kill The Duke. This situation brings Jack and The Duke together so that The Duke
„having guts to stop a professional killer“. CASABLANCA: To achieve the story goal someone (often the hero) has to change his operating system with the
can help Jack to change a personality trait.
help of the a and c-story. Story goal: Victor László needs help. Inner conflict:
Collateral
How does his situation at the beginning of the movie supports his operating system? Max sits the whole day. His
drives Simon to Baltimore.
doesn‘t triggers the second step in Max‘s inner conflict,
because Max has no courage. This sad but true news pushes Max into a decision...
Max needs the context
45:16 - 48:19
48:19 - 51:20
59:27 - 61:28
Vincent forces Max to have courage (31:08): Max sends his boss to hell. C-Story-Protagonist: How must the c-story-protagonist be de Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 1 - The Disaster:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 2 - The Decision:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 3 - The Disaster:
with Vincent so that Vincent can help Max to change a personality trait. To achieve the story goal someone (often the hero) has to change his operating
- Disaster (43 - 48): Shark is still killing.
- Decision (48 - 51): Mayor wants to open the beaches (MaD).
- Disaster (59 - 61): Shark kills man in little bay.
system with the help of the a and c-story. Story goal: To stop a hitman. Inner conflict:
- Disaster (43 - 46): Deans loses his job and his amily.
- Decision (46:40): Thelma and Louise give J.D. a ride.
- Disaster (68 - 70): J.D. stole the money from Louise.
- Decision (49 - 51): Dean wants to meet Brill (MaD).
- Disaster (59 - 61): Brill can‘t help Dean.
A Drug cartel needs to kill the chief witnesses and the district attorney. This situation brings Max together Max‘s operating system: „Lack of courage“ is the opposite of
Rick Blaine‘s operating system: „I stick my neck out for nobody“ is the opposi-
te of „someone needs help“.
90:49 - 92:28
102:50-105:31
92:28 - 94:52
- These disasters can trigger act 3 like the disaster at the end
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 1 - The Disaster:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 2 - The Decision:
Preparing a disaster with a decision Part 3 - The Disaster
of act 3 triggers act 4.
- Disaster (90 - 92): Shark damages the boat.
- Decision (94:30): Quint kills the radio.
at end of act 3 or near by the end of act 3:
- Disaster (105:11): FBI has location of Thelma & Louise.
- Decision (106:22): Decision in her inner conflict: Thelma can‘t
- Disaster (102 - 105): Boat kaput + they can‘t call for help.
- Disaster (79:25): Agent Smith catches Neo.
go back, she wants to stay independent.
- Disaster (102 - 105): Cops discover Thelma and Louise.
- Disaster (80:10): Red calls the police (EMaD) -> this is a
- Decision (79:31): Morpheus sacrifices himself for Neo.
- Disaster (89 - 91): Tank needs to pull the plug from Mor-
Unit 3 Ends in a MaD: Ge-
disaster for Jack.
- Decision (87:12): Decision in Jack‘s inner conflict: He
pheus.
rard wants to find Kimble in the
- Disaster (73 - 76): Dean gets the disk.
don‘t let The Duke free.
- Disaster (91 - 93): Jack loses The Duke - near by the end of
hotel laundry.
- Decision (82:32): Dean makes a phone call.
act 3
Act 1 ends with an act shifting MaD. The MaD between 31
At 37 the story goes
- 33 „Reynolds wants to know if Dean has the video“ isn‘t so
into a new direction
strong like the MaD between 36 - 37 „Reynolds wants to
+ the story really
Act 2 ends with an
Act 3 ends with an act shif-
destroy Deans life“.
kick-starts here.
act shifting MaD.
ting MaD: Dean and Brill
- Disaster (91:41): Disk burns - destroyed.
want to strike back.
UNIT 1: 100:07 - 105:38
ACT 1
01 SEQUENCE 6 - 17
SEQUENCE 17 - 26
SEQUENCE 1 - 13
Tell your story with UNITS: Enemy of
SEQUENCE 26 - 37
SEQUENCE 13 - 21
UNIT
UNIT
- Disaster - MaD
- Preparation building block for Disaster in 23-26
- Disaster - Hunt starts / EMaD
- EMaD - Disaster
- Exposition
17 - 19
19 - 21
21 - 23
23 - 26
26 - 30 (26 - 29)
- Exposition
- MaD
- Disaster
06 - 07
07 - 09
09 - 11
11 - 13
13 - 15
15 - 17
Reynolds people kill Opening credits.
Disaster: Mafia
We learn about Ra-
EMaD: Dean talks
Mafia wants to
Zavitz made a video Dis.: Reynolds gets
Disaster: Zavitz
Dean goes shopping. Disaster: Zavitz
EMaD: They hunt
Hammersley.
makes trouble.
chel and Brill.
with the mafia.
know who made
from the murder
the message. MaD:
sees the killing on
This prepares the
copys the video.
Zavitz. Disaster:
MaD: Dean wants to
Disaster # 1: Dean
the video or Dean is unaware.
Reynolds wants
the video, wants
following scenes.
EMaD: Reynolds
talk with the mafia.
reaches his goal.
a dead man soon.
that video. Prepa.:
to contact Lenny
people hunt Zavitz /
Disaster # 2: So-
They recruit
Bloom. MaD: Rey-
the video.
meone made a video
marines.
nolds wants that his
- Disaster
01 - 03
03 - 04
Reynolds talks with Hammersley.
- Opening credits
04 - 06
from Pintero.
- MaD
- EMaD - MaD
- EMaD - Disaster
30 - 31 (29 - 31)
31 - 33
33 - 36
We learn about
Reynolds wants
Deans family.
the copy of the
Zavitz contacts Dean and gives him the video.
UNIT
UNIT
- MaD
- Preparation - Disaster
- Preparation - Relief
36 - 37
37 - 40 (37 - 39)
40 - 42 (39 - 41)
EMaD: They check Sequence really
Reynolds wants
They bug Deans
They bug Deans
Dean and a surveil- kick-starts around
to destroy Deans
house and... Disas- clothes. Relief: Dean
video and he
lance video. MaD:
33:30 (3 minute
life.
ter: ...and destory it. talks with a friend
wants to know
Reynolds wants to
rule). EMaD: Rey-
more about Dean.
know if Dean has
nolds people visit
the video.
Dean - but don‘t find
Act 1 ends with an act shifting MaD. The MaD between
people put a tap on
the video in Dean‘s
29 - 32 „Coetzee wants the diamond“ isn‘t so strong like
Bloom.
house which is an
the MaD between 39 - 41 „Archer wants to work toge-
Disaster for Rey-
ther with Solomon.“
- Disaster 42 - 43 (41 - 43) Rachel lost his job.
UNIT
49 - 51
- Preparation
- EMaD - Disaster
- MaD
51 - 52 (51 - 53)
52 - 56 (53 - 56)
56 - 57
UNIT
UNIT
- Disaster
- MaD
- Preparation - MaD
43 - 46
46 - 47
47 - 49
Dean loses ever-
Dean phones
They talk about
EMaD: Dean meets Dean drives to a
Dean meets the
Dean calls his wife.
ything he loves.
Rachel because
an eavesdropping
Rachel because he
wrong Brill.
MaD: The real Brill
he wants to meet
operation. MaD:
wants to meet Brill
wants to talk with
Disaster: Brill can‘t
her.
Dean wants to talk
which is an MaD.
Dean.
help Dean.
about the burglary.
- EMaD - MaD
70:39
SEQUENCE 47 - 61 SEQUENCE 51 - 61 UNIT
SEQUENCE 42 - 51
UNIT
- EMaD - Disaster
- Disaster - MaD
SEQUENCE 31 - 42
UNIT
- Disaster - MaD - Preparation
- Exposition - EMaD
SEQUENCE 37 - 47
SEQUENCE 21 - 31
UNIT
the State
ACT 2
37 37
meeting with Brill.
SEQUENCE 61 - 70 SEQUENCE 61 - 70 UNIT
Buildding Block
- Preparation
- EMaD - Disaster
- Action / EMaD
- Action / EMaD
- EMaD
- Action / EMaD
57 - 59
59 - 61
61 - 63
63 - 66
66 - 67
67 - 69
Brill kills bugs on Dean.
EMaD: Brill and
They hunt Dean.
Bring Dean to the
They hunt Dean.
They hunt Dean.
Dean talk.
- MaD 69 - 70 Reynolds wants to
hospital.
ACT 3
70:39
97:50
97:50
ACT 4
END
ACT 1
START
NOTE: You can divide in Enemy of the State the minute 1 until 61 also into the sequences: Sequence 1 - 17; Sequence 17 - 31; Sequence 31 - 47; Sequence 47 - 61. It‘s also possible to divide movies into 20 minute acts: 1 - 21; 2141; 41 - 61; 61 - 81; 81 - 101; 101 - 121... It‘s also possible to divide movies into the acts: 1 - 31 - 61 - 81 or 91 END. Of course it depends on your story how long an act can be. Everything what‘s necessary to tell your story. Some movies have their start around minute 26, something important happens or the movie goes into a complete new directi on: Midnight Run 26:12: Jack and The Duke sit in the train - their „road trip“ starts here. Gone in 60 Seconds 25:45: After they decided to make some phone calls. The Rundown 26:29: When they enjoy the fall. But every movie is different. In The Godfather around 25 Tom Hagen is in Hollywood to give Jack Woltz the message form Don Vito Corleone so nothing important for the rest of the movie happens here. Just tell your story. No rules.
42:30
ACT 2
42:30
ACT 4
72:36 72 :36
100:07
4 Acts in
Ends in MaD: Find that man.
Ends in EMaD: Kimble makes some phone
Ends in MaD # 1: Kimble wants
This MaD is so strong that it
calls to find a man + Ends in MaD # 2: Cross-
to see a friend + MaD # 2: Ge-
should lead into a new act.
check these people for criminal records.
rard wants to find Nichols.
ACT 1
START
43:40
ACT 2
43:40
ACT 3
73:28 73 :28
UNIT 3: 110:10 - 115:15
END ACT 4
100:07
The Fugitive
raise the stakes for
UNIT 2: 105:38 - 110:10
ACT 4
88:02 88:02
UNIT 4: 115:15 - 120:54
END
END
Dean. Ends in MaD: With the help of Koobus Smith wants to find Wikus.
Ends in EMaD: Wikus beats
Ends in MaD: Wikus wants
Ends in a MaD: Ar-
4 Acts in
It‘s also possible to end act 1 with the EMaD around 36:38: MNU
Christopher Johnson and
to bring Christopher Johnson
At 41:36 the story goes into a new
cher asks Maddy
District 9
kidnaps Wikus out of the hospital. But I believe that act 2 starts
enters the alien ship.
to the drop ship and his son.
direction / the story really kick-
to help Solomon in
starts here.
London.
with Pintero.
once Wikus is out of the MNU laboratory and on the run.
nolds.
ACT 1 - EXPOSITION
01
41:36
41:36
ACT 2 - MADDY
86:09
86:09 ACT 3 - FIND THE DIAMOND 123:40
END
123:40 ACT 4- RESOLUTION
4 Acts in
Building Block 13 - 15 - Disaster: FIND A DIAMOND - Exposition
- Disaster
00 - 03
03 - 06
- Exposition
- Exposition
06 - 08
08 - 11
- Disaster
- Micro Topic # 1
11 - 13
13:59 - 14:24 Exposition.
- Micro Topic # 2 14:24 - 14:56
- Micro Topic # 4
14:56 - 15:16
Solomon finds
Solomon needs
a big diamond.
to pee.
15:16 - 15:43
- Micro Topic # 5 15:43 - 16:21
Body search.
more things happens
.............................
MaD - End of Act 3
....................
- Micro Topic # 6 16:21 - 16:57
more things
Disaster 111:21 - 113:50
Start of act 4
120:07 - 123:40
Archer gets the Diamond.
Building Block 15 - 17 - EMaD: BURY THE DIAMOND
- Micro Topic # 3
111:21 - 113:50
Blood Diamond
UNIT 13 - 17 - Solomon finds a big diamond Blood Diamond
more things happens
Disaster
123:40
MaD 120 - 123
ACT 3
Archer asks Maddy to help Solomon.
ACT 4
Micro Topic MaD - Micro Topic # 7
- Disaster
16:57 - 17:18
17 - 19
- MaD - Hunt starts
- Exposition - MaD
19 - 22
- Exposition
22 - 26
26 - 27
Solomon can‘t
MaD: Solomon
EMaD: Government Archer learns
MaD: Archer wants
conceal the
buries the diamond
troops drive RUF
about Solomon
Solomons diamond. Maddy. MaD: Maddy Cordell and that
diamond.
Disaster: Govern-
to jail.
and his big
It‘s a MaD because
wants informations
diamond. It‘s a
to find a diamond
about blood dia-
We learn about
Sequence really
- Discussion
We learn about
Archer loses the
Solomon and
kick-starts around
about diamonds.
Archer and what he
diamonds of
his family.
3:30 (3 minute rule). - Working in
does for a living. He Colonel Coetzee!
Disaster: RUF
the mines. Climax:
gets diamonds in
ment troops attack
separates Solomon
Captain Poison kills
exchange for
the RUF an catch
Disaster BB because is a Disaster. Hunt
and his family.
a man.
weapons.
some of them.
next comes a MaD.
We learn about
We learn about
- EMaD - Disaster
- Exposition - MaD
27 - 29
- EMaD
29 - 32
32 - 33
- Preparation - MaD
- Exposition
33 - 36
36 - 39
39 - 41
EMaD: Solomon
Exposition: We
EMaD: Archer spe-
RUF prepares kids
We learn more
Archer wants to
tries to find his
learn about Coet-
aks with Solomon.
for war. MaD: Cap-
about the blood
work together with
he works for
family. Disaster:
zee. MaD: Colonel
tain Poison wants
diamonds and
Solomon.
Colonel Coetzee.
RUF kidnaps Dia.
Coetzee wants
to be Dias friend.
the situation.
monds.
The Disaster between 59 - 61 in JAWS - shark kills man in little bay - is not the end of act 2. Sometimes there are more things to do between an disaster Jack loses The Duke (91 - 93) - and the beginning of the next act. In Thelma & Louise the disaster between 68:39 - 70:33 - angelina jolie stole brad pitt jennifer aniston - is close at the end of act 2, so act 3 starts very soon after this disaster. Act 2 ends in a MaD between 70:33 72:41: FBI want the help of Darryl.
- MaD
Disaster 91 - 93
Relief / Disaster
93 - 95
Jack loses The Duke.
MaD - End of Act 3 -
more things
Disaster 91 - 93
Start of act 4
MaD 97 - 99
95 - 97
FBI arrest Jack in the bar.
97 - 99 Disaster: Jack learns that Serrano
Around 99
ACT 3
Jack learns that Dorfler don‘t has The Duke. will get The Duke. MaD: Jack has a plan
ACT 4
and wants to work together with the FBI. Disaster
MaD
59 - 61
61 - 63
EMaD
Preparation - End of Act 2
Start of act 3
Disaster 59 - 61
more things
Preparation 66 - 69
JAWS
Solomon‘s big
starts around 22
Relief / Disaster / Preparation
Midnight Run
63 - 66
Shark kills man in little bay. Mayor signs the contract.
66 - 69
Quint and Brody make a deal.
Around 69
ACT 2
They prepare the boat.
ACT 3
diamond.
(EMaD): Archers
93 - 96 contains also Exposition: Smith talks about the
pilot gives Solomon
MaD - End of Act 3
Disaster
money.
NOTHING MORE
MaD 91 - 93
Preparation 93 - 96
ACT 1
41
SEQUENCE 11 - 21: Dog gets prison without possibility of parole
SEQUENCE 21 - 31: Johnny leaves Australia
SEQUENCE 31 - 41: Johnny is depressed and cant act anymore, he is missing his dog
ACT 2
41 SEQUENCE 41 - 51: Johnny wants to sell his soul to the devil to get his dog back
71
SEQUENCE 51 - 61: Johnny sells his soul to the devil to get his dog back
earth. Preparation: Neo takes weapons. Relief: Smith is depressed. MaD: Smith wants the codes to get free.
91 - 93
89 - 91
SEQUENCE 1 - 11: Dog arrested
Disaster 89 - 91
MATRIX
Tank needs to pull the plug of Morpheus.
01
Start of act 4 Around 93
ACT 3
Neo does his NPT: He believes and wants to free Morpheus.
ACT 3
71
SEQUENCE 61 - 71
SEQUENCE 71 - 81
ACT 4
96
SEQUENCE 81 - 91
ACT 4
96
END
SEQUENCE 96 - 105
SEQUENCE 91 - 96
I made a story of
1 - 3: Johnny and Megan
3 - 5: Johnny and Megan
5 - 6: Night: Prime
6 - 7: Next morning:
7 - 9: Police arrest
9 - 11: In the mansion:
11 - 13: Johnny drives
13 - 16: In court. Boo-
16 - 17: In the night: Depres-
17 - 19: Some men make fun
19 - 21: Men kidnap Johnny
21 - 23: Johnny screams for
23 - 26: Next day he explores
26 - 29: Johnny and his
29 - 31: Megan is happy to
31 - 33: Three weeks la-
33 - 36: On the movie
36 - 37: Producers deci-
37 - 39: Producers tell
39 - 41: Johnny and
41 - 43: Johnny tries to
46 - 47: Johnny speaks
47 - 49: Johnny meets
49 - 51: Johnny and the
51 - 53: Johnny explains
53 - 56: Johnny and the
56 - 57: Johnny rages,
59 - 61: Johnny gets
61 - 63: Johnny calls the
63 - 66: Johnny and the
66 - 67: They find a
67 - 69: Hans wants
69 - 71: They call the
71 - 75: Johnny drives to
75 - 76: Johnny slepps in
76 - 78: Johnny eats
78 - 81: Johnny tells
81 - 83: Johnny and
83 - 86: Johnny and
86 - 89: Johnny is in the
89 - 91: Johnny sits in a
91 - 93: Johnny wins
93 - 95: Johnny buys
95 - 96: One month later:
96 - 99: Johnny founds
99 - 101: Johnny is in
101 - 103: Johnny mar-
103 - 105: 40 years later. Johnny
Johnny Depp‘s australi-
fly to Australia in a
arrive in Australia.
Minister sees on TV that
Johnny goes to the last
Boomerang in the dog
Megan tells Johnny what
to the police station but
merang in handcuffs and
sed Johnny has some drinks
about Johnny and his dog. It
and bring him to a desert
help but nobody hears him.
the island, he is completely
bodyguards find the men who
have Johnny back. Johnny
ter... Depressed Johnny
set: Depressed Johnny
de to help Johnny becau-
Johnny that they want to
Megan have dinner at
find a devil worshipper
with his producer about
with the devil worship-
devil worshipper try
the producer how to
producer try to call the
beats the producer, des-
his dog back but it‘s the
devil again. Devil appe-
producer try to find a
homeless, Hans, but he
to look good when he
devil. The devil appears
some of his friends but
a dirty alley... with rats.
food out of a garbage
Frank his story and that
Frank make a plan
Frank break into the
police station. Hans co-
dark, dirty alley. It rains.
the jackpot: One billion
a biiiiig mansion. He
Johnny leaves a super-
a homeless charity. He
the Jimmy Kimmel talk
ries the most beautiful
is a happy grandpa surrounded by
an dog problem to show
private jet. Johnny plays
Paparazzi make pictures
a littel dog tail waves out
official shooting day of
groomer. Sad Megan
happend to his dog.
they don‘t give him his
in orange dog prison clo-
in a bar like Rick Blaine after
ends in a fist fight. Men beat
island - 2 hours distance from
He has a bad night on the
alone here. Then he sees a
kidnap Johnny and beat the
tells Megan what happend
drives to a new movie
can‘t act anymore. He
se he is a crowd-puller,
help him to get his dog
home, Megan cooked
on the internet.
what happend. Producer
per who explains Johnny
to call the devil but it
come in contact with the
devil but it doesn‘t func-
troys furniture. Then he
wrong dog. It‘s a white
ars and tells Johnny that
homeless who will sell
wants to sell his soul for
meets the devil. Megan
but the homeless wants
nobody knows him any-
Action.
can. He begs for money.
he misses Boomerang.
how to break into the
mansion. Security
mes to the police station,
He weeps and laughs:
dollar.
parties a lot. He is back
market with two beautiful
helps homeless to find
show because Johnny
woman in the world.
his little grandchildren. Someone
you how you can use
with Boomerang his
and videos of Johnny
of Johnny‘s leather bag.
Pirates Of The Carib-
can‘t reach Johnny on his
They have a big quarrel.
dog. Police tells him
thing. Dog gets lifetime
he saw Ilsa. „Of all the towns,
the hell out of poor Johnny.
Australia with a speedboat.
island.
sailboat on the ocean. The
hell out of them. Johnny gets
in court and tells her the
set while he phones with
shall play a funny man
the producers are afraid
back. They make a brain-
it. Johnny don‘t like
gives him an address
how to come in contact
doesn‘t function. Johnny
devil and that he needs
tion. They have dinner.
screams: „Devil, if you
husky, his frist dog from
he didn‘t said which dog
his soul for 10.000.000
50.000.000 dollar. John-
cooks for Hans. Hans
the life of Johnny in
more. One of them says:
Other homeless beat
Johnny tells Frank why
mansion.
catches Johnny, Frank
Johnny tries to kill him.
„Over a dog! Over an
Good Disaster.
on track.
women. He sees a home-
a job and an apartment
became the most-loved
They become four kids.
knocks on the door. It‘s the devil.
the building blocks. Ti-
little dog / teacup terrier.
and Megan at the air-
Minister wants to know
bean 5. Megan goes
cell phone.
She packs her suitcase
that there will be a court
without parole. Johnny
in all the countries, in all the
Johnny‘s haircut is ruined.
Men take Johnny‘s cell phone.
MaD: To get help. EMaD:
crew brings Johnny back to
his cell phone back. He flies
kidnap-island-story. Megan
his lawyer in Australia.
but he can‘t, instead he
to lose a cashcow.
storming how they can
the dinner but he is a
43 - 46: Johnny meets
from a devil worshipper.
with the devil. It‘s not
phones his producer
the help of the producer.
Producer announces that
can hear me, you can
his childhood. Because
he wanted. Devil tells
dollar.
ny agrees. Hans has
takes a shower, shaves
exchange for his soul.
„You inspired me for a
the hell out of Johnny.
he loves his dog so much
Preparation.
escapes.
Hans is amused. He
ugly dog!“ Johnny prays
Relief.
less eating out of a garba-
and a better life. The
US-American ever.
Johnny is in heaven.
The devil tells him that GOD bought
tel: The eye of a needle.
Megan is jealous.
port. Johnny and Megan
if Johnny is smuggling
to a dog groomer with
It‘s a disaster for Johnny
and leaves him - she goes
proceeding in one week.
gets lifetime entry ban
world we had to shoot here.“
Disaster / Action: Fist fight.
Men tell Johnny that he will
Johnny screams for help.
Australia.
back to the USA.
is very angry with Johnny
Lawyer tells Johnny that
weeps. He is missing
MaD: Producers want to
get the dog back. They
gentleman and eats it
with a devil worshipper
Relief. MaD: Producer
possible to contact the
because he wants to meet
In the meanwhile Megan
he fooled Johnny and
have my soul if you give
Johnny isn‘t sooooo hap-
Johnny: „If you want
EMaD.
dreadlocks and a beard
his legs.
Johnny and Hans change
pirate movie.“ Johnny:
Frank, a homeless, saves
(Backstory). Frank has
EMaD. Disaster.
don‘t want to file a char-
to GOD for a second
ge can. Johnny looks up
people love Johnny.
They talk about the
Johnny‘s soul back because Johnny
Exposition: We learn
drive to a mansion - they
a dog to Australia. He
Boomerang.
but an EMaD for the
back to the USA.
EMaD: Johnny goes
for Australia. Johnny
Relief.
be on the island for the rest of
Sometimes you don‘t have to
EMaD: Find someone on
EMaD / Action.
because he was on the move
the appeal was rejected.
his dog.
help Johnny.
have no ideas like always
with a lying smile. They
but it ends in a disaster,
gives Johnny an address.
devil alone.
him.
cooks dinner.
that the devil worship-
me my dog back.“
py to see his childhood
your dog back I need a
like Jack Sparrow.
Preparation.
their lifes. Megan and
„It‘s me, Johnny. I‘m
Johnny.
the idea to break into
ge against Johnny. Hans
chance. Then a lottery
to heaven: „Okay, now I
Because Johnny inspired
offers from Hollywood
helped so many people. Instead of
that Johnny shoots Pira-
live like kings.
makes a phone call.
Action.
police.
Disaster (big quarrel)
to the police. Disaster:
says goodbye to his dog
his life.
speak out the MaD because
the island. Good disaster:
without his bodyguards and
Sad Johnny watches
Disaster: Johnny can‘t
in Hollywood. so we
talk about a way how to
they are attacked by
EMaD. Exposition.
EMaD: Call the devil.
EMaD. Exposition.
per is an old friend of
dog the husky bites in
new soul. One wish one
Disaster (goal reached).
the producer don‘t
Captain Jack Sparrow.“
EMaD: Search food.
Johnny‘s mansion and to
thanks Johnny for his
ticket lands in front of
understand the mission of
so many people in other
to become an actor but
Johnny the devil took Megan. John-
tes Of The Caribbean 5
Action.
Disaster: Minister sees
+ EMaD (Megan leaves
Court proceeding in one
and tells his lawyer to
MaD: Men want to kidnap
the EMaD makes it clear what
Johnny sees a sailboat on the
put himself into great danger.
videos of Boomerang on
act anymore.
have to wacht superhero
get the dog back to the
hardcore Christians
Disaster: No success in
the producer and that
57 - 59: The devil
Johnny‘s balls - AHH-
soul.“ Johnny wants to
know Johnny anymore.
One of them: „Jack
Disaster: He gets the
kidnap Boomerang and
new super life but there
him.
my second chance.“
countries to help their
Johnny don‘t want to
ny: „Why Megan?“ Devil: „Because
in Australia and that he
the dog tail. MaD:
Johnny). MaD: Johnny
week.
go in appeal. Johnny
Johnny. EMaD: Men kidnap
the MaD is.
ocean. EMaD: crew brings
Relief.
his cell phone.
movies until the end of
USA. Johnny has the
with baseball bats. On
calling the devil. MaD:
everything was a fake.
appears. He greets the
HH!
find someone who sells
Security kicks Johnny
Sparrow is a cool name
bashing of his life.
to steal some money.
is one downer: Megan
MaD: Johnny wants the
homless, Johnny gets
become an actor.
she can‘t cook.“ Johnny: „That‘s re-
loves his dog more than
Minister wants to know
wants his dog back.
leaves court without his
Johnny = this is a disaster for
Disaster: Appeal was
our lives.
idea to sell his soul to the
the bats you can read:
Johnny wants to meet his
He also tells Johnny that
producer, they know
Disaster: Johnny gets
his soul to the devil so
out of his mansion while
for a pirate captain. You
EMaD / Action: Frank
Relief. Backstory. MaD.
can‘t cook. Johnny lea-
help of GOD. EMaD:
MaD: He wants to help
the Nobel Peace Prize.
ally a reason to burn in hell.“ Johnny
Megan.
if Johnny is smuggling
bodyguards.
Johnny.
rejected. Relief: Sad
EMaD.
devil. Johnny phones his
„We‘re on a mission from
producer.
it‘s not a good idea to sell
each other. Johnny sells
the wrong dog.
that Johnny gets his dog
Boomerang runs in the
should become a movie
helps Johnny.
ves the police station.
He prays.
people.
He made the world a
gets Boomerang back. Johnny cries
a dog. EMaD: Minister
Disaster: Johnny loses
Johnny watches videos
producer and tells him
God.“
his soul to the devil for
his soul to the devil, they
back.
arms of Megan.
producer. Good bye!“
better place. He is a su-
tears of joy. Devil leaves cursing:
makes a phone call.
his dog. MaD: To go in
of Boomerang.
about the idea.
41 - 43 - EMaD.
a dog.
make a deal. The devil
MaD: Find a new soul
EMaD. Disaster: John-
EMaD: Johnny tries
per-de-duper megastar.
„How shall I gather people in hell
EMaD: Johnny tries to
43 - 46 - EMaD, Disaster.
for the devil.
ny loses his super life.
to find help. Disaster:
when they always pray to GOD for
Nobody knows him.
help?“ Johnny and Boomerang walk
Johnny back to Australia.
appeal.
Disaster: They can‘t call
gives Johnny a vision of
find an idea.
the devil + Producer
the hell. Devil disap-
MaD: Johnny wants to
fooled Johnny.
pears.
into the sunset. They become shorter
56 - 57 - Relief: Johnny
and shorter. It looks like if they go
rages. EMaD: Johnny
through an eye of a needle. END
sell his soul to the devil.
calls the devil. 57 - 59 - Disaster # 1 (goal reached): Devil appears. Disaster # 2: Johnny sells his soul.
If possible one disaster in every sequence which
Disaster:
Decision:
C-ctory-protagonist or story
Brody goes onto the water in
Hero lives his NPT or not
- Shark rams the boat
- Quint kills the radio
forces hero to do a step to-
the night.
(Grow or Die): Brody lives
+ Engine damage.....
- Thelma (decision in
The MaD at the end of act 3
in his inner conflict wich leads to
Sometimes the hero does a decision
wards his NPT. Hooper forces
on the water with Quint and
Hero or c-story- pro-
- FBI has the location
he inner conflict) can‘t
can be connected with a
the resolution of the movie: Thelma
Brody to go onto the water.
Hooper
tagonist strengthen
of Thelma and Louise
go back, she wants to
decision in the inner conflict
does her NPT: „Let‘s not get caught“
stay independent
of the hero: Max defeats the
the NPT: Thelma
pushes the story forward or is important for the
(Let‘s stay independent)
story. JAWS 23 - 26 has a disaster but this disaster
Act breaking MaD
Act breaking MaD
threatens a cop with
officer because Max wants to
Act breaking MaD
isn‘t so important for the story like the disaster
around 36 - 37 or
around 61 - 63 or
a gun.
save Annie = MaD.
around 91 - 93 or
39 - 41.
69 - 71.
between 29 - 31: Hooper: „It was a shrak.“
If necessary a MaD around 29 - 31 - 33.
later. It depends.
Just a possibilities to structure a screenplay. It depends on your
01
ACT 1
37 / 41 37 / 41
71 71
ACT 2
91 START
ACT 3
story. There are so many possibilities to structure your story.
13 - 17: Shark kills
43 - 47: Shark is still
73 - 77: First time they
After the Disaster around the end of act 3 - before
The best way is to study
Alex. Video of murder
First time we see the operating
killing. Deans life is
see the Shark. Dean
the act breaking MaD at the end of act 3 - the hero
movies. Don‘t watch a
exist.
system of the hero: Brody‘s
destroyed.
gets the Video.
can fall back into his OS like Jack Lucas in The
movie, study it.
fear of water.
Disaster which can force
Hero does or does not a
Fisher King. Disaster around the end of act 3:
the hero to do his NPT:
second step in his NPT:
Henry Sagan falls into a catatonia -> this pushes
Shark kills man in little
Brody goes into the water
Jack back into his OS between 106:17 - 114:00:
bay.
and safes his son.
Jack don‘t feel responsible for anyone, he is a yuppie. MaD - 114:00 - 114:58: Jack decides to get the grail. This MaD is connected with a decision in the inner conflict of Jack: He fells responsible for Henry.
ACT 4
END
And forget the „one page = one minute“ rule. Screenwriting gurus telling so much nonsense.
Disaster.
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