As I previously blogged in my post : “UPDATE: Why I took Down The Lisa Rani Ray Page.” I asserted that all successful screenplays (ALL of them) adhere to SAME screenplay structure and that each scene also adheres to the overall structure of the main screenplay.
I want to illustrate my claim by using this scene from the movie Elena Undone because not only does it gives me an excuse to once again listen to the most seductive voice I’ve ever heard, but also because it incorporates significant Plot Points.
So now let’s break this scene down by applying the major screenwriting rules applicable to a full length feature film to an approximately 2 minute scene.
Act 1
0:03 to 0:36 Stage 1: The SETUP: This reflects the “Ordinary World” of our protagonist, illustrating Elena’s mundane everyday life.
0:39 to 0:56 Stage 2 Turning Point #1 “The Opportunity” A new situation gives Elena a chance to to pursue her true objectives.
Act 2
0:57 to 1:07 “Change of Plans”, Turning Point #2 Elena seizes the moment.
1:10 to 1:20 Point of No Return, Turning Point #3 again occurring at the halfway mark.
1:24 to 1:39 Stage 4 Major Setback Turning Point #4. Peyton’s appears reluctant.
Act 3
1:40 to 2:20 The Final Push Turning Point #5 Elena pushes to convince Peyton why she should accept her decision.
Stage 5 Climax (The sex scene)
Stage 6 Denouement (The ending)
Now I ended this scene early so we don’t see the “Climax” or the ”Denouement“ but you can see even when deconstructed by seconds that the scene still adheres to standard screenplay structure.
Screenplays are very difficult to write, because in addition to structure there is character development, sequencing and a whole host of additional considerations. This is why so many movies suck and yes I’m that bitch whose premise was plagiarized by a now cancelled lesbian soap opera that appeared on cable television, and that wasn't very good anyway.
Yes I know my craft! So in your face! Booya ;o)
I want to illustrate my claim by using this scene from the movie Elena Undone because not only does it gives me an excuse to once again listen to the most seductive voice I’ve ever heard, but also because it incorporates significant Plot Points.
So now let’s break this scene down by applying the major screenwriting rules applicable to a full length feature film to an approximately 2 minute scene.
Act 1
0:03 to 0:36 Stage 1: The SETUP: This reflects the “Ordinary World” of our protagonist, illustrating Elena’s mundane everyday life.
0:39 to 0:56 Stage 2 Turning Point #1 “The Opportunity” A new situation gives Elena a chance to to pursue her true objectives.
Act 2
0:57 to 1:07 “Change of Plans”, Turning Point #2 Elena seizes the moment.
1:10 to 1:20 Point of No Return, Turning Point #3 again occurring at the halfway mark.
1:24 to 1:39 Stage 4 Major Setback Turning Point #4. Peyton’s appears reluctant.
Act 3
1:40 to 2:20 The Final Push Turning Point #5 Elena pushes to convince Peyton why she should accept her decision.
Stage 5 Climax (The sex scene)
Stage 6 Denouement (The ending)
Now I ended this scene early so we don’t see the “Climax” or the ”Denouement“ but you can see even when deconstructed by seconds that the scene still adheres to standard screenplay structure.
Screenplays are very difficult to write, because in addition to structure there is character development, sequencing and a whole host of additional considerations. This is why so many movies suck and yes I’m that bitch whose premise was plagiarized by a now cancelled lesbian soap opera that appeared on cable television, and that wasn't very good anyway.
Yes I know my craft! So in your face! Booya ;o)