Читать книгу How to Write a Screenplay to Earn Money - Ashok Kumawat - Страница 5

In the world of screenwriting, structure is the skeleton upon which the flesh and blood of your story are built. Understanding screenplay structure is crucial for creating a narrative that engages audiences and keeps them invested from beginning to end. In this chapter, we’ll explore the fundamental elements of screenplay structure and how to use them effectively to craft a screenplay that has the potential to earn money in the competitive world of filmmaking.

The Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure is the most common and widely used framework in screenwriting. It divides a screenplay into three distinct acts, each serving a specific purpose in the storytelling process.

Act 1 – The Setup: This is where you introduce the world of your story, the main characters, and the central conflict. Act 1 typically covers the first 25% to 30% of your screenplay. It sets the stage, establishes the status quo, and hooks the audience with an inciting incident – a moment that disrupts the protagonist’s ordinary life and sets the story in motion.

For example, in «Jurassic Park,» Act 1 introduces us to the characters, the island, and the concept of cloning dinosaurs. The inciting incident occurs when the first dinosaur attack takes place.

Act 2 – The Confrontation: Act 2 makes up approximately 50% of your screenplay and is where the bulk of the action and character development occur. It’s a series of rising conflicts and obstacles that the protagonist must overcome on their journey. This act is often divided into two parts – the first part presents challenges and complications, while the second part intensifies the conflict and leads to the climax.

Using «The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring» as an example, Act 2 includes the Fellowship’s journey through Middle-earth, facing various trials and tribulations, leading up to the climactic battle at the Mines of Moria.

Act 3 – The Resolution: The final act, comprising around 20% to 25% of your screenplay, resolves the central conflict and provides closure. It’s where the protagonist confronts the antagonist or their inner demons and makes crucial choices that lead to the story’s resolution.

In «The Shawshank Redemption,» Act 3 involves Andy’s escape from Shawshank prison and his ultimate reunion with Red on a beach in Zihuatanejo.

The Importance of Pacing

Effective pacing is vital for maintaining audience engagement throughout your screenplay. Pacing refers to the speed at which the story unfolds and the rhythm of its key events. In general, Act 1 sets the stage and hooks the audience, Act 2 builds tension and conflict, and Act 3 delivers the climax and resolution.

Balancing pacing is an art. Too slow, and you risk losing the audience’s interest; too fast, and you might overwhelm them. Use moments of tension, humor, and emotion strategically to control the pace, keeping the audience hooked while allowing room for character development and plot progression.

Subplots and B-Storylines

While the three-act structure forms the backbone of your screenplay, it’s essential to incorporate subplots and B-storylines to add depth and complexity to your narrative. Subplots are secondary storylines that run alongside the main plot, often involving other characters or themes.

These subplots serve multiple purposes. They can provide character development, offer thematic contrast, or serve as a source of tension and conflict. In «The Dark Knight,» for instance, the Joker’s subplot adds complexity to the film’s themes of chaos and order, providing a counterpoint to Batman’s journey.

The Midpoint and Turning Points

Within the three-act structure, there are critical turning points that drive the narrative forward and keep the audience engaged. One of the most pivotal moments is the midpoint, which typically occurs near the middle of Act 2.

The midpoint often involves a significant revelation, a reversal of fortune, or a twist that changes the course of the story. It renews the audience’s interest and propels them toward the climax. In «The Sixth Sense,» the midpoint reveals a shocking truth about the main character that transforms our understanding of the entire story.

In addition to the midpoint, turning points at the end of Acts 1 and 2 are essential for keeping the story on track. The first turning point, sometimes called the «point of no return,» occurs at the end of Act 1 and thrusts the protagonist into the central conflict. The second turning point, often referred to as the «all is lost» moment, occurs at the end of Act 2 and places the protagonist in their most dire situation, setting the stage for the climax.

Foreshadowing and Setup

Effective foreshadowing and setup are key to a well-structured screenplay. Foreshadowing involves dropping hints or clues early in the story that pay off later. It creates a sense of anticipation and satisfaction when viewers recognize the connections.

For instance, in «The Usual Suspects,» seemingly innocuous details throughout the film foreshadow the shocking twist at the end. The careful placement of these clues keeps the audience engaged and eager to see how everything fits together.

Conclusion

Understanding screenplay structure is essential for crafting a narrative that not only engages audiences but also has the potential to earn money in the competitive world of filmmaking. The three-act structure, pacing, subplots, turning points, and effective foreshadowing are tools that help you create a cohesive and compelling story.