Protagonists make active decisions

Reference no: EM132343620

1. We've learned that PROTAGONISTS make ACTIVE decisions and choices throughout the film, and there is a CAUSE/EFFECT relationship to these decisions and the protagonist.

Choose a movie you admire and identify the THREE MAIN parts of a story. Then describe how they lead the protagonist to make an ACTIVE decision that drives the story forward.

INCITING INCIDENT --> Decision leading to ACT ONE BREAK

MIDPOINT --> Decision leading to ACT TWO BREAK

CLIMAX --> Decision leading to END OF THE STORY/RESOLUTION

EXAMPLE #1: THE GRADUATE

Mrs. Robinson propositions Ben (INCITING INCIDENT) --> Ben DECIDES to call Mrs. Robinson and accept her proposition (ACT ONE BREAK)
Ben defies Mrs. Robinson by taking Elaine out on a date and ends up falling for her (MIDPOINT)--> Ben DECIDES to stop Elaine from marrying someone else (ACT TWO BREAK).

Ben breaks up the wedding, wins back Elaine, and gets chased out of the church (CLIMAX) --> Ben and Elaine DECIDE to run onto a bus and drive off toward an uncertain future (THE END).

EXAMPLE #2: JAWS

A shark attack kills a kid at the beach (INCITING INCIDENT) --> Chief Brody DECIDES to enlist the help of Matt Hooper, the scientist, who shows up just as the town begins to overflow with amateur shark hunters (ACT ONE BREAK).

The shark attacks again, this time almost killing Chief Brody's own son, so Brody decides to head onto the water with Hooper and Quint to kill the shark once and for all (MID-POINT) --> The boat is damaged and the shark seems to have the upper hand, so Brody DECIDES to call for help, but this leads Quint to smash the radio, so now the guys are stuck and will have to figure things out on their own (ACT TWO BREAK).
Chief Brody faces off with the shark as the boat sinks. He smashes the shark in the face with an oxygen tank. Then he manages to fire a perfect shot that blows up the shark (CLIMAX) --> Brody and Hooper swim to shore - safe from the terror of the shark (THE END)

This exercise may reveal problems with your treatment. And that's OKAY! Writing involves constant tinkering. Better to work out the major kinks now.

2. Now, do the same exercise for YOUR OWN movie idea as you did for an existing movie in this week's Question 1. Remember, it's all about making your protagonist ACTIVE. This will help you develop your expanded screenplay profile.

Reference no: EM132343620

Questions Cloud

What are three or four components of a well-thought-out : What mistakes do companies make when developing their strategies? These thoughts should be qualitative and generic

When the going gets tough-tough get going : A popular saying states, "When the going gets tough, tough get going". To what extent do challenges excite you and to what extent do you find them discouraging

Description of named reaction - baylis-hillman reaction : SLE214 - Organic Chemistry - Deakin University - Complete 2-4 page description of a named reaction' the reaction is Baylis-Hillman Reaction

Discuss the key concepts of operations management : How are these concepts useful in organizations of various sizes? Use a specific example or scenario in your response.

Protagonists make active decisions : PROTAGONISTS make ACTIVE decisions and choices throughout the film, and there is a CAUSE/EFFECT relationship to these decisions and the protagonist.

How is the concept of incremental analysis : How is the concept of incremental analysis used in decision making in day to day operation in an organization?

Present and future impacts of information technology : What are present and future impacts of information technology?

Present and future impacts of information technology : What are the present and future impacts of information technology?

What does strategic planning look like in your organization : Is strategic planning in your organization effective, or not? Why? Describe your experience, both good and bad, with strategic planning.

User Account

All Pages