<aside> ℹ️ In film development terms, a “story beat” refers to a single story event which transforms the character and story at a critical juncture. Think of beats as “checkpoints” along the way, that will complete the story and chart out a film structure. This beat sheet is based on the book “Save the Cat,” by screenwriter Blake Snyder, who boils film plot structure down to 15 beats.
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ACT 1<aside> 1️⃣ [Act 1 is the setup phase of a narrative, providing essential information, introducing characters, presenting the central conflict, and initiating the story's journey. Act 1 introduces the audience to the story's main characters, setting, and the initial situation. It lays the foundation for the development and resolution of the plot in Acts 2 and 3.]
These three ACT blocks are in sync with the ones in the Structure page. You edit one, its reflected in the other.
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ACT 2<aside> 2️⃣ [Act 2 is typically characterized by a series of events, complications, and character arcs that keep the audience engaged and advance the plot. Act 2 is typically the longest of the three acts and serves as the heart of the narrative, where characters are tested, and the story deepens in complexity. It ends with a turning point that sets the stage for the resolution and climax in Act 3. Act 2 is where the audience witnesses the characters' growth and the main conflict intensifying, making it a pivotal phase in the storytelling process.]
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ACT 3<aside> 3️⃣ [Act 3 is where the story reaches its climax and ultimate resolution. This act is marked by a culmination of events and character arcs, providing closure to the narrative. Act 3 is where the story's narrative tension reaches its peak, and it's essential for delivering a satisfying and memorable conclusion to the audience. It's the phase where the story's themes and character arcs come to fruition, and the audience is left with a sense of fulfilment and, in many cases, a deeper understanding of the story's message.]
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ACT 1 BeatsThe Opening Image is a thematic or grabbing visual image, scene, or short sequence which sets the tone of your movie. It often serves as the “before” picture of your hero (or world) that will transform throughout the story.
The Theme Stated is a line of dialogue that organically states what your story is all about. The theme is typically voiced by another character to your hero, calling out the hero’s deeper flaw or spiritual need for change.
The Set-Up reveals your main character’s “ordinary life” or status quo; takes time to demonstrate a character’s flaws that negatively impact the hero’s life; describes the character’s familiar world when it comes to home, work, and play; and introduces the main characters who inhabit the hero’s life.
The Catalyst is the life-changing moment that happens to the hero and sets the story in motion. The Catalyst provides that initial shove onto the story roller coaster.
The Debate is the reaction to the Catalyst, usually presented in the form of a question (“Do I really have to go on this dangerous quest?”). The Debate can be a sequence of doubt, denial, evasion, or even preparation. It lends weight to the life-changing bigger journey yet to come and foreshadows the new world as one that you do not enter lightly.
In the Break into 2, the hero decides to take action and locks in to accomplish a goal, venturing into a new world, or choosing a new way of thinking. This is a no-turning-back decision that separates the old, ordinary world from the new world.
ACT 2 BeatsThe B Story is the thematic secondary story. Often, this is a story about love or friendship or mentorship.
In the Fun & Games, the hero is in the new world. This beat delivers on the promise of the premise. It’s a large section of the story that essentially presents “the movie you came to see.” The Fun & Games contains scenes and sequences that are shown in the trailer of movies or hinted at in the blurb on the back of the book or on that “Coming Next Week” teaser at the end of a TV show.
The Midpoint is the middle of the story and the culmination of the Fun & Games. Usually, this beat is a false victory or a false defeat. The Midpoint raises the stakes on the hero, forcing them to narrow their focus on winning the day or surviving. Often, a ticking clock is introduced here, ratcheting up tension and boosting the urgency.
In the Bad Guys Close In, stakes have raised and tension is higher. External Bad Guys may be literally closing in or psychological, internal Bad Guys may be causing more problems.
In the All Is Lost, the moment the hero most feared actually happens. Now it looks like the hero will lose. The All Is Lost usually contains a whiff of death where someone has died or the threat of real death is in the air. This is the hero’s rock-bottom moment..
The Dark Night of the Soul is a reaction to the All Is Lost where the hero wallows in sadness, mourning what was lost and lamenting that they are now worse off than before the story began. This is an opportunity to take stock, where meaningful learning happens on the way to transformation.
In the Break into 3, a new piece of information is discovered and the hero realizes what they must do to solve all the problems that have been created in Act 2.
ACT 3 BeatsThe Finale is the big showdown where the hero finally proves they’ve learned the lesson that was taught via their struggles in Act 2. The quest is won, the dragon is slain, and when the smoke clears, the hero has changed. Their flaw is repaired and the world is indeed a better place.
The Final Image is the “after photo” of the hero and the world. This mirror of the Opening Image shows how far the world and the hero have transformed.