Write 1-3 sentences for what happens at each of the 9 basic plot
points for your story idea:
1) Hook: Start in the middle of a high intensity
mess. How could you show your main characters doing what they do
best or have them make an exciting visual entrance into your film
world? What twists, shocks or surprises could you add to your opening
hook (twist ideas: accident kills someone, a shocking truth revealed,
key equipment or transportation breaks down, sudden change of plans
announced)?
2)
Setup: How will you introduce us to your characters, film
world, and story? How will you show your character in his or her
normal life? The audience needs a chance to get to know your main
characters, along with the limits and possibilities of the film
world.
3) Inciting incident. What event happens that forces
your character to act by choosing a goal and committing to making
it happen?
4) Journey Into Unknown: Protagonist sets off to
accomplish plot goal leaving what is familiar behind.
5) Investigation: Protagonist searches for goal
object or informationencountering lots of Obstacles/conflicts. What
are some obstacles or conflicts your characters might face while
attempting to accomplish their plot goal in your story idea?
6)
Twist: A new plot goal usually emerges at this point because
the first goal is accomplished or an unexpected event occurs which
changes the focus of the main plot goal. Accident kills someone,
a shocking truth revealed, key equipment or transportation breaks
down, sudden change of plans announced.
7) Final confrontation. This is a confrontation between
two characters, groups or a situation that has been building up
during the story Protagonist/antagonist conflicts related to plot
goal.
8)
Climax. Highest point of intensity and audience interest
where the plot reaches a crescendo. What is the big climatic event
at the end where we see whether the characters succeed or fail in
accomplishing their goals?
9) Resolution. Ties up the loose ends in the story
such as who lives, who dies, who gets the girl, and who lives happily
ever after.
