Yet another structural guide, this time from screen structure teacher Barry Pearson.
This paradigm applies to a 100-page screenplay.
THE SETUP: The first 10 pages – sets up the Hero or Bonding character (villain, or
monster, or potential love-interest).
THE BONDING EVENT: between pages 9 and 18 - an event occurs which brings the
Hero into contact and interaction with the Bonding Character.
NB - THE OPPOSING/ATTACKING FORCE – note that the Bonding Event is typically
the culmination of a sequence of Backstory events set in motion and propelled by the evil
or negative force in the story (the Opposing/Attacking Force).
THE LOCKING EVENT: occurs between pages 20 to 35. Introduces a turn of
circumstances that alters the relationship between the two major characters, so that they
cannot easily disengage from each other.
ESCALATING EVENT: occurs somewhere between pages 40 to 55. There is a
development that raises the stakes for the Hero and Bonding Character, the
ESCALATING EVENT. This event often raises matters to a life-and-death issue.
SENDING YOUR HERO TO HELL: from pages 60 to 75 - a sequence of developments
wherein the Hero tries to accommodate, adjust to, and escape from - the situation of
jeopardy in which he or she finds himself or herself.
THE PLAN THAT FAILS - pages 75 to 85 - the Hero plans to defeat the forces opposing
him. The Hero puts a plan into motion - and locks horns with the opposing force or
forces, in an effort to defeat them.
THE HIDDEN WEAKNESS - the Hero's plan has failed and he or she looks to be utterly,
finally defeated. Now there is a sequence in which he or she discovers what appears to be
a hidden weakness in the opposing force or forces.
THE PLAN THAT SUCCEEDS - occupies pages 85 to 95 - the Hero having discovered
the hidden weakness of the opposing forces, initiates the "plan-that-succeeds" and the
Hero battles and defeats the opposition.
THE WIN AND THE PRIZE - pages 95-100 - Following the Hero's victory, there is a
final sequence in which the writer dramatizes the Hero's new status and situation, and
allows the audience to vicariously savor the Hero's victory, even if it is bittersweet -
which it often is.