5/5-9/14 – Act 2 Outline

Monday and Wednesday , 5/5+7/14

Aim: Understanding Act 2 of a screenplay

Daily Spark: What was one line of script that stood out to you?  What do you think is meant by “subplot?”

 

The subplot, also known as the “B story” should be introduced on or around page 30 (page 3-5 for you).  A common subplot is a love story involving the protagonist, but it can also be based around supporting characters or even a brand new gang of characters. The subplot will make your script more dynamic and exciting.

Today, we will switch and watch before we do.

Today we will focus on “subplot” – what is/are the subplots of Million Dollar Baby? How do they connect to or enhance the main narrative arc?

You will also learn more about each of your characters. What do you learn? How do you learn it?

 

Friday 5/9/14

Aim: Writing our subplot

Daily Spark: What is a subplot of Million Dollar Baby? What more do you learn about the characters?

 

Today, you will work on your own subplot and character developement

 

The subplot, also known as the “B story” should be introduced on or around page 30. A common subplot is a love story involving the protagonist, but it can also be based around supporting characters or even a brand new gang of characters. The subplot will make your script more dynamic and exciting.

Brainstorm some ideas for various subplots, and how you might introduce them into your script. You may want to go back to the questions you answered about your supporting characters on the “Character Questionnaire” or the “Creating Conflict” worksheet.

 

When you are done with this, move on to the next section: Getting to know your characters

Having Fun and Getting to Know Your Characters:

Pages 30-50 or Pages 3-5 (the 30% mark) – 5-8 (the 50% mark)

This is the portion of a film where most of the trailer clips come from. As you might guess, this part of the script is more upbeat; it is less about your characters moving towards an end goal and more about your characters having fun and getting to know each other. This does not mean that it is less important, since each scene in a script must move the story forward. This part of your script helps your audience get to know what your characters and your story are all about. For example, this is the part of The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy sings and dances along the Yellow Brick Road with her newfound friends.
Write out some rising action that might fit into this section of your script in the space provided.

 

When you finish this, you will work on the midpoint of your film:

The 50% Mark:

Page 50 or Page 5-8 (the 50% mark)

The fun is now over, and it’s time to get back to the story. The midpoint of your script can be tricky. This is where your protagonist thinks that things can’t get any better or any worse. The trick is that neither is true. The movie is only halfway over, and things are going to get worse before they get better. This is the moment when Dorothy looks across the poppy field and sees the Emerald City. Though it looks like her journey is almost over, it has only just begun.

 

+Finish for homework+