“The Setup, Maze and Feeling”- 3 Act Story

All films and scenes can be broken into a basic 3 Act structure that maps out the action in a film.

1st The Setup-

This is where you establish the location, characters and conflict that will be the main focus of your film. A character is confronted with a problem and now they must rise to the challenge. Example: A stressed student in a video class has just realized he has left his camera unattended in the spirit court.

2nd The Maze-

This is a series of problems or obstacles your main character will need to deal with in the pursuit of solving their problem. Example: First the student sees the bag, must sneak out of class, see someone in the parking lot with the gear and corner him.

3rd The Feeling:

This is when you give some type of resolution to your problem. Think of what you want your audience to feel at the end of your movie. Do you want laughter, compassion, anger, frustration….What happens to your character? Sometimes there is a twist or unexpected outcome as well….Example: The thief ends up being revealed as Mr. Bigue, who was trying to teach the student a lesson about leaving their gear.

 

Directions:

Pre-production

1. Brainstorm a short story idea of 1-3 minutes using the 3 Act structure referred to: Setup, Maze, and the Feeling.
   • Try to make it as active as you can.
   • Keep it limited to 1 or 2 characters.
   • Consider a setting/location you can control and will help the film.
   • Start with a basic flow chart to illustrate the moments/actions that lead to the climax.

   Some suggestions:
   A character discovers something.....
   A character lies....and there are consequences-
   A characters fixed ideas are challenged---or shattered-
   A character completely misreads a situation--there are consequences.

   A character experiences love at first sight and ...

   A character must confront their worst fear...

2. Create a short Treatment or description of your story- Get this approved before moving on to two column script.
   • This is a rough draft of what will be your script or 2 column script.
   • Write in the present tense.
   • Include as much action as possible.

 

3. Convert your treatment to a 2 Column Shooting Script that details the Audio/Dialog as well as the Shots you will be using in your film-

• Consider the best coverage for the most dramatic shots in the film: where does the camera need to be or show to tell the story.
• 2 column script should include at least 25 shots minimum
• Include numbers and abbreviated shots descriptions for each shot-
• Create slug lines for each scene/location change: Ex: SCENE 1- INT: BEDROOM, DAY

Production:

1. Practice or "block" your shots before actually recording them.

1. When ready to shoot, Call “Standby on set”, “Rolling”, “Action”….and remember to leave a second or two then call “Cut”.
2. Make sure that each shot is long enough to communicate the intent or message you want to give your audience. Don't leave blank tape between shots.
3. All people in each crew must participate to receive full credit.
4. Everyone must use a tripod for all shots except for those requiring dollying or trucking.
5. All the shots described in the sample should be incorporated in your script.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING Requirements: