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UW-Madison COMARTS 155 - Hollywood Storytelling

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Com Arts 155 1st Edition Lecture 5Outline of Last Lecture I. Lighting in PaintingsII. Color TemperatureIII. Different Uses of LightingIV. Lighting ExamplesV. On-Set KnowledgeVI. Light and Design ThemesOutline of Current Lecture I. 3 and 4 Act Structure OverviewII. 3 Act ModelIII. 4 Act ModelIV. Differences Between ModelsV. Screening ExampleVI. Final ThoughtsCurrent Lecture3 and 4 Act Structure Overview 3 Act Structure Dominant model discussed within Hollywood Prescriptive model You can find any number of screen writing books talking about the structure. Described in countless screenwriting manuals 4 Act Structure Inductive model, derived from carefully viewing dozens of Hollywood films. The movies don’t perfectly grasp on to the 3 act model, but they do seem to have 4 acts Described in Kristen Thompson’s “Storytelling in the New Hollywood” 1999These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. Areas of Consensus Ours story is about an active, goal-oriented protagonist. This character drives the story’s action forward Frequently, the character’s goals inspire two interconnected plotlines—one more externally focused, one more internal and intimate In Guardians of the Galaxy, the external plot was focused on getting the infinity stone. Internal plot was focused on grieving his mother’s death Primacy of cause and effect Audience expects some kind of reaction to every action American audiences get frustrated when there isn’t motivation for cause and effect.  Unified narrative. Closure. All kinds of movies and TV can leave the door open for a sequel, but there’s still closure. Conflict has been resolved.3 Act Model Act 1 Introduce characters and exposition Learn their background Inciting incident sparks conflict Drives plot Protagonist chooses to pursue a goal Best examples are in Disney movies. A lot of times the protagonist sings goal. Example: Disney movies with an “I want” song in the first act, announcing the protagonist’s goals?- Little Mermaid: “I want to be where the people are”- Lion King: “I just can’t wait to be king” Act 2 Protagonist confronts a series of obstacles in pursuit of goal. Gathering of allies. The stakes are raised. For example: Guardians of the Galaxy starts out with him thinking that he’ll just make some money on the stone; but it turns out it’s more than that, the whole universe could explode. A turning point may occur midway through the second act. In Anchorman, it starts out with him wanting to get the girl, then changes to wanting to destroy her Protagonist hits a low point near end of second act. All hope seems lost. Protagonist giving up but then… Re-commits to achieving the goal. Example: The Dark Knight Rises: Batman literally climbs out of a hole and enters the third act. Act 3 Protagonist must face final obstacle alone. Generally allies have fallen off. Climax. Struggle and tension reach their peak. Protagonist overcomes obstacle. Conflict is resolved. Denouement. Order is restored. Brief moment of calm.  Example: Unknotting Moment in End of Starwars:- The Death Star is destroyed… Then concludes with medals for bravery 3 act works great for big giant action movies. 4 Act Model Act 1: The Setup Introduce characters and exposition “Often the protagonist conceives one or more goals during this section, through in some cases the setup sticks to introducing the circumstances that will later lead to the formulation of goals.” Act 2: The Complicating Action The complicating action pushes us in a new direction The “new direction may involve the hero pursuing a goal conceived during the setup but having to change tactics dramatically.” “In many cases, though, the complicating action serves as a sort of counter-setup, building a whole new situation with which the protagonist must cope.” Ex. In Silver Lining’s play book, he originally wants to get his wife back, but in the process he goes in another direction. Act 3: The Development “By now, an extensive set of premises, goals, and obstacles have been introduced” “This is where the protagonist’s struggle toward his or her goals typically occurs, often involving many incidents that create action, suspense, and delay.” The development usually ends at the point where all the premises regarding the goals and lines of action have been introduced.” Act 4: Climax and Epilogue “The action shifts into a straightforward progress toward the final resolution, typically building steadily toward a concentrated sequence of high action” “The key question now is: will the protagonists’ goals be achieved or not?” A brief epilogue follows the climax.Difference between the 2. Act 2 is very long in the 3 act model. 4 Act structure is all equally divided.. 4 Act model gives flexibility. Characters have goals, but they change. Screening: Parks and Recreation “Boys Club” (Season 1, 2009) Value of storytelling structures is not simply repetition. If you’re writing for television, you got to do a lot of content and do it quickly. You need a structure that lets you hang jokes into the story. You need to be able to justify these jokes. It’s a sitcom; situation comedy. There is a certain amount of tension. Andy’s Story (B Story) 1st Act Goal: Clean up the house and surprise Ann  Larger Goal: Show Ann he appreciates her. 2nd Act: Andy tires to clean himself despite having casts on his legs.  His irritable neighbor steals his clothes and Andy chases after him naked.  3rd Act:  Andy achieves goals of cleaning, cleaning himself, and surprising Ann.  Andy succeeds in improving his relationship with Ann. Leslie (A Story) 1st Act: Leslie’s season-long goal: Build a park in the abandoned lot. Episode goal: Enter the boys’ club. Larger character goals: To do right at all times; social acceptance. 2nd Act: In order to keep the boys’ club meeting going, Leslie opens the cheese and wine basket. This complicating action leads to a counter-setup: Leslie must atone for her poor decision as a public servant and woman in politics 3rd Act: Stake in crease: Leslie’s job is now on the line. Tom


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UW-Madison COMARTS 155 - Hollywood Storytelling

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