Play Tennis with Scene and Sequel

Today we're diving into the fundamental building blocks of any great screenplay: the Scene and Sequel structure. Understanding the importance and proper execution of scenes and sequels is crucial for crafting a compelling, well-paced narrative.

Let’s explore the concepts that "A scene is a conflict unified by time" and "A sequel is an aftermath unified by topic." Let's get started, and as always, I'll provide examples from modern movies and some television series I've had the pleasure of working on.

A scene, by its nature, is conflict-driven and moves the story forward. It's an event or moment unified by time, where characters actively pursue their goals and face obstacles. In contrast, a sequel is the aftermath of a scene, unified by topic. It's a moment where characters process the events, experience emotional responses, and make decisions that propel the story into the next scene.

Scenes and sequels work together to maintain the momentum of your story. Scenes create tension and conflict, engaging the audience and keeping them invested in the narrative. Sequels, on the other hand, allow for emotional depth and character growth, ensuring that your audience connects with your characters on a deeper level.

Striking the right balance between scenes and sequels is key to crafting a powerful, memorable screenplay.

Let's take a look at some examples from popular films to illustrate the effective use of scenes and sequels.

The Dark Knight:

Scene: The bank robbery orchestrated by the Joker is a high-stakes conflict that introduces the main antagonist and sets the story in motion.

Sequel: Following the robbery, the Joker escapes, and the mob's reaction to his actions sets the stage for the unfolding conflict between Batman and the Joker.

The Social Network:

Scene: Mark Zuckerberg's creation of Facemash, a controversial website, is a pivotal moment that launches the story of Facebook's inception.

Sequel: The aftermath of Facemash's release, including disciplinary hearings at Harvard, serves as a catalyst for Mark's idea to create Facebook.

Get Out:

Scene: Chris's hypnosis session with Missy is a tense and revealing moment, indicating the sinister motives of the Armitage family.

Sequel: In the aftermath, Chris realizes the danger he's in and formulates a plan to escape, setting up the film's thrilling climax.

Now let's examine some examples from television series I've worked on.

Alias:

Scene: Sydney Bristow undertakes a mission to steal a secret artifact, showcasing her skills as a CIA agent and creating exciting conflict.

Sequel: Sydney struggles with the emotional impact of her double life and the secrets surrounding her family, allowing for character development and deepening the narrative.

Lost:

Scene: The survivors confront the mysterious "Others" on the island, creating tension and escalating the stakes.

Sequel: Following the confrontation, the survivors strategize and plan their next moves, allowing for emotional reactions and decision-making.

Heroes:

Scene: Peter Petrelli discovers his ability to fly, a dramatic and conflict-filled moment that launches his journey to uncover the truth about his powers.

Sequel: Peter makes the decision to embrace his powers and find others like him, propelling the story forward and deepening his character arc.

To create engaging scenes and sequels, focus on building tension and conflict in your scenes while allowing for emotional depth and character growth in your sequels. Keep the stakes high and the goals of your characters clear. Ensure smooth transitions between scenes and sequels by maintaining a logical progression of events and emotional responses.

It's essential to strike the right balance between high-stakes scenes and emotionally resonant sequels. Too much action can exhaust the audience, while too much introspection can slow the pace. Keep your screenplay engaging by varying the intensity and focus of your scenes and sequels.

To keep your story moving forward, ensure that each sequel offers new insights or character decisions that propel the narrative. Avoid rehashing the same emotional beats or dwelling on issues that have already been resolved.

The rhythm of your screenplay is vital for maintaining audience interest. Alternate between scenes and sequels to create a natural ebb and flow that keeps the viewer engaged and invested in the story.

The art of mastering Scene and Sequel structure is crucial for any screenwriter looking to create a powerful and engaging story. By understanding the roles these building blocks play in your narrative and how to implement them effectively, you can enhance character development and overall storytelling.

Now that you have a solid grasp of the Scene and Sequel structure, it's time to put these concepts into practice.

Here are a few exercises and activities to help you hone your skills and apply what you've learned to your own screenplays:

Analyze existing screenplays: Take some of your favorite films or television episodes and break them down into scenes and sequels. Identify the conflicts, emotional responses, and character decisions in each section. Analyzing successful works can help you understand how to implement these techniques effectively in your own writing.

Write a short screenplay: Challenge yourself to write a short screenplay (10-15 pages) using the Scene and Sequel structure. Focus on creating a balance between conflict and emotion, ensuring that each scene propels the story forward and each sequel offers meaningful character development.

Revise a previous screenplay: If you have an existing screenplay, go back and revise it with the Scene and Sequel structure in mind. Identify any areas where the pacing feels off or character development is lacking, and revise these sections to create a more engaging and dynamic story.

Collaborate with fellow writers: Share your work with other screenwriters and ask for feedback on your use of the Scene and Sequel structure. Engaging in constructive discussions with your peers can help you identify areas for improvement and inspire new ideas for your own writing.

Keep a writing journal: Document your progress as you work on implementing Scene and Sequel structure into your screenwriting. Reflect on your successes and challenges, and use this self-awareness to guide your future projects.

Remember, screenwriting is an ever-evolving craft, and there's always more to learn. Embrace the journey, and keep pushing yourself to grow as a storyteller. Your dedication and passion will shine through in your work, captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impact.

Keep writing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep telling the stories that matter to you. Your unique voice and perspective are what make your screenplays truly special.