Coffee & Content: The Rule Of Three Explained

a year ago

Happy Sunday, Creative Army!

Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee, and let's dive in.

First up, in this video from StudioBinder, we're learning why good things come in threes. Whether it's dialogue, humor, plot points, visual cues, or a myriad of other elements - the rule of three can often be used to improve a script and even show the strength of the writer. Is there a way that you can utilize the rule of three to elevate your story?

Next, in this video from FilmCourage, we're "killing our darlings." It can be really hard to edit down your script. But we know less is more. This video will show you how to make the cuts to get your script as quick and sharp as it needs to be so it makes the biggest impact.

As always, here at Stage 32, we love to share stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them! Tag them below! You can keep up with all of our content by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube. For more inspirational, educational, and motivational content on all things entertainment industry, follow me on Instagram and Twitter @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, & creative Sunday.

Cheers,

StudioBinder | The Rule Of Three Explained

FilmCourage | This Trick Will Help Writers Cut Scenes They Don't Need

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Richard "RB" Botto has created the online platform and marketplace designed to democratize the entertainment industry, Stage 32. By leveling the playing field for all film, television and digital content creators and professionals worldwide, Stage 32 provides networking and training opportunities as...

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15 Comments on Richard RB's Article

Marsy Robinson

Producer, Screenwriter, Creative Executive, Director of Development, Music Supervisor, Script Consultant, Story Analyst, Stunt Performer

love these clips, rb! love hearing all of these explanations.... me: "so true!!" ;) all so inspiring, as per usual!

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

That's the truth, Marsy Robinson. And a healthy dose of control what you can control and let the rest go.

a year ago

Marsy Robinson

Producer, Screenwriter, Creative Executive, Director of Development, Music Supervisor, Script Consultant, Story Analyst, Stunt Performer

Indeed... and a nice amount of "get out of your own way"! thank YOU for giving us all so much "good stuff!" to hold onto!!!!!!

a year ago

Suzanne Bronson

Actor, Crafty, Production Assistant, Stage Manager, Voice Artist, Host/Presenter

I really like this Rule of 3 RB. I know a story is told in three acts and something happening three times is a pattern but I never thought of three faces of a character. Definately something to implement when portraying a character.

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Three faces of a character is an intriguing concept, no doubt, Suzanne Bronson

a year ago

Leonardo Ramirez

Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor

I had an amazingly creative weekend, RB. I completed an outline and made it halfway through the first draft of a new screenplay. And it felt glorious. Thanks as always for sharing this. I love ANYTHING that comes from Studio Binder.

a year ago

Leonardo Ramirez

Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor

Roger that, Richard "RB" Botto!

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Big time congratulations, Leonardo Ramirez. Keep charging.

a year ago

Dustin Quinteros

Director, Editor, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Producer

Everything in film seems to boil down to 3s. From act structure, dialog, shot framing, even the "tri"pod! Love it!

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Very true.

a year ago

Wendy Kay

Actor

Thank you, Richard RB

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Most welcome!

a year ago

Sandra Isabel Correia

Screenwriter, Executive

Always learning with you :) Thank you RB

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Love hearing that, Sandra. Thank you.

a year ago

Maurice Vaughan

Screenwriter

Excellent shares, RB! I’ve been using the rule of three in my scripts for a long time. I used it the other week in a Comedy script. The character said the same dialogue three times. It wasn’t that funny when he said the dialogue the first two times, but it was hilarious when he said it the third time. Andy Guerdat talks about cutting scenes that don’t belong in scripts. I used to keep scenes in my scripts that didn’t belong – and I knew they didn’t belong – but now if a scene isn’t necessary for a character or the story, I cut it out. Sometimes I save the scene and use it in another script, if the scene belongs in it.

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Speaking to the latter, one of the hardest things for a screenwriter to do. But with experience, it becomes much easier.

a year ago

Tom Stohlgren

Author, Researcher, Screenwriter

StudioBinder’s “Rule of Three” was obvious but told in a fun way that emphasized “patterns.” I’ve known this since The Three Little Bears and the Three Little Pigs, and the Trinity. I remember all of Maxwell Smart’s jokes (from Mel Brooks) that came in threes. However, this was the first I’ve heard of the three faces of a character — that was brilliant and it was a new and exciting “reveal” for me. It made me reflect on Freud’s id, ego, and superego and "The Three Faces of Eve." I also loved Andy Guerdat’s viewing a scene as a “unit of information” to advance the story. And I agree that we need as many scenes as we need to tell a story. His stark warning that “Repetitive beats are agony.” Note to self! Thanks for posting, RB.

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Always welcome your perspective, Tom.

a year ago

Jacqueline Smith

Author, Screenwriter

Thank you, Richard RB

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Absolutely, Jacqueline Smith!

a year ago

João Janeira Nobre

Camera Operator, Videographer, Editor, Screenwriter

Thanks RB !

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Most welcome, John January Noble

a year ago

Connie Barretta

Author, Screenwriter

Cut These Scenes! Just listening to this awesome blog about the inner workings of film and the emphasis on emotion in each scene is thought provoking. Great Sunday evening read!

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

It's great advice, Connie Barretta. Glad you enjoyed!

a year ago

William Joseph Hill

Actor, Screenwriter, Filmmaker

These are great, RB! Love how Andy Guerdat describes what scenes are. And the Rule of Three is so important, especially in comedy.

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Couldn't agree more, William Joseph Hill

a year ago

Haley Mary

Actor, Songwriter, Comedian

This was a great article! The power of three is so important in movies. Another movie example of the power of three that I can think of that was not mentioned in the videos is the movie "Homeward Bound The Incredible Journey" where the three main characters are the two dogs and the cat. If the pets had just been two dogs, I don't think the story would have worked as well.

a year ago

Richard RB Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Great example, Haley Mary

a year ago

Jenean McBrearty

Screenwriter, Author, Researcher

I was taught the "rule of three" in fifth grade. Writing: Beginning, middle, end. How to write: Tell 'em what you're going to tell, tell 'em, tell 'em what you told them. Speech making: Be prepared, be brief, be seated. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ... I went to Catholic School. Sperm, ova, baby. Have three kids: one for you, one for your spouse, and one for the Fuhrer .... okay, that I heard in a script. However, the rule of three is like any other rule. There are exceptions. Four cars tires are better than three. One working toilet is better than three that don't flush. My point is, there are some movies that should have two sequels. Godfather comes to mind.

a year ago

Jenean McBrearty

Screenwriter, Author, Researcher

Two sequels that SHOULDN'T be made.

a year ago