Summary
Learn from a Producer who ran Development for Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group!
As a screenwriter, a solid beat sheet is essential for developing a compelling and marketable screenplay. Whether you are crafting an original project, adapting a piece of intellectual property, or rewriting a previous draft, a beat sheet serves as a critical roadmap that allows you and your creative team to visualize the entire project from beginning to end. This step is not only vital for crafting a coherent and engaging story but also for pitching your idea to buyers and stakeholders. By outlining the key beats of your narrative, you can demonstrate your creative approach and storytelling prowess, making a strong case for why you are the right person to tell this story.
One of the biggest challenges in creating a beat sheet is avoiding the temptation to simply plug in basic story elements that fit the structure. While structure is important, a beat sheet should do more than just outline the plot—it should excite the reader and provide a clear sense of the story's momentum and tension. Failing to highlight the unique aspects of the story, neglecting character arcs, and overlooking pacing issues can all lead to your project’s potential being overlooked This webinar will help you navigate these pitfalls by teaching you how to create a beat sheet that not only outlines your story but also enhances its visual and emotional impact.
This webinar is led by Chisom Ude, a seasoned Film & TV Executive known for her keen eye for marketable talent and her expertise in creating engaging material for women and underrepresented audiences. As the head of development for Inflection Point, Chisom works to develop feature films and television. Her experience at Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, where she contributed to the development and production of several high-profile projects such as JOY RIDE, KING RICHARD and EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, has equipped her with a deep understanding of what makes a screenplay successful.
In this exclusive online webinar, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of what a beat sheet is and why it is crucial for your screenwriting process. You will learn how to identify and solve common problems such as plot holes, character arcs, and pacing issues using a beat sheet. You will learn will different types of beat sheets, including personal working documents and those meant to be shared with others. You will also explore the classic "Save the Cat" beat sheet by Blake Snyder, understanding what goes where and why. Additionally, you will learn creative uses for non-linear stories and how to apply your beat sheet to your actual script using tools like Final Draft and note cards. By the end of this webinar, you will be equipped with the skills to create a detailed and compelling beat sheet that enhances your screenplay's potential.
PLUS! You will recevie:
- A sample beat sheet
“Stage 32 provides such a rich and important education platform to the community and I am very excited to share my industry knowledge with its members” -your Stage 32 educator, Chisom Ude
What You'll Learn
Understanding Beat Sheats
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What exactly is a “beat”?
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What is a beat sheet?
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Problems that can easily be identified and solved using a beat sheet.
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Plot holes, character arcs, pacing, etc.
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Different types of working beat sheets.
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Personal working documents and documents meant to be shared.
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Why you should consider doing one and when.
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Before You Write vs. After You Write vs. Someone Asks You To…
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Blake Snyder’s classic “Save the Cat” beat sheet.
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What goes where and why?
Working with a Beat Sheat
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What they mean when they say, “We’d like you to please beat this out for us.”
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Whether or not to include dialogue.
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How much info is too much info?
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Creative uses for non-linear stories.
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For example, how to do a split-screen beat sheet.
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You’re done…now learn how to apply your work to your actual script.
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Your beat sheet made manifest.
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Practical uses of materials.
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How to use Final Draft, note cards, etc. to beat out your story.
Q&A with Chisom
PLUS! Receive an exclusive sample beat sheet
Who Should Attend
Screenwriters of all levels who want to improve the quality of their writing through the use of effective beat sheets.
Directors who want to learn how to identify the story elements more effectively to create a well-paced film.
Executive
Chisom Ude is an Producer at Suite 06 with an eye for marketable talent and an expertise in creating entertaining material for BIPOC women and non-binary audiences. Chisom was key to the development and production of the wide-release feature comedy, JOY RIDE, rated 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Most recently a Creative Executive in Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, Chisom’s development slate spanned over twenty titles including a NOW YOU SEE ME sequel, as well as a dramedy penned and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (KING RICHARD). In the last two years, she has managed five features in production and post including the action-thriller SHADOW FORCE starring Kerry Washington, and Adele Lim’s directorial debut JOY RIDE starring Ashley Park (Emily in Paris) and Stephanie Hsu (EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE).
Prior to her film career in Los Angeles, Chisom worked in global finance in London and in unscripted television at BET. Chisom’s exposure to various environments has continued to shape her ability to identify concepts that resonate with a wide audience.
Schedule
Thursday, August 29th at 1:00pm PT
Testimonials
“Stage 32 provides such a rich and important education platform to the community and I am very excited to share my industry knowledge with its members”
-your Stage 32 educator, Chisom Ude
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