And, I mean that literally. I have a problem. I've read' Save the Cat'. Each of his 15 Beats has a corresponding script page number, check. In 110 page script, he introduces the Catalyst on page 10. Always 10. The page 30 transition must be on page 30.
I'm writing a short script that is 60 pages long, not 110.... That is roughly 55% the size of his model. screenplay Technically, do I hit the Beats scaled to 55%, or deliver them like I've been trained using commercial software. Thanks, scratching my head..
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Don't take it so literally. Forget about hitting specific beats on specific pages, write a great story, that's what matters.
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I think you'll find beats are "lines in the sand" - I find they are more like guidelines.
I thought for sure I could make a beat hit 5 pages but struggled at two. I thought a 2-page beat would be stretched at two pages but ended up at ten.
That's cool. Let them ride. Insert / delete at your pleasure.
I've gotten to the point I can watch a movie and tell if the writer is stretching or rushing a beat. At least, when it's obvious.
Try watching a movie sometime and see if you can spot it.
A good example (not related to beatboard beats) is
BEAT
But Why not;
Joe wipes his brow; looking at Doctor Kildaire with apprehension.
Meaningless sub-plot? Stretching. Meaningless Shock cut? Rushing.
Smooth story and viewer attention.
In features there is a moment called the "Page 80 crash" - that's where tings hit the fan. I try to make this a goal, but YMMV.
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they are general guidelines, not rules. but the books away and write your story.
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It's proportional.
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Google "beat sheet calculator" and click on one of them. You can enter the number of pages in your script, and the calculator will do the numbers for you. I stick pretty close to the timing--the beat sheet really improved my story-telling a lot.
To all of you who responded, thank you. I did a little research and found a helpful tool for all of us. It's called a beat sheet calculator and it gives you the same beats scaled down to a 100 - 90 page screenplay.
I guess there really are different to approach this stage of writing. Here's the link: http://www.beatsheetcalculator.com/
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I think the beat sheet rules are too strict. Follow them as a suggestion, not law. I read that book and others but now the only guide I use is my own outline. If each scene moves the story along, there are no plot holes, it comes in at a good page count, I'm happy and the people I write for are happy. I've never had anyone I write for say, "Hey! This doesn't follow the "Save the Cat Beat Sheet! Go back and do it again!"
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Hey George,
We are here to help eachother and I am glad I can help because i have STC software.
Based on 60 pages:
1. Opening image
2 Theme stated (3)
3 Set-up (2-6)
4 Catalyst (7)
5 Debate (8-13)
6. Break into two (14)
7. B story (17)
8. Fun and games (15-29)
9. Midpoint (30)
10 Bad guys close in (31-40)
11 All is lost (41)
12 Dark night of the soul (42-45)
13 Break into Three (46)
14 Finale (47-59)
15 Final Image (60)
Hope this helps.
Thanks
Aschwin
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Hey you guys - put Blake's STC book away (unless you're a paint-by-the-numbers sort.
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Just write a great story. Period. You really think any producer is going to sit there and calculate your beats? Write from you heart and soul. You job is to illicit an emotion from an audience. And I agree with Doug. Great screenplays do not come from formulas.
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Yes Doug Nelson
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STC is one of the many tools I use to help me outline, brainstorm, etc. I never obsess about the page numbers. My scripts usually flow with it in some way or another. I use it to help me with my pilots too. Again just looking at the flow, not obsessing about page numbers or anything.
I also wrote a comedy/satire of Hollywood/screenwriting that partly mocks save the cat and it made the quarterfinals of Nicholl's. You don't need to view it as some sacred cow of the industry.
There's other formulas; 8 sequences, 40 plot points, etc. I pretty much compare my scripts to them all in some way as I'm writing to help tighten it up, etc.
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is there a working WGA member screenwriter today who swears by STC structure?
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A journalist friend of mine said this: "I've quit watching Hollywood movies, because they're all the same". He didn't know about the beat sheet, but that's what he was talking about. So, guys. See yourselves as the future of Hollywood and do it better.
I wrote a few screenplays using STC beat sheet and it made no difference. As long as my screenplay has a beginning, a middle and an end and it doesn't suck I am happy.
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Dan M - I know a couple who swear at the STC structure. PUT THAT BOOK AWAY and get on to showing your story. Learn to write/paint without the numbers.
I don't think save the cat applies to short films.
I mean, a short can be a minute or forty or so minutes in length.
I've never written a short but if I was to advise, I think you have to write to your concept and start the script compelling and end it compelling.
There are a bunch of working pro screenwriters who use STC (I am not one of them, but if you go to the STC site you'll find many contributors with credits).
First: What are your plans for the 60 page script? That's way too long for a short (which tend to clock in at 10 minutes) and too short for much else.
Second: I would suggest not using STC on this one - maybe look at hour long TV since it's probably closest to your length. Or just go basic three acts: "Act 1: You get your cat up a tree. Act 2: You throw rocks at him. Act 3: You get him down from the tree."
Main thing: not a boring second. If the reader misses a meal because they are reading your script and can't put it down, you're good.