Level 2

Acts & Plot Points

Last week

What were we looking at last week?

This week

We’re going to look at narrative structure.

By the end of today, you

MUST understand what a narrative is

SHOULD explain the difference between linear and non linear narratives

COULD explain what plot points are

Intro

What is a narrative structure.

A narrative is a story

Stories are the driving force behind a good single camera production.

But what do we expect a story to have?

Good narratives have….

• Interesting & believable characters • A good concept (the idea)• Drama! • Action! • A beginning, middle & end• Exciting plot points

Film narratives are like a good burgerThey’re split into 3 different parts.We call each of these parts “acts”

Film narratives are like a good burgerThey’re split into 3 different parts

The first 3rd of the film is the setup:

Its where we meet the characters and find out what the basic stories premise is ….

30 minutes

Film narratives are like a good burgerThey’re split into 3 different parts

The second 3rd of the film is the conflict:

Its where the main character has to fight against increasing odds to get what they want….

30 - 60 minutes

Film narratives are like a good burgerThey’re split into 3 different parts

The final 3rd of the film is the resolution:

Its where the story wraps up, and our characters get to the end of their journey

30 minutes

Plot points

At the end of act 1 & act 2 is a plot point.

A plot point is something that happens which moves the story forward in a new & interesting way.

Plot points Lets look at the plot points in Batman Begins.

At the end of act 1 Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham and becomes Batman (plot point 1).

At the end of act 2 Ra’s Al Ghul returns to Gotham and burns down Wayne Manor (plot point 2).

Task 1

Working in your groups, bullet point your films plot, identifying the acts and plot points.