So what’s a sequence, exactly? Definition: a self-contained portion of the entire story, usually about 10 to 15 minutes (pages) in length. Every sequence has its own tension, not necessarily the main tension, but is related in some way. It usually “belongs” to one particular character, not always the protagonist, and aspects of the overall story are kept alive, even in sequences where the overall tension is about something else entirely. Here’s the gist: we get additional information that advances the story while, at the same time, we have a new short-term tension to…

Screenplay Genre: Comedy Movie Time: 100 Minutes 1. INCITING INCIDENT While on a flight, Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) gets into an argument with Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis). Ethan keeps repeating the words "terrorist" and "bomb". An uproar occurs, and Peter is taken down by an Air Marshal. Peter is cleared from any wrongdoing, but is still put on the "No-Fly List". (00:08:22) 2. LOCK IN (End of Act One) Peter realizes that his wallet must be on the plane, which is now somewhere over Oklahoma. He runs into Ethan who invites him to drive to Los Angeles with…