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Sequence Breakdowns

A sequence is a self-contained portion of the entire story, usually about 10 to 15 minutes (pages) in length. With a clear beginning, middle, and end, each sequence has its own short-term tension (not the main tension, but related in some way) along with a central conflict that gives shape to the entire 10 -15 minutes.

When breaking down a film’s structure, generally speaking, “The Eight Sequences” framework is the standard: two in Act One, four in Act Two, and two in Act Three.

But the number 8 is only part of the equation. If the sequences are what shape a screenplay’s three-act structure, then the five major plot points are the building blocks behind sequence construction: Inciting Incident, Lock-In, Midpoint, Main Culmination, and Third Act Twist.

Each analysis of selected features will break the film down to the essential parts of each of the 8 separate sequences (9 in specific genres) and 5 major plot points.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Screenplay Genre: Action / Adventure

Movie Time: 115 minutes

Synopsis: The year is 1936, and Indiana Jones, a professor of archeological studies and adventuring tomb raider, is commissioned by the United States Military to obtain The Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. Aided by ex-lover Marion and long time friend Sallah, Indy races around the world – from Nepal, to Egypt, to the Greek isles – while fighting his archenemy Dr. Belloq and other nefarious Nazi characters to single-handedly prevent Hitler and the Nazis from turning the biblical artifact into a weapon of world conquest and domination.

Despicable Me (2010)

Screenplay Genre: Animation / Comedy / Family

Movie Time: 95 minutes

Synopsis: After the world's newly anointed #1 supervillain, Vector (Jason Segal), steals the Great Pyramid of Giza, the world's #2 supervillain, Gru (Steve Carrell), resolves to pull off the biggest heist in world history: stealing the moon. In order to obtain a shrinking machine to execute his plan, he adopts three orphan girls and exploits them in order to obtain the gun and put his plan in motion. However, slowly but surely, the girls worm their way into Gru's heart, changing him forever.

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Five Plot Point Breakdowns

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009)

The Thing (1982)

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Fargo (1996)

Screenplay Five Plot Point Breakdowns

Screenplay Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller Movie Time: 98 minutes 1. INCITING INCIDENT Jean Lundegaard sits alone knitting while watching TV when she hears a noise and looks up to see a man outside her sliding glass door wearing in a ski mask and holding a crowbar. The man, Carl (Steve Buscemi), smashes the glass door as his accomplice, Gaear (Peter Stormare), enters through the front door. After a prolonged struggle, Jean falls down the stairs, knocking herself out. (00:17:29)

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