How to Build Your Story Structure

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker discusses the importance of story structure in filmmaking, dispelling the notion that it stifles creativity. Using Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' as a case study, they demonstrate how even innovative films adhere to structural principles, emphasizing the midpoint's role in raising stakes. The video advocates for structure as a guiding tool for storytelling, comparing it to building a house with a foundation. It also highlights the value of originality in execution and the speaker's personal approach to a six-act structure, using 'The Ring' as an example. The speaker shares their experience with Millinote, a digital creative tool, for organizing story development, and encourages continuous writing, shooting, and editing as the core of the craft.

Takeaways

• 📝 The script discusses the importance of story structure in filmmaking and counters the notion that adhering to structure stifles creativity.
• 🎬 It uses Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' as an example to show that even original films follow a structural framework, emphasizing the midpoint of the story where stakes are raised.
• 🔄 The speaker advocates for the use of structure as a roadmap for storytelling, comparing it to the foundation of a house that allows for unique expressions in execution.
• 💡 Originality in filmmaking is often found in the execution and the filmmaker's unique voice, rather than in completely disregarding traditional structures.
• 📚 The script references 'Save the Cat' and other resources that emphasize the importance of the midpoint in raising stakes and changing direction in a story.
• 📈 The speaker shares their personal writing process, which involves a six-act structure and ideas from the 'Save the Cat' beat sheet.
• 📑 The use of Millinote as a digital creative wall for story prep and development is highlighted, showcasing its utility in organizing and visualizing story elements.
• 🎞️ A detailed breakdown of 'The Ring' is provided to illustrate the six-act structure, explaining how each act contributes to the overall narrative.
• 🔑 The concept of considering each act as a short film and hitting specific story points or 'beats' is introduced to make the writing process more manageable.
• 🎥 The speaker reflects on their own short films, noting that even when not consciously applying structure, the films still align closely with traditional narrative frameworks.
• 🔄 The importance of writing, shooting, and editing as a cycle of continuous improvement in filmmaking is emphasized, regardless of the approach to structure.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video script?

The main topic of discussion in the video script is story structure, particularly in relation to film, and the importance of understanding and applying it even when creating original content.

Why does the speaker mention 'Feed America' and other charities?

The speaker mentions 'Feed America' and other charities as a reminder for viewers to consider donating to those in need, especially during the holiday season, and provides a list of charities in the notes for additional giving options.

What is the speaker's stance on the use of structure in filmmaking?

The speaker believes that structure should not be disregarded in filmmaking. They argue that even though some filmmakers like Christopher Nolan are considered original and not bound by traditional structure, they still follow a form of structure in their storytelling.

Can you provide an example of how the speaker uses 'Inception' to illustrate the concept of a film's midpoint?

The speaker uses 'Inception' to illustrate the midpoint by pointing out the scene where the stakes are raised and the direction of the film changes. This happens when the character states that they will be killed if they do not continue with their mission as quickly as possible.

What is the significance of the midpoint in a film according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, the midpoint in a film is significant because it is a moment where the stakes are raised, often leading the film in a new direction, and is a key element in the overall structure of storytelling.

How does the speaker address the idea that structure leads to unoriginal filmmaking?

The speaker argues against this idea by stating that originality is often found in the execution and the filmmaker's unique voice, rather than in the adherence or non-adherence to structure. They emphasize that all filmmakers are inspired by previous works and that structure can serve as a foundation for creativity.

What is the speaker's personal approach to using structure in their storytelling?

The speaker uses structure as a roadmap to guide them through their story. They start by being conscious of structural ideas, then forget about them to focus on telling the best story possible. They have adopted a six-act structure that incorporates elements from the 'Save the Cat' beat sheet.

What tool does the speaker mention for story preparation and development?

The speaker mentions 'Millinote' as the tool they use for story preparation and development. It serves as a digital creative wall that allows them to structure and rearrange ideas easily.

How does the speaker apply the six-act structure to the film 'The Ring'?

The speaker breaks down 'The Ring' into six acts, detailing how each act sets up the world and characters, raises the stakes, introduces the midpoint, and leads to the climax and resolution, using specific moments from the film as examples.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of structure in writing and filmmaking?

The speaker advises not to discount the process of structure too soon and not to look down on others for using it. They emphasize that writing is a skill with a craft to it, and structure serves as a foundation that allows for creativity to build upon.