What is an Inciting Incident — And How to Write a Great One

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of the 'inciting incident' in filmmaking, a pivotal moment that propels the narrative forward. It explores various techniques used to depict this event, from subtle introductions to dramatic revelations, across different genres. The script also discusses the timing of the inciting incident within the three-act structure, emphasizing its placement around 12.5% into a film. Directors employ various filmmaking techniques to highlight these moments, making them visually and narratively impactful.

Takeaways

• 🎬 An inciting incident is a crucial plot point that sets the story in motion, often occurring at the beginning of a film.
• 📚 Screenwriting manuals like 'Into the Woods' by John York emphasize the inciting incident as the 'something' that kickstarts a narrative.
• 🌟 The inciting incident marks a significant change in the protagonist's world, as noted by Robert McKee, and can be subtle or overt.
• 🏠 In mainstream films, the inciting incident is essential, while avant-garde or less story-focused films may omit it.
• 💡 Inciting incidents can be as simple as a first meeting ('The Apartment') or as dramatic as receiving life-changing news ('Harry Potter').
• 🔁 They can lead to a shift from good to bad or introduce a positive change, such as gaining supernatural powers ('Bruce Almighty').
• 🔍 Categories of inciting incidents include personal loss, discovery of hidden knowledge, call to adventure, and attacks.
• 📊 The inciting incident typically occurs around 12.5% into a script, aligning with the first act of a three-act structure.
• 🎥 Directors use various filmmaking techniques like sound design, camera movements, and editing to highlight the importance of the inciting incident.
• 🎥 The placement of the inciting incident is strategic, allowing for character establishment and world-building before the story's disruption.

Q & A

What is an inciting incident in the context of filmmaking?

An inciting incident in filmmaking is the event that sets the plot in motion, often marking a significant change in the protagonist's world and prompting their journey.

According to John York, what is the role of the inciting incident in a story?

John York describes the inciting incident as the 'something' that kickstarts a story, suggesting it's a pivotal moment that initiates the narrative.

How does Robert McKee define the inciting incident?

Robert McKee defines the inciting incident as the moment of profound change in the main character's world, which radically upsets the balance of forces in their life.

Can you provide an example of an inciting incident from classical literature?

In Homer's 'Odyssey', the inciting incident is when Odysseus leaves Troy and begins his journey home, which sets the stage for the epic's events.

What is the 'meet cute' in romantic comedies and how does it function as an inciting incident?

The 'meet cute' in romantic comedies is the charming and often humorous first encounter between the two leads, which serves as the inciting incident that propels the romantic narrative forward.

How can an inciting incident affect a character's world, and provide an example?

An inciting incident can shift a character's world from good to bad or vice versa. For instance, in 'The Conjuring', the excitement for a new house turns into terror with the first big scare, setting the stage for the rest of the film.

What are some common categories of inciting incidents in films?

Common categories include personal loss, discovery of hidden knowledge, call to adventure, and attacks or evidence of evil, each prompting the protagonist to embark on a journey or react in a significant way.

Why is it important for the inciting incident to occur near the beginning of a film but not at the very start?

The inciting incident should occur near the beginning to establish the protagonist's baseline world and allow the audience to understand the disruption caused by the event. It should not be at the very start to avoid immediately jumping into the second act without showing the impact of the incident.

In the three-act structure, where should the inciting incident typically occur?

The inciting incident should typically occur halfway through the first act, which is about 12.5% into the script, according to many screenwriting textbooks.

How can directors emphasize the importance of an inciting incident in a film?

Directors can use various techniques such as blocking, music, editing, sound design, camera movements, and production design to highlight the significance of an inciting incident and signal to the audience that a pivotal moment has occurred.

Why is the inciting incident considered crucial for most mainstream films?

The inciting incident is crucial for most mainstream films because it provides the spark that initiates the narrative, creating a clear starting point for the audience to engage with the story and follow the protagonist's journey.