This document discusses linear vs non-linear storytelling in films. Linear films follow a chronological order from beginning to end, while non-linear films do not always unfold chronologically and can be disjointed or disorienting. Examples of non-linear films include Citizen Kane, Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and films by Quentin Tarantino. While non-linear films may not follow a traditional 3-act structure in order, they still need structure, tension, and forward movement. Planning is important to provide a "spine" and structure, but there is also value in improvisation and finding creativity within established guidelines.
3. LINEAR VS. NON-LINEAR
LINEAR
• Chronological
• From point a to
point B
• Cause and
effect
• Traditional
mode
NON-LINEAR
• Doesn‟t unfold in
chronological order
• Sometimes jarring,
disjointed,
disorienting
• Not always a clear
cause and effect
9. IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO PLAN IN THE FIRST
PLACE?
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Improvisation sometimes leads
to no point, no drama, no
tension, no structure
Once the skeleton is in place,
you can decide what goes
where
Planning can make it easier to
be creative and loose
„Unity of action‟ (Aristotle); as
Godard says “beginning,
middle and end, but not
necessarily in that order”
There needs to be a spine,
structure, tension, forward
movement; no excess
Like a map, you have
guideposts, but can choose
how you want to get there
Improvisation and planning
aren‟t mutually exclusive
10. Act 2
Act 3
Middle
End
Act 1
Beginning
SETUP
C O N F R O N T AT I O N
~ 1-30 pgs
~ 30-90 pgs
Inciting Incident
~90-120 pgs
Climax
Midpoint
Plot Point 1
(aka
RESOLUTION
1ST
act turning point)
Plot Point 2
13. ORGANIZING YOUR IDEA
• Pitch
• Treatment
• Outline/scene
outline
• Index cards
• Journal
• Tape recorder
• Character bio
• What actors
would you see
playing your
characters?
• Who‟s the
audience for
your film?
