The document outlines the fundamentals of storytelling in films, emphasizing the three-act structure that includes setup, catalyst, central question, turning points, climax, and resolution. It highlights the importance of the opening set up in providing essential information and maintaining audience engagement through narrative progression. Additionally, it encourages students to create ideas for horror films by considering key cinematic elements and referencing selected horror clips for analysis.

1. The way films tell stories
Key words to write down definitions of as we go:
Set Up, Catalyst, Central Question, Turning Point,
Climax, Resolution

2. Are all films the same?
 Hero
 Disruption Journey Return to normal
 Agent
of Change

3. The Three Act Structure
 Most commercial films tend to have narratives based
around a Three Act Structure.
 At the heart of the Three Act Structure is the idea of a
beginning, middle and end.
 The Set Up – This is normally the first five to ten
minutes of the film. It is here that all vital information
is provided (main characters, basis storyline, location,
genre). This is the most important part of the film.

4. During the Set Up
 Catalyst – During the set up a catalyst will be
introduced. The catalyst is what gets the story moving.
 Central Question – This is a problem, situation or
issue that needs to be resolved by the end of the film.
 These things are vital for the audience to learn early on

5. The Opening to The Ring
 Watch the opening carefully and make a list of all the
important things that we learn in the Set Up
 How are camera, editing, sound and mise en scene
used?
 Fill in the sheet provided in as much detail as possible.

6. After the Set Up
 Once key elements have been introduced it is important
that the narrative moves quickly so that the audience’s
interest is maintained.
 Turning points are used to do this. Turning points change
the direction of the story and raise the stakes. There will be
a turning point at the end of Act One and Act Two
 But the moment that the audience most want to see is the
Climax. This is the big finish of the film – where the good
guy and bad guy meet up.
 The Resolution is the final part of the film where all loose
ends are tied up.

7. The Three Act Structure - diagram
Turning Points
ClimaxClimax
DenouementSet Up
Act One Act Two Act Three

8. What do these words mean?
Set Up, Catalyst, Central
Question, Turning Point,
Climax, Resolution

9. Activity
 A prop
 A character
 A location
 A line of dialogue
 Once you have your four elements you are start developing
ideas for possible horror films. Don’t forget to think about
the importance of the Set Up.
 As an individual you need to come up with three ideas.
Please fill in the sheet provided in as much detail as
possible. You will share ideas LATER. You will have 30mins
in class then you will complete this for HOMEWORK. Due
in for the next lesson

10. Research into Horrors
 Choose two of the following clips (that you have not
already focused on) and take notes on how they use
camera, editing, sound mise en scene and narrative.
 Darkness Falls
 Don’t be Afraid of the Dark
 Prom Night
 Scream 2
 The Amityville Horror
 Wrong Turn
 Saw
 The Ring (not opening)
 Silence of the Lambs
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