This screenplay document discusses the key elements of a screenplay including subject, action, character, research, and structure. It explains that a screenplay should have a definitive beginning, middle, and end with each act setting up confrontation and resolution. It emphasizes focusing on the character and their goals, needs, and how they overcome obstacles. Research is important to add accurate details. The structure recommends using index cards to map out scenes leading to the plot point at the end of each act.

1. Screenplay
by Syd Field

2. The Subject
Action and Character
What happens
Who it happens to
Definitive beginning, middle and end
Form and Structure
 Fleshing out the action
 Focusing on the character
Broadens the story and accentuates the details

3. Research
Research is absolutely essential
Search for accurate information
The devil is in the detail
o Personal interviews
o Increase knowledge

4. SUBJECT
Action
Physical Emotional
Character
Define the
Need
Action is
Character

5. Character
What does your character want?
What is his need?
All drama is conflict
Conflict, Struggle, Overcoming Obstacles
What a person does is what he is, not what he
says?
For every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction

6. Building the Screenplay
Act 3
End
Act 2
Middle
Act 1
Beginning
Set up Confrontation Resolution
Plot Point 1 Plot Point 2

7. Act 1 – The Setup
Plot Point
Incident of event that “hooks” into the action and
spins it around in another direction
Each act has a direction
Set up your story
Main Character
Dramatic Premise
Establish the Situation (Visually and Dramatically)

8. Act 2 – The
Confrontation
Character encounters obstacles that keep him
from reaching his goal
Another plot point
Act 3 - Resolution

9. Building
1. Take a pack of Index cards
2. Write the idea for each scene or sequence on a
single card (brief words)
3. Build toward the plot point at the end of each act
Experiment
Work for your story