STORY MAPS: Star Wars: Ep. III - Sith
(2005; Written and Directed by George Lucas)
My Story Map method seeks to make your spec screenplay adhere to the
same timing structure used by the majority of commercial feature films
released today and the most effective professional screenplays on the
market.
Two of the ideal locations for major story beats are page 27 and
75.
Specifically, page 27 of the screenplay, or minute 27 on film, would
correspond to a dramatic TURN in your story which will prompt a
DECISION by your Protagonist which will close out Act One and
thrust
us, and them, into Act Two.
Page/Minute 75 is the best placement of what I call the Declaration
of
War/Assumption of Power, where the Protagonist/Hero either realizes
their true, unforeseen strength to pursue their struggle or declares
outright war on the Antagonist/Central Dramatic Conflict.
Let’s look at Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith for
some
examples...
minute 27 - Padme tells Anakin she's pregnant. Quite a dramatic
turn! This puts a new urgency, raised stakes, on Anakin’s quest
for power in his tutelage under Chancellor Palpatine. After Anakin has
a prophecy
of Padme's death during childbirth, he makes the decision to save her
life
at all costs. Chancellor Palpatine uses this to draw Anakin to the dark
side,
offering him the power to save her life...if only he embrace the ways
of the evil Sith.
minute 76 - "Lord Darth Vader" is named and swears allegiance to
Palpatine in the battle to exterminate the Jedi. Talk about both
an Assumption of Power and a Declaration of War! Our Protagonist
is not only realizing his true potential but beginning a new story
engine: to fight his former allies.
High conflict in a galaxy far, far away.
-Daniel Calvisi
www.actfourscreenplays.com
copyright © Daniel Calvisi 2005-2006
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