Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

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stephenbuck415
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Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

Postby stephenbuck415 » Feb 24, 2011 2:06 pm

I understand that a basic screenwriting outline follows this structure:

Act
- Sequence
-- Scene
--- Beat

Dramatica seems to have this basic outline structure:

Class
- Type
-- Variation
--- Element

I would like to combine the best of both worlds to create an expanded Screenwriter outline that would allow me to make notes with respect to each Dramatica outline element, inlcuding throughlines and signposts.

Using the default Screenwriter template, my first draft of the template outline is as follows:

Act
- Class
-- Sequence
--- Signpost
---- Throughline
----- Type
------ Scene Heading
------- Scene
------- Variation
------- Shot
-------- Element
--------- Beat
---------- Note

Does that look like I have ordered items properly, or should adjustments be made?
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Re: Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

Postby Chris Huntley » Feb 25, 2011 11:41 am

I am not sure how helpful that would be. Dramatica sees stories laid out like a cookbook with all the ingredients identified and the instructions identifying the order in which they should be combined. A screenplay is like the finished product, with everything all mixed together and laid out for presentation.

I do not see much value in identifying the story structure pieces except for reference.
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stephenbuck415
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Re: Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

Postby stephenbuck415 » Feb 25, 2011 12:06 pm

Ah, okay, I understand. I'm still new to screenwriting and am most likely complicating things.

Thank you.
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Clint541963
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Re: Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

Postby Clint541963 » Feb 26, 2011 7:11 am

Stephenbuck415,
Please check this dramatica article
How & Why Dramatica Is Different
From Other Story Paradigms
by Chris Huntley

Code: Select all

http://www.dramatica.com/theory/articles/index.htm


It is excellent and included is a comparison of "outline" differences and similarities to other story paradigms.
In my opinion dramatica is not exclusive to these but in fact can fit right into these other paradigms. For instance all the elements of the "Hero's Journey" can fit right into the Dramatica outline. The classic 3 act structure fits easily by combining Dramatica's signposts 2&3 with the second journey as the point of no return perhaps or or Act 1=Journey 1, Act 2 = Journey 2, and Act 3 = Journey 3.

Now I am just formulating this next thought so take it as as not fully formed (which may be good advice for everything I say). I am thinking of John Truby's 6(or so) mini movies. Each about 15 minutes (or is it 10) I would call these sequences (SEQUENCE: 'A scene, or a series of connected scenes, that present a succession of related events that constitute and advance a distinct component of the story narrative, plot and/or character development'.) Dramatica says you should not move on to the next journey or signpost without including each of the four Throughline elements of the signpost or journey you are working on. (perhaps this is for structure purposes and can be changed when the writer gets to STORY WEAVING.)
but what I am wondering is could Truby's mini movie be a beginning middle and end which includes a component of all throughlines for that signpost or journey as long as the connected scenes present a successtion of related events that constitute and advance a distinct component of the story narrative, plot and/or character development.
I can see problems with this idea such as a Truby mini movie could include 2, 3 or more sequences... I don't know ...thinking out loud...

Here is another not fully formed hypothesis.
if Story Structure= beat, scene, sequence, act, story.
I would argue Dramatica only goes as far as sequence, signpost/journey(act), story.
I would further theorize that a dramatica sequence would include scenes that illustrate one of the four throughline in that journey or signpost, so that each journey/signpost would include at least 4 dramatica sequences.
I would argue the beats and the scenes are up to the artist

Check out the screen writing science page. It uses "On the Waterfront" to illustrate sequence. It is good.
from screen writing science

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http://screenwritingscience.com/sequence-scene-definitions/



In the case of Dramatica a "distinct component of the story" would be a SIGNPOST or a JOURNEY in each THROUGH-LINE.
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Sam Potter
Screenwriter

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Clint541963
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Re: Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

Postby Clint541963 » Feb 26, 2011 8:27 am

Chris Huntly Podcast URL:

http://www.dramatica.com/podcasts/index.htm#paradigms

The article podcast is called:
Dramatica and Other Story Paradigms
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Sam Potter
Screenwriter

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stephenbuck415
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Re: Creating a Dramatica-Based Screenwriter Template

Postby stephenbuck415 » Feb 26, 2011 8:37 am

Thank you.
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