Screenplay Analysis: Sleepless In Seattle
THIS ROUNDTABLE WILL BE VIRTUAL…WE WILL MEET ONLINE THROUGH ZOOM. SCRIPT LINK IS BELOW.
ANALYSIS OF A SCREENPLAY PRESENTS: SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
Please download script below:
https://www.scriptslug.com/assets/scripts/sleepless-in-seatlle-1993.pdf
It’s common knowledge that to make a great film you must first start with a great script. But what is a great script? What elements make up a great story?
Join us Saturday Feb 4th as we review and break down the script Sleepless In Seattle. If you want to be a writer, it is not enough to watch films. You must read scripts as well. You must analyze the components of a script. Dissect the script and learn what makes it work.
In our discussion we will review:
Setup:
Act One: (20-30 Pages)
Plot Point #1 (Forced to make a decision that changes the direction of the story)
What is the inciting incident/call to action (approx. 12 mins)?
(This spins the protagonist’s world out of sync).
Climax of the first act.
Ascending Action to the Confrontation
Characters at a crossroads and must choose a course of action. They develop a PLAN “A” based on necessity.
What are the main conflicts? (what is at stake for the protagonist?)
What is the Act 1 turning point (approx. Min 25)?
How does the antagonist really sock it to the protagonist at the end of Act 1 so the protagonist is forced to do something?
What is the midpoint?
Act Two – 40-60 Pages
Midpoint: Unexpected obstacle surfaces to help get our protagonists back on track (Plan A)
Protagonist stops reacting and starts ACTING
(Often a pivotal character is introduced as an agent of change)
False sense of security – then to plot point #2
Plot Point #2:
Lowest point in the story for the protagonist
The hook that spins action in another directions.
Point where “plan A” must be abandoned b/c it’s impossible to achieve
Protagonist’ goals come tumbling down.
Descending Action
Third Act: 20-30 Pages
Good climax’s resolve story and should be close to end of film.
**The above is provided at the request of participants from prior discussions. These are the structural elements we will discuss.
This will be a roundtable discussion so be prepared to talk.
Join us for analysis of , and see what makes a great script. Discussion will be moderated by Shelly Howeison.
We will email the screenplay when you RSVP
***Phoenix Screenwriters Association has received an AZ Organizational Relief Grant (ORG). Administered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the AZ ORG Program directs relief funds allocated by Governor Doug Ducey from the State of Arizona’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in support of arts and culture organizations across the state.