LORD OF THE RINGS Follows the Universal Story Beats!

Minute-by-minute story beat analysis of FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS.

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
“Much is lost,” the narrator says   
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
Dark Lord Sauron forges a master ring, which he pours his cruelty and malice into     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
Men and Elves fight for the freedom of Middle Earth
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
Sauron wipes out many soldiers with the ring’s power
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
Isildur is murdered and thrown into the river! The ring is lost!
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
The ring consumes Gollum (FIST)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Bilbo finds the ring (FRIEND and FIST)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
Frodo hears Gandalf coming!
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Frodo asks Gandalf news of the outside world (he pursues knowledge)
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Gandalf and Frodo discuss Bilbo Baggins
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
A hobbit’s wife glares at her husband
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
Bilbo yells that he doesn’t want any visitors! 
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Gandalf bumps his head and ducks
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
Bilbo doesn’t want to answer the knock on the door
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Bilbo almost touches the ring in his pocket
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
Sam is concerned about asking the girl to dance
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Bilbo tells the children a gruesome tale, which turns their protected world upside down
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
The dragon firework swoops down on the villagers
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
Bilbo reaches for the ring in his pocket
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Gandalf scolds Bilbo
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
The ring’s power affects Bilbo with its power
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Gandalf to Bilbo: “You’ve had the ring long enough”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
The scary ring draws Bilbo in
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Gandalf looks at the scary ring
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Gandalf acts oddly
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
Gandalf leaves unexpectedly
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
Gandalf rides towards his destination
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Gandalf reads about the ring in the ancient scrolls
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
Gandalf reads more about the ring in the ancient scrolls
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
Gandalf needs to know if the ring is kept secret and safe
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
Gandalf realizes the language on the ring is from evil Mordor
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
Gandalf says that evil Sauron has returned
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
The ring wants to return to its master—oh no!
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
Gandalf refuses to take the ring from his friend Frodo
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
Frodo thinks the ring might be safe at the inn (BAIT), but Gandalf is not sure it will (SWITCH)
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
Someone HIDES outside Frodo’s window and Gandalf SEEKS who it is
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
“The agents of the dark lords” are looking for the ring. Frodo may be in over his head.
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Frodo encourages Samwise
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Gandalf meets up with his old friend Saruman to discuss what to do
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
Distraught Gandalf, Frodo’s ally, learns about Sauron’s evil plans
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
Saruman uncovers the seeing stone (ROSE), but Gandalf sees Sauron’s eye when he covers it back up (THORN)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
Gandalf realizes he’s been betrayed—his friend Saruman wants him to join with Sauron  
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
Saruman steals Gandalf’s staff and shows him that he (Saruman) is more powerful
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
Merry and Pippin crash into Frodo and Samwise—they are stealing from the farmer
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Frodo yells at his companions to “get off the road!”
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Frodo realizes a Dark Rider is right above him!
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
Samwise grabs Frodo and drags him towards the woods
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
Merry tells Frodo about Bucklebury Ferry—what they need to escape
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
There are more Dark Riders now chasing Frodo
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
The Gatekeeper warns Frodo that “there’s talk of strange folk abroad”
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
Frodo chats with the suspicious bartender
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
A Ranger stares at Frodo from across the room. Frodo stays put in his seat   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
The ring tries to seduce Frodo   
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
Frodo realizes that when he puts on the ring, Sauron sees him   
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
The Dark Riders burst through the town’s gate  
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
Frodo: What are they? (Referring to the Dark Riders)
Strider: They were once great men...blinded by greed   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
Strider to Frodo: They will never stop hunting you   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
They are going to Rivendell to see the elves   
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Saruman secretly builds an army on Sauron’s orders   
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
Gandalf realizes he’s being held captive on the tower roof   

And so on...  

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

THE MATRIX Follows the Minute-by-Minute Beats!

As do all great movies, The Matrix follows the 120 universal minute-by-minute story beats to a tee!

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
Cypher tells Trinity, “We’re going to kill him.”    
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
Agents show up and argue with the Police Chief    
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
Morpheus tells Trinity that they’ve been compromised — agents are outside!
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
The cops and agents chase Trinity on the rooftops
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
Trinity executes a jaw dropping superhuman leap through a far away window
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Trinity’s friends save her life by ringing her into the phone (FRIEND)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Trinity sends Neo an email, telling him The Matrix has him (FRIEND)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
The loud knock on the door startles Neo
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Neo pursues the girl with the white rabbit tattoo to see where she leads
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Trinity discusses The Matrix with Neo
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
Trinity warns Neo: “They are watching you”
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
The boss warns Neo not to be late again or he’ll be fired  
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Neo submits to his boss’s threat
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
Neo sees agents looking in his direction
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Neo barely dodges the agents as he scurries toward the empty office (Whew, That Was Close!)
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
Neo is concerned that he might go to jail
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Agents handcuff Neo and force him into their car
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
Agent Smith tells Neo they know he’s a computer hacker
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
Agent Smith warns Neo that he’d better help them bring Morpheus to justice
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Neo gives the agent the finger
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
The agents insert an electronic bug into Neo’s navel
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Morpheus calls Neo “The One”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
Switch points a gun at Neo
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Trinity pulls out a scary contraption and presses it onto Neo’s navel
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Trinity’s scary contraption sucks the electronic bug out of Neo’s navel
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
Neo meets the legendary Morpheus in person!
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
Neo wants to be told what The Matrix is (Neo’s Mini-Quest before he actually sees it)
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Morpheus explains to Neo that he has to see The Matrix (preparing him to be The One)
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
Morpheus offers Neo the red or blue pill (preparing him to see The Matrix)
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
Neo needs to see what swallowing the red pill means
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
The liquid mirror, attached to Neo’s fingertip, causes him distress
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
The liquid mirror creeps up Neo's arm and into his throat. He screams!
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
Neo sees that he’s naked inside a glass pod — and so are millions of others!
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
Morpheus’s machine grabs Neo 

MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
Neo is welcomed to the real world (BAIT), but he’s stuck with hundreds of acupuncture needles (SWITCH)
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
Neo’s true potential remains hidden within his doubting mind
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
Neo realizes that there is something attached to the back of his head. He may be in over his head
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Neo is re-introduced to Trinity, Apoc, Switch, Tank, Dozer and Mouse — his new friends
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Neo bonds further with the Nebuchadnezzar crew as they prepare to defeat the Matrix
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
Morpheus explains more about his world inside the computer program
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
The world Neo lived in was nice (ROSE) compared to its ugly reality (THORN)

MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
Morpheus reveals that humans are used as batteries  
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
Morpheus reveals that there are human crops used for harvesting
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
Neo throws up after experiencing all this overwhelming new information
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Neo has his mind freed at an older-than-usual age
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Morpheus reveals that he believes Neo will lead humanity to freedom
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
Tank says he will take Neo to his training
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
Tank inputs combat knowledge directly into Neo’s brain — Needed Knowledge
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
Tank gives Neo deadly fighting knowledge (if he doesn’t have this knowledge he will die in The Matrix)
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
Morpheus tells Neo, “Your weakness is not your technique” (if Neo doesn’t overcome his weakness he will die)
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
Morpheus intimidates Neo with his superior fighting skills
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
Morpheus beats Neo in the fight   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
Morpheus (Neo’s enemy in the dojo) tells Neo to know he is faster.    
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
Neo realizes he can’t jump from one building to the next  
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
Neo’s failed jump stuns Mouse   
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
Trinity and Cypher chat, but then Cypher expresses jealousy   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
“Were you listening to me or looking at the woman in the red dress?” Morpheus asks Neo   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
Morpheus tells Neo that when he’s ready he won’t need to dodge bullets (vital information for Neo)   
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Morpheus tells the crew to set down the ship (to deceive the Sentinels)   
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
The sentinel approaches the Nebuchadnezzar! 

And so on...

To learn about all 120 story beats, and how to apply them effectively to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

 

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK Checks Off Every Minute-By-Minute Story Beat!

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
Indiana Jones and his crew head deep into a dangerous jungle.    
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
Indy finds a deadly arrow     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
Satipo says, “The Hovitos are near. The poison is still fresh”
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
A man pulls a gun on Indy
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
A jaw dropping number of spiders crawl onto Indy and his ally’s back
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Indy saves Satipo from falling (FRIEND)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Indy saves Satipo’s life again (FRIEND)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
The crumbling temple startles Indy!
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Indy pursues Satipo who stole the idol
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Belloq and Indy talk about the idol
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
Belloq warns Indy to hand over the gun or the Hovitos warriors will kill him
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
The Hovitos try to kill Indy  
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Indy remains seated as snake slithers in his lap
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
Indy watches Marcus approach with ominous news
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Indy explains to Marcus that he had the idol in his hand — it was this close (and we know, from having seen it, that Indy experienced a close call when the Hovitos warriors almost kill him 
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
Indy shows concern when he learns that army intelligence has come to see him. “Am I in trouble?” he asks Marcus
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Government agents tell Indy that Hitler is looking for an important artifact
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
Indy learns that Hitler wants the ark so he can obtain great power (which will get Indy into trouble later)
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
The Nazis (obvious bad guys) threaten to find the Ra headpiece first
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Indy — who was intimidated by Belloq, the snakes, and now the agents — pushes back intellectually with his superior knowledge of the ark
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
Marcus tells Indy that the government wants him to find the ark, which greatly affects Indy’s life
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Marcus tells Indy: “Faith is the path of least resistance”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
Indy shows Marcus his (scary) gun
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Marion is involved in an intense drinking game with a large local (scary for her because she might lose her reputation as a woman who can hold her liquor)
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Marion almost passes out and loses the drinking game
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
Marion punches Indiana Jones in the face
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
Indy tells Marion that he needs the bronze medallion (Indy’s Mini-Quest before searching
for the ark)
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Indy gives Marion money to get the medallion
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
Nazis enter Marion’s bar (in preparation to take over the medallion so they can find the ark)
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
The Nazi needs to see the medallion
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
Indy sees the red-hot poker moving toward Marion’s face.
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
The bad guys shoot at Indy
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
A flame races toward Indy’s face (Oh no!)
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
Sallah brings Indy and Marion to his home
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
Marion befriends a monkey (who will later betray her)
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
The ark stays hidden, not found yet by Belloq or Indy.
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
Sallah realizes the ark should remain undisturbed (they may be in over their heads)
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Indy and Marion joke together at the market
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Indy helps Marion as they fend off the bad guys
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
We learn that Marion will hurt someone to defend herself — she clanks the guy over the head with a pan (this plays out later when she pulls a knife on Belloq)
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
Indy shoots sword-guy and is temporarily safe (ROSE), but he still has to find Marion (THORN)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
Marion reveals she’s hiding inside the basket  
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
Marion dies!
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
Indy learns Bellog is in town
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Indy threatens to kill Belloq in a public place
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Sallah reveals that he is willing to risk his children to save Indy
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
Sallah says he will take Indy to the old man
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
Sallah tells Indy the Nazis had a headpiece
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
The old man cautions Indy that the medallion warns against disturbing the ark
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
Sallah spots the dead monkey and catches the poisoned date before Indy eats it
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
The Nazis yell at Indy
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
Nazis take Sallah away from the well opening, leaving Indy stuck inside   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
Nazis keep Sallah away from the well hole — Indy can’t get out   
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
Indy discovers that the sun’s rays really do work through the medallion   
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
Sallah drops the Nazi flag onto a surprised Indy   
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
Indy is excited to find Marion, but then he re-gags her   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
Indy to Marion: I’ll come back to get you   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
Major Toht shows the medallion impression burned into his palm   
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Indy and the workers dig at nightfall to avoid detection   
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
The monser-like statue scares Sallah!   

And so on...

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know


And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com


 

SHREK 1&2 FOLLOW THE BEATS!

SCREENWRITING INSIGHT!: SHREK and SHREK 2, which grossed of over 1.4 billion dollars, faithfully follows the Something Startling Happens minute-by-minute story beats! To prove my point, I placed their stories side-by-side:

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
SHREK: The narrator says, “The Princess had “an enchantment upon her of a fearful sort”
SHREK 2: The narrator says, “They saw that she was cursed with a frightful enchantment”   
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
SHREK: Shrek makes a “Beware Ogre” sign  
SHREK 2: The Prince finds a wolf in the Princess’s bed 
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
SHREK: Villagers hunt for Shrek
SHREK 2: Little Red Riding hood screams when she sees Shrek and Fiona
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
SHREK: Shrek scares away the villagers
SHREK 2: Villagers try to kill Shrek and Fiona
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
SHREK: A donkey speaks!
SHREK 2: The sign says, “Beware Ogres”—jaw dropping words to read
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
SHREK: Donkey and his mean master fight (FIST)
SHREK 2: Shrek tells Donkey that he’s bothering him (FIST)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
SHREK: Shrek protects Donkey from the knights (FRIEND)
SHREK 2: Shrek yells at Donkey (FIST)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
SHREK: Donkey startles Shrek
SHREK 2: Shrek startles Fiona by saying, “And who says I want to be a part of this family?”
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
SHREK: Donkey pursues Shrek through the woods
SHREK 2: Donkey keeps asking if they are “there yet” (he pursues an answer)
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
SHREK: Donkey and Shrek discuss whether Donkey can stay at his place
SHREK 2: Shrek and Donkey discuss “Far, far away”
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
SHREK: Shrek slams the door (a warning to Donkey that he’s not allowed to sleep inside)
SHREK 2: Shrek warns Donkey not to make noise
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
SHREK: Shrek gives Donkey a harsher warning: “I thought I told you to stay outside”
SHREK 2: Shrek says, “We are definitely not in the swamp anymore” (a warning to Fiona that he is uncomfortable in this strange new city)
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
SHREK: Shrek sighs and lays down his fork and knife
SHREK 2: Shrek stands there helplessly while everyone stares at him
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
SHREK: Shrek sees many unwanted visitors outside his house
SHREK 2: Fiona’s disaproving parents approach Shrek
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
SHREK: The visitors applaud when Shrek says he will help them (Whew, that was close if he didn’t) 
SHREK 2: Fiona belches at the table, but Shrek laughs (Whew, that would’ve been embarrassing if he didn’t laugh)
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
SHREK: Gingerbreak man is concerned about what Farquaad might do to him
SHREK 2: Fiona’s parents are concerned about her living in a swamp
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
SHREK: The soldiers have found the mirror
SHREK 2: Shrek and Fiona’s father argue
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
SHREK: The mirror tells Farquaad he’ll become king if he marries a princess
SHREK 2: Fiona runs out
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
SHREK: Farquaad picks Fiona to marry
SHREK 2: Fiona’s happiness is threatened
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
SHREK: Brave Shrek approaches Farquaad’s castle
SHREK 2: Fiona orders the Fairy Godmother’s creatures to “Let go!”
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
SHREK: Shrek notices that the castle is “Too quiet”
SHREK 2: The Fairy Godmother says it can’t be right that Shrek is Fiona’s husband
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
SHREK: Shrek to Donkey: “You’re going the right way for a smacked bottom”
SHREK 2: Shrek: “I told you coming here was a bad idea”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
SHREK: The soldiers point their sharp swords at Shrek
SHREK 2: Shrek growls at the dog
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
SHREK: The soldiers try to kill Shrek
SHREK 2: The King says their daughter married a monster
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
SHREK: The soldiers point their crossbows at Shrek
SHREK 2: The Fairy Godmother and the Prince yell at the King
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
SHREK: Farquaad orders Shrek to find Fiona
SHREK 2:The Fairy Godmother says that Fiona and the Prince will be together
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
SHREK: Shrek and Donkey walk through the sunflowers to get to the road
SHREK 2: The King rides his horse towards the tavern
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
SHREK: Shrek and Donkey prepare for the long journey ahead
SHREK 2: The King looks for someone to kill Shrek
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
SHREK: Shrek and Donkey prepare to enter the castle
SHREK 2: The King hires Puss N’ Boots to kill Shirek
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
SHREK: Shrek needs to get across the bridge
SHREK 2: Shrek needs to know how Fiona feels
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
SHREK: Donkey is distress about the lava
SHREK 2: Shrek is distressed to find out that Fiona obsessed over Prince Charming
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
SHREK: The spooky place scares Donkey
SHREK 2: The King is at the door and wants to talk to Shrek
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
SHREK: A dragon chases Donkey! (Oh no!)
SHREK 2: A sword-bearing cat comes to kill Shrek! (Oh no!)
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
SHREK: Donkey charms the dragon
SHREK 2: Donkey kicks Shrek in the groin
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
SHREK: The dragon doesn’t kill donkey (+), but she carries donkey away (-)
SHREK 2: Puss N’ Boots doesn’t kill Shrek (+), but Shrek learns that the King paid to kill him (-)
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
SHREK: Fiona wants to know Shrek’s name, but he doesn’t tell her
SHREK 2: The Fairy Godmother remains hidden inside the card until a tear is shed
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
SHREK: Fiona is a handful (Shrek may be in over his head)
SHREK 2: Puss N’ Boots shows Shrek his big eyes (Shrek’s over his head)
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
SHREK: Shrek saves Donkey from the dragon
SHREK 2:Shrek and Puss N’ Boots become friends
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
SHREK: Shrek carries Donkey and Fiona as they try to escape from the dragon
SHREK 2: Fiona and her father talk about her being with Prince Charming
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
SHREK: Fiona thinks Shrek is wonderful for rescueing her
SHREK 2: Donkey is jealous that Shrek likes Puss N’ Boots
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
SHREK: Fiona wants to kiss Shrek (ROSE), but he doesn’t want to show her his face (THORN)
SHREK 2: Shrek finds the Fairy Godmother’s castle (ROSE), but she’s not taking any visitors (THORN)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
SHREK: Shrek removes his helmet and reveals his ugly face to a surprised Fiona
SHREK 2: Shrek surprises the Fairy Godmother
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
SHREK: Shrek throws a surprised Fiona over his shoulder
SHREK 2: A cart pushing worker surprises Shrek and the Fairy Godmother
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
SHREK: Fiona learns she will meet Lord Farquaad tomorrow
SHREK 2: Shrek finds the potion room
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
SHREK: Shrek gives in to Fiona
SHREK 2: Shrek asks for a Handsome potion
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
SHREK: Donkey realizes Shrek doesn’t want him to live with him
SHREK 2: An alarm goes off. Shrek realizes he’s in trouble
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
SHREK: Donkey forces Shrek to admit what’s wrong (he escorts Shrek towards the truth)
SHREK 2: The hook escorts Shrek across the room
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
SHREK: Donkey tells Shrek he didn’t think he was a “big ugly ogre” (Shrek needed to hear this)
SHREK 2: Shrek learns that if he drinks the potion he and Fiona will be happy
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
SHREK: Farquaad is falling for Fiona
SHREK 2: Donkey tells Shrek that once he drinks the potion there’s no going back
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
SHREK: Fiona’s singing blows up the bird
SHREK 2: Dark clouds approach
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
SHREK: Robin Hood grabs Fiona
SHREK 2: The potion knocks out Shrek
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
SHREK: Shrek watches helplessly as Robin Hood sings at him
SHREK 2: Fiona passes out 
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
SHREK: An arrow strikes Shrek’s butt   
SHREK 2: Beautiful women surround Shrek
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
SHREK: Shrek realizes that Fiona tricked Donkey
SHREK 2: Shrek finds out he must kiss Fiona by midnight to make the potion permanent   
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
SHREK: Donkey sees blood and faints 
SHREK 2: Shrek’s pants fall down 
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
SHREK: Shrek (to Fiona about the castle): “There is it, Princess. You’re {dark} future awaits” 
SHREK 2: Shrek says he will repay the traveler, unless he can’t find them or he forgets 
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
SHREK: Shrek (to Donkey): “You look awful”  
SHREK 2: Shrek hears his wife scream. “Fiona!” he says
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
SHREK: Fiona and Shrek fall in love
SHREK 2: Prince Charming approaches Fiona 
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
SHREK: Fairy Godmother locks Shrek in the room 
SHREK 2: Prince Charming pretends he’s Shrek  
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
SHREK: Fiona’s not there! (10 seconds later in this case) 
SHREK 2: Shrek has lost Fiona to Prince Charming!

And so on...

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

CONTAGION Uses the Minute-by-Minute Beats!

SCREENWRITER ALERT: Whether it’s a horror classic like John Carpenter’s Halloween, a Disney favorite like Lion King, or Stephen Soderberg’s newest thriller, Contagion (which grossed over $120 million so far), every genre uses Something Startling Happens’ universal minute-by-minute beats. All successful stories do. See how here:

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
Sexual tension between Beth and her lover over the phone    
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
An Asian man, and young woman are extremely sick     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
A young woman dies
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
A bus strikes the sick Asian man
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
Alan Krumwiede makes the jaw dropping comment that this may be a government cover-up
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Alan and a pregnant journalist debate about the outbreak (FIST)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Mitch takes care of his stepson (FRIEND)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
Beth collapses and convulses in the kitchen!
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
When Mitch learns that Beth died, he pursues why
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Mitch and the doctor discuss what happened to Beth
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
Clark’s stepson dies, too—a warning that this disease is contagious
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
The virus spreads in the most populated city on earth 
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Beth lays dead while the coroners drill open her skull
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
The doctors see that the virus “obliterated” Beth’s brain
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Dr. Ellis is relieved to know that Dr. Elin is prepared (Whew, that was close) 
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
Mitch’s daughter is concerned that he’s sick
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Mitch’s daughter learns that her brother died
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
The staff Dr. Erin works with want to keep the schools and stores open
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
People can be contagious without showing symptoms
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Dr. Erin debates with the mean staff lady
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
The virus seems to be “amplified”
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Alan says: “This is a biological weapon”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
Homeland Security wonders if someone “weaponized the bird flu”
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Reports say a teacher and students died from the virus
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Dr. Erin tells Beth’s sick coworker to get off the bus immediately
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
Beth’s coworker learns that he has an infectious disease and is highly contagious
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
Dr. Erin tries to find out where Beth travelled
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Dr. Ally Hextall  and Dr. Ellis study the virus (preparing to find out how to stop it)
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
The researcher and Dr. Ellis study the virus even more (preparing to find out how to stop it)
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
Dr. Ally Hextall tells Dr. Ian Sussman: “We need to shut you down”
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
Dr. Ellis holds a distressing news conference about the spreading virus
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
They believe there are 89,000 cases at this point and rising
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
The virus kills every animal the doctors experiment with
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
A coworker’s comment about his sick mother affects Dr. Leonora Orantes
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
Dr. Sussman is supposed to destroy the samples, but he keeps working on them
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
The doctors SEEK to distribute the vaccine, but that’s still months away (HIDE)
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
A hedge fund man wants to pay Alan for his information (he may be in over his head)
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Dr. Erin tells Mitch he is immune
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Dr. Erin and Dave find an arena to bring patients
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD  
Dr. Erin is sad she had to tell Mitch his wife was cheating on him
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
Mitch’s daughter’s boyfriend brought flowers (ROSE), but Mitch won’t accept them (THORN)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
The virus spread to first victim when she blew on a poker chip 
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
Dr. Erin wakes up sick
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
Dr. Ellis learns that Dr. Erin is sick
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Strong Dr. Ellis puts his head in his hands
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Mitch learns that the funeral home refuses to bury Beth
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
Beth leaves a message for her lover -- she wants to take him to bed
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
Dr. Leonora Orantes learns that Beth and three other victims intersected at the casino
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
Dr. Orantes learns her coworker’s mother died
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
Dr. Orantes makes a strange call -- he’s up to something bad
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
Dr. Orantes’s coworker kidnaps her
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
Dr. Erin lays in bed, extremely sick   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
Lyle, the military man, tells Ellis there will be a run on the banks   
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
Alan tells his internet followers that he’s using a possible cure   
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
Dr. Ellis tells Aubrey he wants her to leave Chicago (sideswiping news to her)  
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
The janitor and Dr. Ellis talk about Dr. Ellis’s unethical phone conversation   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
Aubrey tells her friend: “I’m going to tell you something, and you’re not going to repeat it”   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
The crowd breaks through the pharmacy window  
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Mitch and his daughter sneak into the unmanned grocery store   
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
Mitch learns that the border is sealed and the governor declared a quarantine   

And so on...

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

Lion King Hits Every Universal Story Beat!

Whether it's a time-honored film like Casablanca (see last post), a horror classic like John Carpenter's Halloween, or the hugely popular re-released Disney feature Lion King, all three stories share the same universal minute-by-minute beats. All successful movies do!: 

*NOTE: The story begins after the big musical opening

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
Scar’s foot stomps on a tiny mouse    
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
Scar warns Mufasa that he better not turn his back on him     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
Scar warns Mufasa that he (Scar) has the brains
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH
Simba wakes his sleeping father
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
Mufasa shows Simba the jaw dropping sunrise and the vast kingdom he will inherit
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Mufasa tells Simba about the cycle of life (FRIEND)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Mufasa shows SImba how to hunt (FRIEND)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
Zazu screams “Sire! Hyenas in the Pridelands!”
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Simba wants to go to the elephant graveyard
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION
Simba and Nala discuss going to a “great place” with their mothers
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
Simba shushes Nala, warning her not to talk so loudly
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
Simba (warning Zazu): I’m gonna be a mighty king, so enemies beware!” 
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Zazu says, “If this is where the monarchy is headed, count me out”
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
Large animals fall towards little Zazu
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Zazu thwarts Simba’s attempt to check out the elephant grave (Whew, that was close!) 
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
Simba, Zazu and Nala see hyenas approaching!
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Hyenas threaten to eat them
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
Hyenas corner Simba and Nala
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT
Scar watches in the shadows (a threat to Simba’s future safety)
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Mufasa scolds Simba
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT
Simba and Mufasa bond as father and son
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Mufasa: “Whenever you feel alone, those kings will be there to guide you, and so will I”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
Scar shows up in the cave
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Scar wants the hyenas to kill Mufasa
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Scar says they will kill Mufasa, and Simba too
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
An army of hyenas line up to help Scar
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST
Scar leads Simba to a rock under a tree
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Scar asks Simba to stay on the rock (so hyenas can kill him)
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
Hyenas wait until Scar gives them the signal
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
Simba needs to escapes the stampeding wildebeests
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL
Distressed Mufasa sees Simba slipping from the tree branch
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
Simba sees his father fall into the stampede!
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
Simba finds his dead father (Oh no!)
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
Simba cries over his father’s lifeless body
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH
Scar tells Simba to run away, but then he tells the hyenas to kill him
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
Simba hides from the hyenas while they seek to kill him
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
The lionesses cry over Simba’s death
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Pumbaa and Timon find a barely-alive Simba
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Pumbaa and Timon carry Simba to safety
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
We find out Pumbaa and Timon are “outcasts”
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
Pumbaa and Timon teach Simba the positive phrase “Hakuna Matata” (the rose), but he’s still without a father and a kingdom (the thorn)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
Pumbaa’s surprise fart scares away all the animals  
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
The leaves part, revealing the surprisingly beautiful place where Pumbaa and Timon live
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
Timon tells Simba: “If you live with us, you have to eat like us”
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Simba eats a grub
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Scar holds Zazu captive
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT
The hyenas escort Shenzi to Scar
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE
Pumbaa reminds Simba about the stars (which Simba needs to know to remember what his father said to him)
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
Sad Simba remembers what his father told him about the stars 

MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
Simba collapses at the cliff’s edge, deeply saddened
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE 
A lion charges after Pumbaa
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE 
Pumbaa gets stuck in the tree roots   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION 
The lion pins Simba onto his back  
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB  
Simba learns that everyone thinks he’s dead   
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE
Nala can’t believe that Simba is alive   
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT
Timon says Simba and Nala will fall in love (+), but their trio will now be down to two (-)   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS 
Simba sings: “So many things to tell her, but how to make her see?”   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT 
Simba and Nala fall in love   
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Simba lies to Nala and said he disappeared because he wanted to live on his own   
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
Simba and Nala have a big fight   

And so on...

  

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them effectively to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com
 

Casablanca Follows the Universal Beats!

SCREENWRITERS: Casablanca faithfully follows the Something Startling Happens minute-by-minute story beats. Whether it's a 69-year old classic, a brand new Hollywood blockbuster, or a sleeper independent hit, every successful movie applies the universal beats.

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
The narrator warns us about the coming of World War 2   
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
The telegraph operator says that a murderer is headed for Casablanca     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
Officers shoot a suspicious man
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
A German plane approaches
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
Nazi’s exit the plane
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Captain Renault has a friendly chat with the German officer (FRIEND)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Friends chat in Rick’s Bar about ways to get transit papers (FRIEND)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
The waiter tells the shocked owner of Amsterdam’s second largest banking house that Rick will not drink with him (a startling rejection of a very important person)
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Rick sees a man trying to get into his bar, he heads him off at the door
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Ugarte sits and discusses the dead German couriers with Rick, and his exit visas
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
Rick warns Ugarte that he doesn’t want to keep his exit visa overnight
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
Rick warns Ugarte that he knows he got the transit papers off the dead German  
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Bad guy Ferrari approaches quiet Rick
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
Friendly bartender sees Rick approaching and says, “Oh oh”
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Rick manages to pull his angry ex-girlfriend out of the bar before she makes a scene (Whew!) 
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
The waiter is concerned because a patron won $20,000 francs
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Renault tells Rick that Major Strasser of the Third Reich is coming to his bar
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
Renault tells Rick that famed Victor Laslo is coming to Casablanca and must stay in Casablanca
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
Renault threatens Rick not to give Laslo an exit visa
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Rick chuckles at the threatening Renault
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
The Gestapo come for Ugarte (Rick now owns the transit papers)
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Rick: “I stick my neck out for nobody”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
Nazi Strasser wants to ask Rick questions
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Strasser has a dossier on Rick
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Sam sees Ilsa enter the bar
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
A man begging for money turns out to be a secret associate of Victor Laslo
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
Ilsa wants to know more about the “boy at the piano”
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Laslo prepares to outwit Strasser who wants to stop him from leaving Casablanca
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
Laslo “must find out what Berger know” (Preparing to leave Casablanca)
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
Laslo needs to find Ugarte’s transit papers
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
Ilsa asks a distressed Sam where Rick is
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
Ilsa asks an anxious Sam to play “As Time Goes By”
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
Rick sees Ilsa (Oh no!)
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
Ilsa’s remembrances of Paris affects Rick deeply
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
It seems that seeing Ilsa is good (+), but it saddens Rick (-)
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
Rick’s wants Ilsa, but she’s with Laslo
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
Drunk Rick slams his fist—”Of all the gin joints and towns in the world, she walks into mine”
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Sam plays piano for Rick
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Rick and Ilsa bond in a Paris flashback
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
Ilsa tells Rick the other man in her life is dead
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
Rick and Ilsa kiss (+), but the Nazi planes fly overhead (-)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
We see Sam play for Rick and Ilsa in Rick’s bar in Paris  
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
The Gestapo is expected in Paris tomorrow
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
The Germans are 35 miles away
Sam says there’s a price on Rick’s head
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Bachelor Rick asks Ilsa to marry him
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Ilsa’s not at the train station
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
Sam escorts Rick to the train
The train escorts Rick out of Paris
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
Ilsa tells Rick she wouldn’t have come if she knew he was here
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
Ilsa tells Rick about being with wonderful Laslo before she met Rick
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
Rick says hurtful things to Ilsa, she leaves
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
Strasser tells Laslo that he must stay in Casablanca
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
Laslo listens to Strasser   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
Strasser tells Laslo that Ugate’s dead (his connection out of Casablanca) 
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
A local says that Ferrari is “a good man to know”  
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
Ferrari makes a generous offer to Rick for the transit papers  
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
Rick talks with Ilsa, but she doesn’t want to talk with him   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
Ilsa tells Rick that she will be “leaving Casablanca soon and they will never see each other again”   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
Ilsa confesses that Victor Laslo is her husband, and was when she knew Rick in Paris  
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Laslo tells Ilsa that he would take the visa if there was only one, but he’s lying  
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
Ilsa and Laslo are shocked to find out that Rick has the transit papers   

And so on...

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles.http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

Twilight Zone's classic, TO SERVE MAN, Follows the Universal Beats!

Whether you're writing for the big screen or small, if it's a good story, it will faithfully follow the Something Startling Happens' universal minute-by-minute beats. Let's examine Twilight Zone's classic episode, To Serve Man:

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
Mr. Chambers argues with the speaker Voice    
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
“This is the way nightmares begin,” the narrator says     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
The narrator warns of something ominous in mankind’s future
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
Humans spot a UFO
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
A 9-foot tall space representative enters the conference!
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
The spaceman greets the council with “peace and friendship” (Friend)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
The spaceman wants to help the people of earth (Friend)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
The spaceman claims he can prevent earth’s natural and unnatural catastrophes (a startling claim to make!)
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
The Russian councilman pursues the truth, by questioning the spaceman
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Russian councilman: Is there an ulterior motive?
Spaceman: There is nothing ulterior in our motives, nothing at all”
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
The narrator warns us about the spacemen’s real intentions
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
“This is a tough nut,” says the decoding specialist, “a real tough nut”  
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
The decoding specialist admits that they might be out of a job
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH 
The General orders the decoding specialist to figure out what the book says
MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
The lie detector detects when the spaceman is lying and telling the truth (Whew, that was close—there was a chance it might not work on him)
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
The council is concerned whether or not the spaceman is lying
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
The spaceman promises no more war or suffering for mankind, which would turn their world upside down
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
The narrator suggests that the spaceman’s promises came true, but it may have been a set up
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
The Russian councilman threatens another man in line
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
The assistant says that things seem “odd”
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
The ease at which man complies to the spacemen baffles the decoding specialist
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
“The capital letters {the spacemen} use are different than ours” says the assistant
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
The frightened assistant tells the decoding specialist not to get on the ship—the book is a cookbook!
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
The spacemen tell the decoding specialist to “eat hardy” (they want him to be plump for when they eat him)
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Rod Serling says that we will be “the ingredient in someone else’s soup”

To learn much more about all the minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles.http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

Michael Jackson's THRILLER Follows the Beats!

Hey all you ghouls and goblins, I did a minute-by-minute analysis of Michael Jackson’s THRILLER for you. I wanted to prove that the SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS’ universal story beats not only work for feature films, but they also apply to iconic 12-minute music shorts as well. If it’s a successful story, no matter what the length, it uses the minute-by-minute beats!

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
A young couple’s car stalls on a scary back road

MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
Michael Jackson acts weird when the full moon appears       

MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
Michael turns into a werewolf and chases the girl
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
The werewolf catches the girl and raises his deadly claws
MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
Michael Jackson breaks into a song and performs jaw dropping dance moves
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Michael and his girlfriend laugh and joke around (Friend)
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Michael Jackson and his girlfriend enjoy each others’ company some more ((Friend)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
Zombies crawl from the graves!
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Zombies pursue Michael and his girlfriend
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Michael sings (tells) his girlfriend that this is “Thriller Night” 

MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
Zombies chase the girl to the house (a warning that her life is in danger) 

MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
Zombies break into the house and close in on her!
Michael Jackson’s eyes turn a sinister yellow! 
THE END

To learn much more about all the minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles.http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know

And try the #1 Bestseller, The Screenwriter's Fairy Tale: The Universal Story Within All Movie Stories: http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B007U6D0CM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348519200&sr=1-1&keywords=the+screenwriter%27s+fairytale+the+universal+story+within+all+movie+stories

Todd Klick Writing Services: www.toddklick.com

John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN Follows The Beats!

In honor of Halloween, I did a minute-by-minute analysis of John Carpenter's horror classic, HALLOWEEN, to prove that the Something Startling Happens' universal story beats work in any genre, including horror:

 

MINUTE  1:  ATTENSION!
A stranger peers into a window and watches teenagers make out    
MINUTE  2:  THE BUILD
The stranger sneaks in and grabs a knife     
MINUTE  3:  THE RATCHET
The stranger sneaks upstairs with the knife
MINUTE  4:  ANOTHER NOTCH 
The stranger stabs the girl

MINUTE  5:  JAW DROPPER
We find out the killer is a little boy
MINUTE  6:  FRIEND OR FIST
Dr. Loomis chats with the nurse on their drive toward the mental hospital (Friend).
MINUTE  7:  FRIEND OR FIST 2
Dr. Loomis and the nurse discuss Michael Myers even more (Friend)
MINUTE  8:  SOMETHING STARTLING HAPPENS
 An escaped mental patient leaps onto the car and startles the nurse
MINUTE  9:  THE PURSUIT
Dr. Loomis discovers that Michael Myers has escaped. He must pursue him at all costs
MINUTE 10: THE DISCUSSION 
Laurie’s Dad tells her to drop the key off at “the Myers place.” (Significant because this is where Michael Myers, the killer, first sees her.)
MINUTE 11: THE WARNING
The ominous atmosphere warns of an upcoming threat
MINUTE 12: HARSHER WARNING
The boy warns Laurie not to go toward the Myers’ house  
MINUTE 13: THE SUBMISSION
Michael Myers steps outside, and Laurie walks away
MINUTE 14: DANGER WATCH   

Laurie notices an ominous car sitting outside the school

MINUTE 15: WHEW, THAT WAS CLOSE!
Michael Myers follows the boy, but luckily for the boy, Michael doesn’t attack him (Whew!) 
MINUTE 16: THE BIG CONCERN
The boy shows deep concern over the bullies
MINUTE 17: WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Michael Myers pulls his car next to the boy and watches him walk.
MINUTE 18: TROUBLE TURN
Dr. Loomis doesn’t notice the dead body in the grass
MINUTE 19: THE THREAT  
Michael Myers drives his car slowly past Laurie and her friends
MINUTE 20: PUSH BACK
Annie shouts at Michael Myers as he drives slowly by
MINUTE 21: THE GREAT AFFECT  
The girls talk about keeping each other company tonight—this sounds great to Laurie now, but later Michael Myers will attempt to kill them all
MINUTE 22: TRUTH DECLARED
Laurie to Annie: "The guy you yelled at is behind the bush”
MINUTE 23: SCARY STUFF
Laurie walks toward Annie to see if scary Michael Myers is hiding behind the bush
MINUTE 24: SCARY STUFF 2
Laurie bumps into Sheriff Brackett and screams
MINUTE 25: SCARY STUFF 3
Laurie sees scary Michael Myers outside
MINUTE 26: THE BIG UNEXPECTED
The killer calls Laurie
MINUTE 27: THE MINI-QUEST 
Laurie waits for Annie to pick her up (Laurie’s Mini-Quest before she starts her babysitting job)
MINUTE 28: BIG QUEST PREP 
Dr. Loomis searches for Judith Myers’ grave (preparing himself to find Michael Myers)
MINUTE 29: BIG QUEST PREP 2 
Dr. Loomis discovers that Judith Myers’ headstone is gone (preparing himself to find Michael Myers)
MINUTE 30: THE NEED
Michael Myers follows Laurie and Annie (he needs to kill them)
MINUTE 31: DISTRESS SIGNAL   
Laurie hears the store alarm and sees the police
MINUTE 32: ANXIETY AMP
The burglarized store causes Dr. Loomis great anxiety
MINUTE 33: OMINOUS OH NO!
 Laurie doesn’t notice that Michael Myers is watching her (Oh no!)
MINUTE 34: FRIEND AFFECT 
The girl’s parents—who Annie is babysitting for—leave for the night
MINUTE 35: BAIT & SWITCH  
Happy Annie walks inside with the little girl (+), not knowing Michael Myers is watching her (-)
MINUTE 36: HIDE & SEEK
Dr. Loomis searches for Michael Myers at his old house, but he’s not there (he remains hidden)
MINUTE 37: OVER HIS HEAD
Dr. Loomis realizes he may be in over his head pursuing Michael Myers
MINUTE 38: POSITIVE RECONNECT
Dr. Loomis reconnects with Sheriff Bracken
MINUTE 39: NEW JOURNEY BOND
Laurie reads to the boy she’s babysitting, preparing him for bed
MINUTE 40: ALLY’S WORLD
Annie babysits across the street
MINUTE 41: THORNY ROSE
Laurie laughs with Annie on the phone (the Rose), but the little boy interrupts and says the boogie-man is outside (the Thorn)
MINUTE 42: SURPRISE REVEAL
The dog barks when he sees Michael Myers (Negative Surprise)  
MINUTE 43: SURPRISE REVEAL 2
The boy says that the boogie-man is after him
MINUTE 44: NEW NEWS
Annie reacts when the light switch doesn’t work
MINUTE 45: OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Despite Michael Myers being outside, Annie leaves the door open as she does the laundry
MINUTE 46: THE REVELATION
Annie can’t hear the girl calling for her
MINUTE 47: THE ESCORT 
The girl leads Annie toward the house
MINUTE 48: NEEDED KNOWLEDGE 
Paul tells horny Annie he wants to come over and have sex with her
MINUTE 49: FOREBODING FACT
Michael Myers appears, giving the audience (the hero in this case) the Foreboding Fact that he is watching Annie go to Laurie’s house
MINUTE 50: THE PORTENT
The TV forewarns of impending doom: “And now, the horrifying conclusion...”
MINUTE 51: THE ENGAGE     
Annie discovers that the door is locked (Michael Myers locked it from the inside), she must return to get the key
MINUTE 52: SAY UNCLE     
Michael Myers chokes Annie in the car   
MINUTE 53: THE INTIMIDATION    
Michael Myers kills Annie   
MINUTE 54: THE LIGHTBULB    
The boy sees Michael Myers carrying a body toward the neighbor’s house (-)   
MINUTE 55: SIDESWIPE     
Sheriff Bracken surprises Dr. Loomis   
MINUTE 56: DARK TWIST CHAT    
Dr. Loomis tells Sheriff Bracken, “Death has come to your town”   
MINUTE 57: DIFFICULT WORDS    
Sheriff Bracken says to Dr. Loomis, “Damn you for letting him go”   
MINUTE 58: VITAL EVENT    
Lynda and her boyfriend make out, not knowing that Michael Myers is nearby   
MINUTE 59: THE DECEPTION              
Michael Myers secretly watches the couple making out   
MINUTE 60: THE SHOCKER
Lynda tells her boyfriend that “Lindsey is gone for the night,” which means they can have sex in the house   

And so on...
    

To learn much more about all 120 minute-by-minute beats, and how to apply them to your screenplay, TV pilot, novel or graphic novel, order Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. http://shop.mwp.com/products/something-startling-happens-the-120-story-beats-every-writer-needs-to-know