Blake Snyder's Beat Sheat Woes

[shutterspeedfilms]

What was Snyder talking about when he said in his book that the post-midpoint was the toughest to write?

To me, the "fun and games" segment is the biggest pain in the neck for me each and every time out.

 

[ikander]

What was Snyder talking about when he said in his book that the post-midpoint was the toughest to write?

To me, the "fun and games" segment is the biggest pain in the neck for me each and every time out.

Well, ever writer is different, but I think Mr. Snyder was referring to the fact that if you're following basic screenplay structure, at the midpont of the film, you've ostensibly solved the major problems of the movie. For most comedies, it's at this point where the character has reached a false-high of some point. So, it's your job as a writer to figure out a way to take that character back down a few pegs...which can be hard.

The fun and games is easy to write because it's the part of the script that made you want to write it in the first place...the comedic setpieces in a comedy, or the the cool action scenes or successful missions in an action movie. In home alone, it's young Kevin relishing the fact that he's living alone (eating junk food, jumping on his parents bed). In "Die Hard" it's watching John McClaine kick some terrorist ass before they catch up with him.

Essentially, it's an uphill climb to a false plateau...and then BAM...knock your main characters back down to nothing.

It

 

[KevinP]

I posted this in another thread on here about Blake - no one commented which felt sad - so I feel I should mention again..

I don't know if this is already common knowledge but I was advised by Blake's office that Blake past away in August - I don't know how old he was or anything but I enjoyed his books and they inspired me and I'm sure they have inspired many writers.

 

[shutterspeedfilms]

From Wikipedia:

Blake Snyder died unexpectedly August 4, 2009, of a pulmonary embolism. A public memorial was held at the Writers Guild of America, West on September 29, 2009.

I noticed his passing in August. Still can't believe it. I actually think about it often, because it reminds me how quickly someone so full of life can be struck down in a split second.

Carpe diem.

 

[Smettli]

That's horrible

Rest in peace, Blake.

 

[Kess]

I was thinking that the midpoint is the point of 'No Return" the point at which the main character decides to go forward...they cannot go back to their old life...things have gotten to the point where they must make a decision to go forward at the risk of losing it all...of ultimate defeat. They have swum half way across the lake..go back or go the rest of the way. They do decide to go forward and it results in more problems...further into the abyss. If it's a romantic comedy it is the point at which they committ to the relationship. They are in it for real now. Jaws it would be the point where they decide to go after the shark...on the boat...the main character cannot swim so that is a huge point in the script...to go after the shark on the water in his world and you cannot swim. trouble ahead.