Re: Passively Accepting the Journey? (Structure)
In a mainstream HW movie there are certain events-- "plot points" or "beats"-- that happen early on in the movie.
1) The Protag is introduced in his/her ordinary world.
2) A problem is presented that disrupts this ordinary world.
3) The protag decides (or is forced) to solve the problem or pursue a goal.
Collectively, these events are called "the set up" or the 1st Act.
Although there is no set rule as when these events take place, they occur before the 30 minute mark. More recent movies have the set up completed even sooner.
Some movies have these early events coming one on top of the other, some have them spread apart. Some movies have a long set up, some movies have a short set up. The trend nowadays is to have a very short set up, esp in certain genres like comedy.
Some movies dispense with the "ordinary world" part of it and open with the protag in the middle of dealing with a big problem (in medias res).
If you watch a lot of movies and pay attention, you'll see there are various ways to set up a movie that work.
As long as you set up the story to your satisfaction, and the protag is on his/her way to solving their problem by around page 25, I think you're fine.
In a mainstream HW movie there are certain events-- "plot points" or "beats"-- that happen early on in the movie.
1) The Protag is introduced in his/her ordinary world.
2) A problem is presented that disrupts this ordinary world.
3) The protag decides (or is forced) to solve the problem or pursue a goal.
Collectively, these events are called "the set up" or the 1st Act.
Although there is no set rule as when these events take place, they occur before the 30 minute mark. More recent movies have the set up completed even sooner.
Some movies have these early events coming one on top of the other, some have them spread apart. Some movies have a long set up, some movies have a short set up. The trend nowadays is to have a very short set up, esp in certain genres like comedy.
Some movies dispense with the "ordinary world" part of it and open with the protag in the middle of dealing with a big problem (in medias res).
If you watch a lot of movies and pay attention, you'll see there are various ways to set up a movie that work.
As long as you set up the story to your satisfaction, and the protag is on his/her way to solving their problem by around page 25, I think you're fine.
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