A film outline is the first step in developing a story. All of the main plot points should be listed on the outline using bullet points. Your outline should be separated into these headings:
Setting: The time & place where where the events are taking place.
Characters: The individuals that the story is about
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- Protagonist (Main Character)
- Antagonist (Villain)
_______________________________________Act 1
Setup: Introduction of characters and situation
_______________________________________Act 2
Conflict: The struggle of one or more of the characters
(who wants what? How do they get it? Who or what stands in their way?)
_______________________________________Act 3
Climax: When the story’s actions becomes most exciting, usually right before the resolution.
Resolution: All parts of the conflict are solved. How the story ends.
Your outline should contain all the major plot points of your story.
Example Outline for a 30-second commercial:
Product-Video-OutlineA story can also be outlined on a “Components of a Story” worksheet.
Components-of-a-Story-worksheet2Next: Film Treatment