syd field- the paradigm
It starts with a setup and inciting incident, has regular turning points in the plot called Plot Points and Pinches in the middle and ends with a climax and resolution. Though not apparent in the illustration below, the Paradigm describes both the external journey involving the attempt to achieve the story goal and the internal journey of the main character. The main difference to the classic Three-Act plot structure - and what stands out about Syd Field’s The Paradigm - is the two Pinches during Act Two.
Pinch 1 should be utilised to bring the story back on track right when things probably feel like they’re sagging or straying off track. The effects of the pinch should equal those of the plot points; however, instead of spinning the story into a new direction, the pinch concentrates the story toward the point which comes next.
Pinch 2, like the first one, is designed to usher your story to the next plot point.
SYD FIELD’S CHECKPOINTS FOR WRITING A BETTER SCRIPT
Pinch 1 should be utilised to bring the story back on track right when things probably feel like they’re sagging or straying off track. The effects of the pinch should equal those of the plot points; however, instead of spinning the story into a new direction, the pinch concentrates the story toward the point which comes next.
Pinch 2, like the first one, is designed to usher your story to the next plot point.
SYD FIELD’S CHECKPOINTS FOR WRITING A BETTER SCRIPT
- Make sure your characters and story are set up within the first ten pages. Did you introduce your main character(s), establish the dramatic premise, and indicate the dramatic situation, the circumstances surrounding the main character?
- Check your structure and see whether it's dramatically effective in holding your storyline together.
- Take another look to see if your dialogue is too explanatory, or too wordy. Do your characters need to explain everything to keep the story moving forward?
- Remember - all drama is conflict. See whether your character's dramatic need drives the action forward. Film is behaviour, either the character drives the action, or the action drives the character.
- Make sure your script is formatted properly.