As we continue to explore the concept of storytelling through film we established that narrative/’dramatic curve’ of a film should vaguely follow a structure that incorporates the following elements:
- Exposition: How you set up the story/contextualising the story and characters. Who is the character? What is their situation? What is/was their goal? What is/was at stake for them? What and how much do we need to know up front?
- Inciting incident: what was the ‘thing that happened’ that starts their story/journey?
- Rising action: what were the hurdles, obstacles, complications?
- Climax: what is the high point of the story? Most of the challenges and obstacles should lead to this moment. It is a final confrontation? A moment when decisive action has to be taken?
- Resolution: what happened? What decisive action was taken? What were the consequences? Are the consequences are still being felt and/or dealt with? How does the future look?
Other points to keep in mind/include in the documentary:
- Narrative tension
- Something to say about the human condition
- Emotionally satisfying narrative
We then discussed what kind of traits a film’s character should possess in order to be engaging and entertaining:
- Good communication – easy to follow
- Mystery
- Charisma
- Expertise/knowledge
- Relatability
- Comical
- Emotionally connect
- Build trust
- Authentic/sincere/believable
- Passionate
- Different
- Able to overcome adversity
- Good ‘performers’ – colourful, energetic, vibrant, grounded
- Accessibility
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