Beat Sheet
In screenwriting, a beat sheet is a list of sequential storyline "beats", which is used to break a script down to its most basic declarative form. Each "beat" represents an event which is pivotal to the direction and flow of the story.
Usage
The beat sheet has to two primary uses:
1) Presenting (or pitching) a storyline and...
2) Constructing a storyline.
Often a busy producer will request a beat sheet, which would give the producer the option of not having to read the entire script, but instead save time by perusing a concise succession of "bullet points" that is the movie. Although, "pitching a film" is traditionally done with without notes, the beat sheet is an invaluable tool to have in preparing for the pitch.
While there are probably as many approaches to writing a screenplay as there are screenwriters in the world, the beat sheet is certainly a favorite approach among many screenwriters as way of outlining their script.
Format
Suffice it to say, the format of a beat sheet is dependent on personal pcontent, meaning there is really no "golden rule" as to how it should be constructed, only that it presents successive events following along a clear and concise storyline, for whomever is reading it...or working off of it. One example of how one might create a clear and concise storyline is to begin with a simple skeletal outline as follows:
OPENING (first 1 - 5 minutes)
- Establish the physical location and time period of the story.
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HOOK (within first 10 minutes) >
- Conflict starts, and the rest of the story reacts.
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INTRODUCTIONS AND NUDGES (@ the next 15%)
- Introduce the protagonist and how he or she reacts to the conflict. Meet the antagonist, the allies. Provide events that may "nudge" the protagonist along toward his or her desire, related to the conflict.
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CATALYST (at @ 25%)
- Involves the protagonist obtaining crucial information that transforms the "desire" into a "goal" with a clear endpoint. Protagonist may also formulate a plan here as to how the goal is attained.
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HEADWAY (@ the next 25%)
- Protagonist makes ground toward the goal. Some complications but easily overcome.
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DEDICATION (at @ 50%)
- Protagonist reaches the point of no return. Makes decision to trudge forward, even if it means sacrificing morals to do so.
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TIGHTROPE (@ the next 25%)
- Complications increasing in severity. Protagonist has more to lose on the path toward the goal.
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APPARENT DEFEAT (at @ 75%)
- All seems lost
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REVERSAL (at @ 75%)
- New piece of information sends protagonist on a new path with a new plan.
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FINAL PUSH (@ the next 20%)
- Protagonist is beaten and battered. Options for success are limited. Conflict with the antagonist intensifies.
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BATTLE (at @ 95%)
- Protagonist faces off with the antagonist. In doing so the protagonist determines his own fate, fulfills his need, and resolves the new goal.
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AFTERMATH (@ the last 5%)
- Comprised of the protagonist's new Self-Revelation, Moral Decision and New Equilibrium, which will leave the audience either stunned or elated.
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Also, the length of a beat sheet is relative to personal pcontent. A producer may ask for a beat sheet with a length of anywhere from 2 to 20 pages, depending on how much detail is needed. (@ 60 bullet points for an hour of television and @ 120 bullet points for a film script).
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