Constructing Structure

Not really a remarkable development for the world of screenwriting, because I am not a renowned industry expert. But I have been asked how I approach structure because of my hatred for formula. To be honest I don't outline and I don't beat sheet. I always come to story via character. So I write in treatment form the back story of my characters and establish their deepest desires and deepest weaknesses. Then I kinda just let the characters dictate where the plot is going to go. But I are sure that I never know more than my characters do When I sam breaking story in treatment form. That normally leaves me with a 8 to 10 page treatment That I divide into nine parts or what I call Nine Ninths because I am weird like that. At that point because of my love of the power of threes, I have nine short films to write, over three acts, with each ninth having three scenes that are roughly three pages long. Once I know what my story is, the first thing I do is write my 10 page ending. Then I start from the beginning and I give my self permission to write absolute shit. Some times I will just but in big bold letters, "I dont know what to put here but need some thing like this to happen", I'll go in and out of treatment form and screenwriting format, however if I get bored or blocked with a scene I just skip to a part of the story I am excited about. Then I rewrite it filling in all the missing parts and editing out all the errors. Then I put it in a metaphorical drawer for a few moths and then when I have almost forgotten about it I will rewrite the entire thing from memory without looking at the old screenplay. I do that because what I can remember will be the strongest parts of the screenplay. Then I delete the old and fill in the missing parts with better writing. Then Ill rewrite the whole script for Subtext removing all the on the nose dialogue and replacing the blatant prose with subtle subtext. Then Ill rewrite it with just one character in mind focusing on the character arc. I reset this with all the characters. Then I bring it to my writers group. This is not a groundbreaking structure hack as I don't believe in them, but it is a nine-part structure designed to captivate audiences and elevate the screenwriting process. Is it the most efficient? Fuck No. It's aggravating and laborious but it is my process. See if it works for you if it doesn't find one that does. Just avoid formula. Termed the "Noah A. Waters III's Nine-Part Feature Film Structure," this innovative approach breaks down screenplays into nine self-contained 10-page short films, revolutionizing the way stories are conceived and developed. LOL

I am not a respected authority on screenwriting but I am a connoisseur of various storytelling methodologies, has meticulously crafted a structure that amalgamates the best elements from revered screenwriting formula approaches such as "Save the Cat," "The Writer's Journey," "The Hero's Journey," and many more but remove the forumalic beats. The result is a framework that not only offers a comprehensive narrative structure but also fosters the creation of compelling 90-minute feature films, my favorite length for cinema, split into 9 short 10 to 15 page films.

Central to my method is the concept of partitioning the screenplay into nine distinct sections, each equivalent to a 10-15 page short film. This approach allows writers to focus on developing concise story arcs, enabling them to maintain audience engagement while building a cohesive narrative, tensions, and a steady increase of stakes.

The nine-part structure serves as a navigational map for screenwriters, offering them a clear path to follow while crafting their character driven stories,". "By embracing the 10-page short film concept for each section, writers can ensure a dynamic pacing, efficient storytelling, and heightened audience involvement throughout the entire screenplay.

This world shaking revolutionary structure (LOL) begins with the First Ninth- "A Setup," where the world, protagonist, and central conflict are introduced within the first 10 pages of the film. Then comes the Second Ninth- "Catalyst," Where your ensemble or main character gets presented with the problem they need to solve. Then the Third Ninth- "Rising Action," where you explore the protagonist's journey as they face obstacles (Which you can create from your background work and knowledge of their fears and goals), encounter allies and enemies (Introduce a character that can help or hurt their mission), and engage in conflicts related to their goal. Ensure a gradual escalation of tension and stakes. Then the Fourth Ninth-"Midpoint Twist," ( introduce a significant plot twist or revelation that alters the protagonist's understanding of the plot.) Then the Fifth ninth- which I call "Complicating the Development,"(increase the complexity of the conflicts and challenges the protagonist faces. Ensure the protagonist experiences setbacks, learns crucial information, and undergoes personal growth.) Then comes the sixth ninth- or "All Is Lost," (have the protagonist face a devastating setback or defeat, pushing them to their lowest point.) Then comes the Seventh Ninth- "Climax,"( build towards the final confrontation or resolution of the central conflict while crafting a thrilling and emotionally resonant climax where the main character or ensemble's growth and their goal are on the line.) Then comes the Eighth Ninth- "Resolution," (provide a satisfying resolution to the central conflict. Allow the audience to process the story's events and the protagonist's transformation. ) Finally the Ninth Ninth of Ninths- the "Epilogue." (Use the final 10 pages to provide closure and insight into the aftermath of the story. You can draw from various structures' epilogue sections, giving a sense of the new normal and the long-term impact of the protagonist's journey.)

Each section is not really original but does not draw inspiration from other screenwriting theories, they just happen to have overlap because it is all story telling. Each section provides a comprehensive framework that aids writers in crafting compelling characters, escalating conflicts, and satisfying resolutions. This structure allows screenwriters to explore different storytelling techniques while maintaining a sense of singularity and clarity. The concept of the nine-part structure offers a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of creativity, allowing writers to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this structure is its ability to adapt to various genres and narrative styles from psychological thrillers, Gothic Romance, to epic fantasies, the nine-part structure provides a versatile foundation, accommodating the unique demands of different stories while adhering to the principles of captivating screenwriting.

So what does all this shit mean?

My method has potential to transform the way stories are conceptualized and told on the big screen. This innovative approach, with its focus on concise, impactful storytelling, holds the promise of captivating audiences and propelling the art of screenwriting into uncharted territories. Or some shit. Try it out, see where it takes you. Remember make each step easy. one scene of the three from each act from one 10-page short film at a time. Don't get ahead of your elf stay in the moment with your characters. The second you start writing to plot instead of writing to character your writing will suffer.

Happy writing!