Chick 1 says:
Welcome to a new series of posts, Beat Sheets. A beat sheet is a story structure tool used by many screenwriters, listing out certain events or moments called beats that usually occur in every story. These beats drive the plot. The particular beat sheet we’ll be using here was developed by Blake Snyder in his screenwriting book, Save The Cat. It is very popular among writers in Hollywood today.
In this series, I’ll follow the plot of different movies and list each point where I think an important beat occurs. Snyder’s theory is that every great or even good movie, every story has all of these beats in some form. For the first few posts I’ll list Snyder’s explanation of each beat. Tell me if you think I’m right. Or if you think a certain beat doesn’t exist in the movie at all.
For this first one, let’s take a look at Hot Fuzz, the second collaboration by Simon Pegg/Nick Frost/Edgar Wright following Shaun of the Dead. Like Shaun of the Dead, it’s a funny, sharp story. The writing and editing are tight, tight, tight. No line or prop is thrown away from Aaron A. Aaronson to “Swan!”. Almost everything comes back into the plot. So let’s dive in. Obviously SPOILERS FOLLOW.
Opening Image – A visual that represents the struggle & tone of the story. A snapshot of the main character’s problem, before the adventure begins.
- Nick Angel charging toward the camera, determined to follow each rule to the letter without a thought for anything else.
Set-up – Expand on the “before” snapshot. Present the main character’s world as it is, and what is missing in their life.
- Opening narration – Angel is such an intense, uptight officer that he doesn’t have any friends, even his girlfriend dumps him for not being able to “switch off”. His drive is shown by the rundown of his police record.
Theme Stated (happens during the Set-up) – What your story is about; the message, the truth. Usually, it is spoken to the main character or in their presence, but they don’t understand the truth…not until they have some personal experience and context to support it.
- Stated by Nick to Danny before they watch movies – needing to learn to switch off. Nick is so obsessed with his job he doesn’t know how to relate to others. This does not happen during the set-up, however there is a deleted scene when Nick’s girlfriend break’s up with him during the set-up. I believe it’s stated during that scene.
Catalyst – The moment where life as it is changes. It is the telegram, the act of catching your loved-one cheating, allowing a monster on board the ship, meeting the true love of your life, etc. The “before” world is no more, change is underway.
- Nick’s forced transfer from his job as one of London’s most successful cops, to a boring country position.
Debate – But change is scary and for a moment, or a brief number of moments, the main character doubts the journey they must take. Can I face this challenge? Do I have what it takes? Should I go at all? It is the last chance for the hero to chicken out.
- Nick tries this unsuccessfully with his bosses.
Break Into Two (Choosing Act Two) – The main character makes a choice and the journey begins. We leave the “Thesis” world and enter the upside-down, opposite world of Act Two.
- Nick’s journey to Sanford, not just his physical journey but his first evening in the town. He tries to handle things as he always has; it doesn’t work. He’s not in Kansas anymore.
B Story – This is when there’s a discussion about the Theme – the nugget of truth. Usually, this discussion is between the main character and the love interest. So, the B Story is usually called the “love story”.
- Nick and Danny are the B Story. The “romance” does not have to be literal but it is where the hero receives nuture and care. Danny idolizes Nick & is shaken out of his stupor by Nick’s heroism. Nick needs Danny’s affection more than he realizes and is finally able to loosen up thanks to Danny’s example.
The Promise of the Premise – This is the fun part of the story. This is when Craig Thompson’s relationship with Raina blooms, when Indiana Jones tries to beat the Nazis to the Lost Ark, when the detective finds the most clues and dodges the most bullets. This is when the main character explores the new world and the audience is entertained by the premise they have been promised.
- From the moment Nick begins to meet the citizens of Sandford, they seem quiet country folk but there is also something sinister in each meeting. Then comes the first murder. There really is something evil lurking beneath the quaint exterior.
Midpoint – Dependent upon the story, this moment is when everything is “great” or everything is “awful”. The main character either gets everything they think they want (“great”) or doesn’t get what they think they want at all (“awful”). But not everything we think we want is what we actually need in the end.
- After the fair and Tom Messenger’s murder, Nick’s midpoint is “awful”. He is miserable in his new job and town. He KNOWS something is going on but no one believes him. He is a laughing stock to his co-workers and even fights with his one new friend.
Bad Guys Close In – Doubt, jealousy, fear, foes both physical and emotional regroup to defeat the main character’s goal, and the main character’s “great”/“awful” situation disintegrates.
- Nick keeps getting closer to the murderer, even actually witnessing a murder himself and gets Danny back on the case. But they can’t quite figure it out.
All is Lost – The opposite moment from the Midpoint: “awful”/“great”. The moment that the main character realizes they’ve lost everything they gained, or everything they now have has no meaning. The initial goal now looks even more impossible than before. And here, something or someone dies. It can be physical or emotional, but the death of something old makes way for something new to be born.
- Nick uncovers the truth. He was right; there are multiple murderers. But now he will likely be killed because almost the entire town is in on it. When Danny joins in the group and “stabs” Nick, Nick is convinced that Danny is in on it. His one real friend (and therefore, his one true accomplishment) is a part of it all. Nick (and his friendship with Danny) both appear to die here.
Dark Night of the Soul – The main character hits bottom, and wallows in hopelessness. The Why hast thou forsaken me, Lord? moment. Mourning the loss of what has “died” – the dream, the goal, the mentor character, the love of your life, etc. But, you must fall completely before you can pick yourself back up and try again.
- Although the “stabbing” was a rouse to save Nick, he can’t convince Danny to join him. He is completely alone in his fight.
Break Into Three (Choosing Act Three) – Thanks to a fresh idea, new inspiration, or last-minute Thematic advice from the B Story (usually the love interest), the main character chooses to try again.
- On his lonely drive back to London, Nick stops at a convenience store and sees the cop movies that Danny introduced him to. He realizes he has to finish the job and rides into town, armed to the teeth, and on a white horse no less. Even the guns across his back look like angel wings. Nick Angel, get it?
Finale – This time around, the main character incorporates the Theme – the nugget of truth that now makes sense to them – into their fight for the goal because they have experience from the A Story and context from the B Story. Act Three is about Synthesis!
- Near the start of the fight Danny joins Nick. Soon they are able to convince the rest of the police force to join them and Nick leads the take down of the murderers not on his own but as part of a team.
Final Image – opposite of Opening Image, proving, visually, that a change has occurred within the character.
- Nick and Danny are patrolling the town, Nick fine with checking out some “hippies”. A true partnership thrives; Nick has adjusted to quiet village life and Danny gets to be a “real” cop.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful
and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute &
aid different users like its helped me. Great job.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really understand what you’re talking about!
Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my website =). We may have a
hyperlink alternate arrangement between us
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it ;
) I may return once again since I book-marked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after looking
at a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly delighted
I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My site discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe
we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent
blog by the way!
Thanks for any other fantastic article. The place else may anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am
on the search for such information.
This piece of writing gives clear idea in support of the new visitors
of blogging, that genuinely how to do blogging and
site-building.
Good way of explaining, and nice piece of writing to take information about my
presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in academy.
I used to be able to find good information from your blog articles.
%%
Stop by my site :: masturbation
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see
a great blog like this one these days.
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless
think about if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could
undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Excellent blog!
%%
Feel free to visit my web blog: avon digital Brochure
%%
my website :: Veterans disability Attorney
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to
your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the
same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Bless you!
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am going through problems with your
RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it.
Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
Greetings! I’ve been following your site for a while now and
finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post!
It is the little changes which will make the most significant changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
This is very interesting, You’re a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to in search of more of your fantastic
post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
I quite like reading a post that will make people think.
Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
I like it when folks get together and share opinions. Great website,
keep it up!
Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing.
The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
magnificent submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t understand this.
You must proceed your writing. I am sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Hi, this weekend is fastidious in favor of me, for the reason that this moment i am reading this enormous informative paragraph here at
my home.
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having a
tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email.
I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested
in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
Look at my blog; auto Lock smith
hi!,I love your writing very much! share we communicate more approximately your post on AOL?
I need an expert on this house to solve my problem. May be that’s you!
Looking forward to look you.
I believe everything said was actually very reasonable.
But, what about this? what if you were to write a killer headline?
I am not suggesting your content is not solid.,
however suppose you added a title that makes people want more?
I mean Beat Sheets: Hot Fuzz | The Flick Chicks is kinda boring.
You should glance at Yahoo’s home page and watch how they create article titles to grab people to click.
You might add a related video or a related pic or two to grab
readers excited about what you’ve got to say.
Just my opinion, it might bring your posts a little livelier.
I read this post fully on the topic of the comparison of
most up-to-date and preceding technologies, it’s remarkable article.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I’ve read a single thing like
this before. So great to find another person with a few original thoughts on this topic.
Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site
is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
%%
my blog post – E Liquids
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to produce a good article… but
what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never manage to get nearly anything
done.
I know this website presents quality based articles or reviews and extra stuff, is there any other site which
offers these data in quality?
Terrific work! This is the type of info that are meant to be
shared across the web. Disgrace on the search engines for not positioning
this submit upper! Come on over and visit my site .
Thank you =)
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you
create this website yourself or did you hire someone
to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create
my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
It is the little changes that make the biggest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
I loved as much as you will receive carried out
right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as
exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before end I am
reading this enormous paragraph to increase my
know-how.
I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article.
But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is wonderful, the
articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from.
Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this
blog.
I read this article fully regarding the difference of most up-to-date and earlier technologies, it’s remarkable article.
%%
Feel free to visit my website: Male Masturbation Toys
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do
think that you need to write more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people
don’t speak about these issues. To the next! All the best!!
%%
Also visit my web page :: How Much Is It To Join Avon
%%
My web-site – how to join avon
%%
Take a look at my web blog Cbd Oil shop uk Legal
%%
my webpage – Winston-salem Asbestos attorney
%%
Look into my homepage Glimmer eyeliner
%%
My web site Truck accident lawyer Chariton
%%
Here is my webpage :: North Myrtle Beach Railroad Injuries