Spencer Lanoue
Writing beats in a screenplay might sound like a mysterious art form, but it's really just about breaking your story down into its most digestible parts. Think of beats as the rhythm of your story, the drum pattern that keeps the reader and viewer engaged. We'll dig into what beats are, how they work, and how to write them effectively for your screenplay. So, if you're ready to get those creative juices flowing, keep reading!
The Basics of a Beat
Let's start by defining what a beat actually is. In screenwriting, a beat refers to a moment in the story where something specific happens. It could be a turning point, a realization, or even a quiet moment of reflection. Essentially, beats are the building blocks of your scenes. They give your script structure and pace.
Imagine a beat as a single note in a melody. On its own, it might not seem like much, but when combined with other notes (or beats), it creates a beautiful symphony. Each beat moves the story forward and keeps the audience tuned in.
Not sure if you're hitting the right notes? Ask yourself if each beat in your scene changes the direction of the story or reveals something new about a character. If the answer is yes, you're on the right track!
Example of a Beat
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
SARAH sits alone at a table, staring at her phone. She takes a deep breath and looks around.
SARAH
(whispering to herself)
This is it.
She stands up, approaches the counter, and taps the shoulder of a man waiting in line.
MAN
(turns around)
Sarah? What are you doing here?
Beat. Sarah hesitates, then smiles.
SARAH
I needed to see you. We need to talk.
In this example, the beat occurs when Sarah decides to approach the man and initiate the conversation. It's a moment that shifts the scene from passive to active, driving the story forward.
Identifying Key Beats in Your Story
Before you start writing, it's helpful to identify the key beats in your story. These are the moments that will shape your narrative and create tension and drama. Think of them as the spine of your screenplay. They hold everything together.
To find your key beats, consider the major turning points in your story. What are the moments that change everything for your characters? These could be plot twists, emotional revelations, or decisions that change the course of the narrative.
- Opening Image: The first thing the audience sees. Sets the tone and mood of the story.
- Inciting Incident: The event that kicks the story into motion, disrupting the status quo.
- Midpoint: The turning point that propels the story into a new direction.
- Climax: The peak of the story's conflict. The moment of greatest tension.
- Resolution: The aftermath, where loose ends are tied up.
By identifying these beats, you can create a roadmap for your screenplay, ensuring you maintain a strong narrative thread throughout.
Example of Identifying Beats
Opening Image: A bustling cityscape at dawn, introducing our protagonist, Alex, rushing to catch a train.
Inciting Incident: Alex misses the train and bumps into an old friend, sparking a series of unexpected events.
Midpoint: Alex faces a moral dilemma. Choosing between a lucrative job offer and staying true to personal values.
Climax: Alex confronts the antagonist, leading to a high-stakes showdown.
Resolution: Alex finds peace and a new beginning, reflecting on the journey taken.
By breaking down the story into these beats, you can ensure that each scene serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative arc.
Writing Beats That Resonate
Now that you know what beats are, let's talk about how to write them in a way that resonates with your audience. A well-crafted beat should evoke emotion and make the viewer feel something. Whether it's laughter, tension, or heartfelt empathy, your beats should leave an impact.
Think about the emotions you want to convey in each scene. Are you building suspense? Creating a moment of relief? Use dialogue, action, and subtext to craft beats that resonate with your audience on a deeper level.
Consider adding subtle hints and foreshadowing to your beats. These elements can create a sense of anticipation and keep the audience engaged, wondering what will happen next.
Example of a Resonating Beat
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
JAMES sits by the bed, holding his father's hand. The beeping of the heart monitor fills the silence.
JAMES
(quietly)
Remember the fishing trips? You always said...
He pauses, choking back tears.
JAMES (CONT'D)
You always said you'd teach me how to tie a perfect knot.
Beat. His father's hand twitches, a flicker of life.
JAMES
(smiling)
You never got the chance, did you?
He stands, placing a small fishing lure on the bedside table.
JAMES
I'll learn it, Dad. I promise.
This beat evokes emotion by tapping into universal themes of family, loss, and unfulfilled promises. It resonates because it feels real and relatable.
Structuring Beats for Maximum Impact
Structuring your beats effectively can make all the difference in how your story unfolds. It's about pacing your narrative and ensuring each beat falls at the right moment to maximize impact.
Consider the pacing of your screenplay. Are your beats spaced out evenly, or do they cluster in certain sections? While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, varying the pace can keep your audience on their toes.
Use beats to create tension and release, much like a rollercoaster ride. Build up to a climactic beat, then give your audience a moment to breathe before the next twist. This ebb and flow keeps the story dynamic and engaging.
Example of Beat Structure
INT. OFFICE - DAY
The team sits around the conference table, anxiously awaiting the results.
BOSS
(solemnly)
The numbers are in, and...
Beat. Everyone holds their breath.
BOSS (CONT'D)
We've exceeded all expectations!
Cheers erupt, and the tension breaks.
JANE
(laughing)
I knew we could do it!
Beat. The phone rings, and everyone turns, tension building again.
BOSS
(answering)
Hello?
Beat. A pause as he listens, a frown forming.
BOSS (CONT'D)
What do you mean there's a problem?
By structuring the beats to build tension, release it, and then introduce a new conflict, you keep the audience engaged and invested in the story’s outcome.
Crafting Beats with Subtext
Subtext is the unsaid part of your screenplay, the underlying meaning that adds depth to your dialogue and scenes. Crafting beats with subtext involves writing moments where the true emotion or intention is not explicitly stated.
Subtext can create intrigue and complexity, making your screenplay more engaging. It allows the audience to read between the lines and uncover hidden layers within your story.
To write beats with subtext, focus on what your characters are not saying. Consider their body language, tone of voice, and actions. Use these elements to convey emotions and motivations subtly.
Example of Subtext in a Beat
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
MARY and JOHN sit across from each other, the clinking of silverware the only sound.
MARY
(smiling)
How was work today?
John hesitates, glancing at his phone.
JOHN
It was fine. Just... the usual.
Beat. Mary nods, her smile faltering.
MARY
(softly)
You know you can talk to me, right?
John looks up, his eyes meeting hers.
JOHN
(sighs)
Yeah, I know.
The silence between them speaks volumes, conveying tension and unspoken words.
This beat uses subtext to reveal the underlying tension in Mary and John's relationship, giving the audience insight into their emotional state without explicitly stating it.
Using Beats to Develop Characters
Beats are not just about advancing the plot; they're also a powerful tool for character development. Each beat can reveal something new about your characters, helping the audience understand their motivations, desires, and conflicts.
Use beats to show how your characters change over time. Are they growing, learning from their experiences, or repeating past mistakes? By illustrating these changes through beats, you create more dynamic and relatable characters.
Consider how your characters react to different situations. Their reactions can reveal their true nature and add depth to your screenplay.
Example of Character Development in Beats
INT. GYM - DAY
LUCAS struggles to lift weights, gritting his teeth with determination.
TRAINER
(encouraging)
Come on, Lucas! Push through!
Lucas hesitates, then gives it one final push, succeeding.
Beat. He collapses, exhausted but triumphant.
LUCAS
(breathless)
I never thought I could do it.
TRAINER
(smiling)
You just needed to believe in yourself.
Lucas's confidence grows, a transformation sparked by the beat.
This beat highlights Lucas's journey from self-doubt to self-belief, showcasing his character development through action and dialogue.
Incorporating Beats into Dialogue
Dialogue is often where beats shine the brightest. Crafting dialogue beats involves creating moments of tension, humor, or revelation within conversations. These beats can make your dialogue more engaging and impactful.
Consider the rhythm of your dialogue. Are there pauses, interruptions, or shifts in tone? These elements can create beats that add depth to your conversations.
Use dialogue beats to reveal character dynamics and relationships. How do your characters interact with each other? Their exchanges can provide insight into their personalities and conflicts.
Example of Dialogue Beats
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
ANNA and MARK stand by the counter, preparing dinner.
ANNA
(teasing)
You're chopping those onions like a pro!
MARK
(grinning)
I've had plenty of practice.
Beat. Anna pauses, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
ANNA
(softly)
I miss cooking with Mom.
Mark stops chopping, looking at her.
MARK
(gently)
Me too. But we're making new memories, right?
Anna smiles, a beat of connection and understanding passing between them.
This dialogue beat uses humor, nostalgia, and connection to create a moment that deepens Anna and Mark's relationship.
Balancing Beats in Your Screenplay
Finding the right balance of beats in your screenplay is essential for maintaining a cohesive and engaging narrative. Too many beats can overwhelm the audience, while too few can leave the story feeling flat.
Consider the rhythm and pacing of your beats. Do they work together to create a harmonious flow, or do they feel disjointed? Experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for your story.
When balancing beats, remember that not every scene needs a major beat. Sometimes, a subtle beat can create a powerful impact, adding nuance and texture to your screenplay.
Example of Balanced Beats
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
EMILY browses the shelves, lost in thought.
Beat. She pulls out a book and flips through the pages.
EMILY
(to herself)
This could be the one.
She checks it out and leaves, a small but meaningful beat in her journey.
Later, she sits in a cafe, reading the book. A stranger approaches.
STRANGER
(gesturing)
That's a great choice.
Beat. Emily looks up, intrigued.
EMILY
(smiling)
Have you read it?
The stranger nods, sparking a new connection through a simple beat.
This example illustrates how balanced beats can create a rich and engaging narrative, weaving small moments into a larger tapestry.
Final Thoughts
Writing beats in a screenplay is all about creating moments that resonate, drive the story forward, and reveal character depth. By focusing on the rhythm and flow of your beats, you can craft a screenplay that captivates and engages your audience. And if you're looking to streamline your writing process, Spell can help you draft, refine, and polish your screenplay with ease, turning hours of work into minutes.
