ABOUT
FORUMS
New Here?

Hey folks, welcome to Spitball!, the world's first screenplay written by blog.You may want to read the posts in our about section, particularly our Statement of Purpose

Or, you can start on the first post and work your way through sequentially by using the 'suceeding' links above the post name.

Who?

There are two of us here: Kent M. Beeson (aka Urban Shockah) bio, and Martin McClellan (aka Burley Grymz) bio.

Speedy Synopsis

After fighting through 50 different story ideas, the boys have picked Time to Die as the script to write. They are now starting the writing process.

« preceeding (Round 7.3 [Rachel, My Dear v. Methane Madness]) | Main | succeeding (Round 7.4 [Rachel, My Dear v. Methane Madness]) »

Re: I've Made A Terrible Mistake

February 24, 2006 · by Burley Grymz · Permalink · comment on this post in the forum · Category: Original Version, technique

If you're not confused, then you don't understand Tip Scum. I think that's my new motto. Basically, every screenwriting technique book I've ever read ends up with complex diagrams (McKee is particularly fond) to explain ideas that really don't need them. Everyone has you tracking threads of information that, if mapped on corkboard with string, would look like one of those airline diagrams that shows worldwide flights. Everyone is so complex that even people who understand it can't succinctly explain it, because if they could then they couldn't charge so much for seminars.

So, in retaliation, I think that it would be appropriate if Tip Scum is all about confusion, because if you're not confused than your plot isn't complex enough. If you're not confused, then you're not relating to your batter, er, protagonist enough, because if your protagonist isn't confused, then there is no drama in their life worth exploring and therefore no story.

In any case, the Sandshoe Crusher, if expressed in mathematical terms, would be: Sandshoe Crusher = (Inciting Incident + Predicament) / Point of Attack. Does that help confuse things better? Good! You're catching on.