How to Build Your Story Structure

Ryan breaks down how he uses a 6 act structure to construct his stories!
►Check out Milanote for Free:
bit.ly/3ra8kPp
►Milanote Review
• How I Develop Stories
►Charities We Love
The Giving Tree - vtree.fgt.org/fgt/#
One Simple Wish - www.onesimplewish.org/
Partnerships for Children - partnershipsforchildren.org/
Operation Santa - www.uspsoperationsanta.com/
Operation Christmas Spirit - www.operationhelpahero.org/op...
Covenant House - www.covenanthouse.org/donatio...
Nationwide Children’s Hospital - www.amazon.com/registry/wishl...
►Craig Mazin Podcast on Writing
• Scriptnotes 403 - How ...
►Cullen Kelly Color Grading Blogs
Color Grading Pt. 1
www.filmriot.com/blog/color-g...
Color Grading Pt. 2
www.filmriot.com/blog/color-g...
Color Grading Pt. 3
www.filmriot.com/blog/color-g...
#FilmRiot #Filmmaking #Writing
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*GEAR WE USE*

COLOR GRADING LUTs:
bit.ly/buyFRluts

SOUND FX:
bit.ly/buyFRsfx

MUSIC:
bit.ly/buyFRmusic

VFX ASSETS:
bit.ly/buyFRvfx

CAMERAS:
C300 mkII: bit.ly/buyC300ii
A7s II: bit.ly/buya7sii
C100: bit.ly/buyc100

LENSES:
Rokinon: bit.ly/buyrokinon
PLUG-INS:
15% off Mocha Pro. goo.gl/MZKwCv Use coupon code: filmriot

AUDIO:
NTG3: bit.ly/buyntg3
H4n Zoom: bit.ly/buyh4nzoom
Zoom F8: bit.ly/buyzoomf8

TRIPOD:
BV-10: bit.ly/buybv10
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us:

TWITTER:
FilmRiot - / filmriot
Ryan - / ryan_connolly
Josh - / josh_connolly
Ryan Thompson - / 1vfxproductions
Emily - / emily_connolly
Justin - / jrobproductions
FACEBOOK:
Film Riot - / filmriot
Ryan - / theryanconnolly
Josh - / thejoshconnolly
Ryan Thompson - / vfxproductionsrt

INSTAGRAM
Film Riot - / thefilmriot
Ryan - / ryan_connolly
Josh - / josh_connolly
Justin - / jrobproductions
WEBSITES:
Ryan - www.ryanconnollyfilm.com
Ryan Thompson - www.vfxproductions.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Theme Song by Hello Control: bit.ly/hellocontrol

[@sleepybandit23]

So glad you pointed out the Paprika/Inception comparisons. That film doesn’t get enough credit

[@gregorylagrange]

Would be nice if when they do make films like inception, the creators would admit to where they get their ideas from. That's a little more than getting inspiration.

[@forrme3904]

​@@gregorylagrange uhh so do you mean paprika was inspired by nolan or something? sorry because i don't really understand your comment

[@amerehuman6791]

@@forrme3904 I think he meant the other way around

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@forrme3904 They mean that inception was inspired by paprika.

[@swi616]

Man I used to watch your videos when I was like 12 to 15 I’ve always wanted to make films I used to make videos with my friends and I learned a bunch from you, but life got in the way lost all my equipment etc. I want to get back into it somehow soon thank you for educating all these years.

[@youdontneedalabel9404]

Same story I can relate to you

[@704jae]

@@youdontneedalabel9404 been watching these guys since I was 10 I’m 16 now 😂

[@timskully3496]

@@704jae pick up a camera soon bro! never look back 🙌🏽

[@jobz9150]

Hope you get back into filmmaking soon

[@IPENTV]

Yes, me too

[@kbs1212]

1:40 When he said “we just raise the stakes” I spat out my tea. Bravo. Case in point!

[@SidneyDiongzon]

6 act structure...friggin' brilliant. Another great video dude!

[@MultiverseCODM]

I think that's also why Inception is so captivating

[@alwinthomas7094]

Watch:kzbin.info/www/bejne/roHadWipnc55gZI

[@alwinthomas7094]

@@MultiverseCODM Watch:kzbin.info/www/bejne/roHadWipnc55gZI

[@monvhvj22]

I was wondering how you got crazy

[@JustinStarrPhotography]

Structure is extremely important not just for the people that use it, but also for the people that claim they *don’t.* The reason a lack of structure can work at times, or can be subversive, is because of the comparison to structure. It can’t be subversive if there’s nothing to subvert. Cliches exist for a reason. Common practices exist for a reason. When I first took music theory in high school and a bunch of us know-it-all damn-the-man kids scoffed at them, my teacher said “First know the rules. When you know the rules you can break them.” In Beethoven’s symphonies he adhered to Sonata Form… but also expanded on it. Innovated it. Subverted it. Breaking the rules can lead to excitement from the audience in that their expectations were subverted. Great video!

[@filmriot]

Totally agree.

[@SlideWreckDan]

I actually love structure. Being confined to think within a box helps realize what the box is which then allows me to go outside the box when necessary or inspired to. Great structure!

[@dkkeyz8815]

I’m in the end run of a 2 year filmschool program. This video just made story structure click. Thank you.

[@filmriot]

That's amazing to hear!

[@davoa4665]

what!! I can't believe this, I was learning story structure a few minutes ago and now u guys upload a new one what awesomeness hahaha Luv u guys.

[@filmriot]

We’re always watching.

[@siddhantkhare2775]

@@filmriot Hello Sir , I name is SIDDHANT , from India 🇮🇳 n I'm a student of High School . I am going to ask my parents for a gift for Christmas n New Year , I have a little bit of experience in Filmaking . I make films alone , i.e. , I direct n act both alone . The smartphone that I use is the iPhone 11 . I learn Filmaking from you n Cinecom.net (yt channel) . What gear shouldbI ask for ( I have a tripod n a lav mic already . Thanking you , Siddhant

[@siddhantkhare2775]

Sorry *My Name* not I name in the above question I have asked....

[@siddhantkhare2775]

@@filmriot Kindly Reply....

[@siddhantkhare2775]

@@filmriot ????

[@CalebBub]

Christopher Nolan is an amazing filmmaker, in-part, BECAUSE he plays with structure. You can't tell stories as layered and complex as he does without understanding exactly what you're talking about! Much love to Film Riot crew ❤❤❤

[@filmriot]

He’s so damn good.

[@unclesam9639]

I just read the chapter from save the cat today, and now I've got the video for it. What a match-point!

[@GriffinCologne]

Thank you so much for this particular video and for choosing The Ring and Inception as your analysis subjects. I’ve been in a creative rut for much of 2020 and I needed this dive into structure for two of my favorite films to get excited about writing again!

[@ryanmacharika3946]

Christopher Nolan uses the most rigid structure that is exact almost to the minute. His story beats are very clear and his movies other than Disney and Pixar are the easiest to study if you want to learn storytelling. People who probably have a more vague structure are maybe Tarantino and Chloe Zhao. But the best writers always do. You can always tell Woody Allen's structure in every script he writes whether good or bad and he's possibly the best screenwriter of all time.

[@BaileyxFilmz16]

I'm in college and my major is cinema and television. I took of class my Sophmore year of college where we learned Act 1 , Act 2 and Act 3. I will say I love your version better. Its easier to break down step by step. I wish they would teach us that way in college. Great job!

[@veryamazingandcreativename]

Awesome video! Just finished the last Film Riot Podcast earlier today. Completely done for now, excited for more to come. Love you guys, you are all so talented and a big inspiration.

[@Father_of_Internet]

Thank you so much!! You never disappoint! I've learn so much from you that i cant even put in words how much im thankful for your work. Thanks to you i got into writting short films and now that i've been doing that for a while, i'm getting into actual movie scripts. My main story now has 40 pages and counting. Im honestly shocked with how good its actually turning out to be and you came in clutch one more time, with the perfect timing, to help me one more time to reach my goals. I know for a fact that one day i will be great, because i wont Fckng give up until i do. Thank you so much one more time for sharing your knowledge. You the G.O.A.T. for real. Cheers from Portugal

[@TadasAlmantas]

Thanks to Film Riot team and their knowledge getting us prepared for the upcoming projects

[@paddywise176]

This came at the perfect time for me

[@alwinthomas7094]

Watch:kzbin.info/www/bejne/roHadWipnc55gZI

[@thejacobbunn]

this was SO helpful for me. I've only done one short film before and didn't work on my stories structure like this. Going into my second short film I'm feeling a lot better

[@ewertonmelo6473]

This is brilliant, and very well explained. Ryan, I’m big fan, been following the channel since many years ago. Great video!

[@robbytherobinson6654]

This video uploaded, just as I had my book out, planning my new short film. Thanks Film Riot.

[@studio2magic]

"You stood on the shoulders of geniuses to accomplish something as fast as you could, and before you even knew what you had!"

[@filmriot]

God I love Jurassic Park. The T-Rex paddock happens dead middle to the minute in the film. The exact point that the stakes are raised and the film goes in a new direction. :)

[@adamwoodall8075]

This channel never ceases to be absolutely FANTASTIC; keep it going!

[@filmriot]

Thank you!

[@mangome14]

You Guys Always Make Me Learn A Lot About Film Making

[@madisonledyard-king926]

SO glad you mentioned Paprika!

[@InLightVFX]

Story structure is one of the many filmmaking frameworks one should learn so you know how to break it effectively!

[@StanleyNunn]

I use Milanote as well. It was a great tool for my feature film. I also still rewatch Film Riot regularly. Sort of a film school for those who didn't go. Thanks for all you guys do. Plus your team is hilarious.

[@VictorWinPerspective]

Hey Ryan, I've been watching your videos on this channel for over 10 years and this is my first comment to you haha. You're so freakin helpful man! Thanks a ton!

[@greetings5640]

I’m writing a comic and this helped a lot. Obviously a comic Is different from a movie-I was just looking for a guide I could go off to. And I know I can repeat some of the structure points longer making the comic longer! This is great! Thank you so much for this helpful video

[@bwsdotaku5620]

I’m doing the same bro good luck 👍 may the best comic win when it’s finished show me it I’m making mine on webtoon btw

[@TheWorld_2099]

A comic can be a LOT like a film, minus the huge budget. I wish I could storyboard my film ideas like a comic book first.

[@swancoffeehouse5983]

Any tips go as long as they help you. I eish you luck with your story, bro 🙌!

[@TheVeyZ]

I'm writing my first graphic novel so this video helps.

[@rishisusanthan9076]

Same, I'm also writing a comic

[@stevenbaileytv]

Been loving Milanote since your first video. Used it for half a dozen projects since.

[@DomBurgess]

Brilliant as ever. Thanks Ryan!

[@thierryprinston4390]

Thank you for this Ryan!! from now, I am applying a structure to my stories.

[@filmriot]

Definitely try different ideas too. I've toyed around with a lot of ideas and ways in, most didn't work for me. Took a long time to find a process that was right for me... Which as you can see here, is a mix of many ideas.

[@XfarglesX]

Man this one was just excellent, thank you.

[@gregjones7196]

I love how Film Riot started as an inspirational and educational ride that still continues to this day. Love you guys!

[@topicruben]

Loved it! Thanks so much man 🙏

[@selispeks]

Looking for that short film! That looks incredible!

[@DMIINDSTUDIOS]

I’ve been watching this for a long time since 2017 !!

[@martijnscheffer]

same

[@Mxzvit]

Lol I’ve been watching since like 2014

[@cj64films]

@@Mxzvit same since like 2012 or 2011 lol

[@stewartstewartstewart]

Weird as the video only came out 46 minutes ago

[@Mxzvit]

@@stewartstewartstewart we’re taking about the channel bruh 🤦‍♀️

[@locorexproductions4282]

This video helped me so many times when developing my stories

[@bamflyer]

Great episode Ry!

[@Zevorx26]

Insane video, content never ceases to amaze

[@GalaxyEntertainmentCo]

Ryans room looking like the pincer movement from TENET

[@filmriot]

I really need to watch that film now.

[@GalaxyEntertainmentCo]

​@@filmriot its a sexy movie

[@raksh9]

Ohhhh nice

[@jaylamb218]

I don’t tell you guys enough on how much you mean to us as film makers and the wealth of information you provide to us! There’s no price you can put on it, I swear! If I had to think about what Film Riot contributes to the world just in experience, knowledge, opportunities, it would be in the millions! Hands down! Can’t say it enough! Love the hell out of you guys, and I want nothing but good things for you guys! Yes, we need you!! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and a Happy And Safe New Years!!! Peace and blessings!!!

[@Mvshootz]

Keep them coming man ! These vids are super dope 😎

[@195dhaval]

Best channel to learn real filmmaking.. too good...

[@MrWitnessProductions]

Amazing! thank you once again!

[@cassandrayorke583]

I LOVE MILANOTE

[@murph8907]

Nolan films are extremely structured. He even has mentioned that he's a bit of structure happy maniac. I'm surprised, cause of his films adhere very strongly to the 3 act structure.

[@sam.oates_]

Ah man, Structure is a foundation, its like laying deep foundations of a building. The building can be a creative and crazy as you can make it but it need to have great foundations. So good!

[@dominicstonekaiser9161]

Is good Rilm Fiot. Make better my mind for telling. ;). Thank you Ryan for the episode!

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa74]

Beautiful

[@lowlowseesee]

this originally reminds me of what the scientist call scientific inheritance. there has been so much work done that allows people to not only live more fruitful lives of comfort but those in the field of science get to pick up where their heroes left off to push the methods further

[@SpomalenyClovek]

Thx for the milanote add , it's really usefull.

[@HarleyPebley]

Milanote sounds interesting. Need to go check it out. Thanks!

[@MrGandhiGaming]

YOU AND YOURU TEAM ARE AWSOME

[@HitechProductions]

Loved it!

[@kennycooper294]

that stuff with the anime blew my mind

[@skinnersweet1263]

Congrats on very educational episode !!!! Y’kno--www ... Japanese literature industry has its own way of presenting a story into the certain sense of structure that comes in four parts. It basically has a second act, dividing into two that makes one, two, three, four. I personally find it coming in handy with writing for filcks, often runs 90 to somewhere 100 some minutes. The second act of usual three act structure is just too darn long, depending upon the material. Kek.

[@Advisorblogger]

Thank you this is great

[@zaplwo1140]

Gracias Ryan is a great video

[@praveenrajable]

I saw and implemented all your tricks, thank you very much, now I am directing one movie, plot:- tribes, can u show or explain some tips about this subject( di, colour correction, camera setting for forest location)

[@guttbustr]

First time seeing your channel or videos...INSTANT SUBSCRIBE. Thanks for the clear explanation and unreal examples 😄

[@filmriot]

Thanks! So glad you found us.

[@Komikino]

Thanks for showing "The Ring" as an example. If the Film Riot crew ever visits Seattle, I can take you to the location where they filmed the ranch scenes for that movie.

[@taylortimeless]

I don’t think about structure when I’m writing either. I do plan on the scenes ofc before I write them but I stopped the “this must happen on this specific page” stuff and just started writing. Things happened when they happened. That’s when I started getting good reviews on my scripts. But I do like to plan out scenes and the overall events of the story in advance. The only tip I did keep in mind was make the opening scene interesting.

[@JasonBeckettProductions]

I would love to see a video on how to structure short films too. Most videos like this focus on features, and as someone who isn't quite there with production, I'd love to see a video dedicated to writing and structuring a short film! BUT, another banger of a video, thanks!

[@diamondlabelfilms]

A story is a story. You're just hitting these points quicker.

[@rticle15]

Most people who disregard structure just dont want to take the time to learn story rules. Before you can break the rules, you have to learn them in the first place. Every major movie with any level of success, uses accepted story structure.

[@quizzyondemand]

mannnnn... this is no joke lol but im glad to have a professional teach me about it then me do it by myself. thanks man, great video

[@ryanhowell4492]

I love it, I'm struggling to write a storyline. any advice

[@antiheroine3611]

That was intense. That kid should have listened to her mom from the beginning

[@Narsty_Boy]

I think the big thing is the starting motivation. What puts everything into motion in the story? From there it is much easier to write.

[@enyahyisrael9700]

I've been watching since 2010

[@filmriot]

[@jarquiesblack4207]

Thanks

[@dakarimusic9087]

Awesome video bro! Now where exactly can I watch your short film from this video?

[@skyteus]

Lovely

[@forestlawnfilms4893]

Thx so helpful

[@DanielTuriman]

Thanks man

[@AnimeBadBoi]

I love this page so much. I WAS JUST SAYING HOW I NEEDED TO START GETTING BETTER WITH WRITING Hey Ryan Can I send you something for you to sign it *cries*

[@mjolninja9358]

Hello, does this also apply for short films? Love your videos!

[@timi0276]

Milanote is a great thing, using the free version :)

[@stevengibbs8651]

Never saw Paprika, but whoa!

[@alainlotriet9896]

Noice! Great learnings. Thanks!

[@mpikturesmpk]

Film riot, always poppin when needed

[@jordanboren5573]

Hey fellas. Not sure if you’ve done a vid like this in the past but if you could do one on squibs or DIY squibs. I feel like digital blood spray is harder to do right.

[@MegaGameFan100]

tbh, the best part of this video was the link to Milanote it's like having trello...bot with the features you actually want!

[@mikkomudenda7840]

I've been watching this channel and more regarding contact of this type,am super interested in film making.i stopped at some point cos... well life happened,but am now split into two because am in college studying engineering but my heart and soul lives for film making as a career choice.

[@MrMichealdrew]

where can i find your short film? it looked dope

[@Jack-zi6tl]

While watching this I realized this applies to more then just films with minor modifications

[@Ranger7Studios]

Great video Ryan! Have you seen the "Lessons from the Screenplay" KZbin channel where the guy breaks down the multiple act structures using the Avengers movie. It's pretty amazing.

[@cheryldahl9192]

I'm writing my first novel. I'm so lost in that forrest! 🤣🤣

[@FranzSSilva]

The lights Ryan uses in front make him look like he was sitting in a meeting room of the Death Star xD

[@beingcreative-aj7817]

from where can i get the total list of how to build structure for different videos?

[@chrismarcii7614]

Where did you get those tube lights behind you?

[@catreadings8666]

when are you going to make your next film ?

[@gaijinhokage4165]

is there a pdf for the 6 acts structure

[@nicholascattell4633]

Using the 6 act structure, can you recommend an outline number of pages for each act?

[@lmoody8003]

Just divide the total number of pages you are planning for your script by six and you will have the number of pages for each of the six sub-acts. For a 96 page script they would be as follows: 1-16, 17-32, 33-48, 49-64, 65-80, 81-96. Of course you don’t need to hit them exactly, but it’s helpful to writing towards a plot beat. Read the books Save the Cat and Save the Cat Goes to the Movies. Game changers

[@monkeyattackedmyass5435]

Milanote vs Final Draft Beat Board. Can't you do the same thing in both? Why go 3rd party when beat board is integrated into Final Draft?

[@IPENTV]

Thank you Film Riot

[@DMIINDSTUDIOS]

Another while edited video!👍🏽🎥

[@harshtripathi729]

Love from india

[@blueberrycomics]

about inception, Nolan had the idea and pitched it in 2002 4 years after paprika was released

[@twackburn]

I'm getting Tenet vibes from those red/blue background lights

[@SS-ph9su]

Can you tell me where to read the original movie's script ?? is there any official website or something??

[@filmriot]

Yep! You can usually just google it. "Screenplay for" then the film you want to read. John August's "Weekend Read" app has some in the app itself, and there are sites like Simply Scripts.

[@SS-ph9su]

@@filmriot OMG😯 presonally i have never got an reply from any youtube channels for my questions, but you gave me an instant reply, that too, you are very detail in your reply, very good attitude that very few youtubers have SALUTE ~ 😍