The Rule of 3 Explained - Why Three is Key to Comedy, Storytelling, and Character

Functions Rule of Three - We look at the different uses of triples in writing, from character to narrative structure.
What is the Rule of Three? ►► bit.ly/wi-rt
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Rule of Three
01:10 - Why the Rule of Three Matters
02:18 - Chapter 1: Dialogue
06:36 - Chapter 2: Plot & Structure
10:44 - Chapter 3: Characters
14:16 - Takeaways
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THE RULE OF 3 EXPLAINED
Good things come in threes, and nowhere is this more true than in writing. Since ancient times, writers and storytellers have used rules of three to create satisfying narratives. One time is an isolated incident. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. In this video, we break down the many uses of the rule of three.
RULE OF THREE COMEDY AND DIALOGUE
In dialogue, the rule of three manifests as a rhythmic device that enhances the impact of speech. A character may list three reasons to justify a decision, or a persuasive argument might be structured in three parts, each reinforcing the speaker's point. This is often called a tricolon.
Comedic dialogue, meanwhile, often relies on setting up two similar ideas before delivering a punchline with the third, creating a pattern that primes audiences for the joke and enhances its impact. This technique leverages the element of surprise within a familiar structure, making the humor more effective.
NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS RULE OF THREE
Within the narrative, the rule of three provides a framework that feels both complete and satisfying. The classic three-act structure- setup, confrontation, and resolution- guides audiences through a coherent journey that mirrors life's trials, victories, and growth.
The rule of three can also be found in conflict. There are, you guessed it, three degrees of conflict: internal, interpersonal, and external. Using a mix of all three of these can give a narrative more variety and depth.
CHARACTER RULE OF THREE EXPLAINED
First and foremost, the rule of three is used in character dynamics. A group of three primary characters provides the potential for love triangles, power struggles, and more.
The rule of three also applies to how a character reveals themself to the audience. There are three layers to a character: what they show the world, what they show close friends and family, and what they only reveal to themselves. Deciding when and how to show these layers is crucial for a writer.
The rule of three is a testament to mankind’s affinity for patterns, providing a structure that enhances storytelling across dialogue, narrative, and character. Whether through the strategic delivery of a joke, the pacing of a plot, or the depth of a protagonist, the principle remains a cornerstone of compelling storytelling.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
"The Magic Number" - De La Soul
"Distance" - Daniel Brown
"Neon Sun" - Jacob Montague
"In Love with Emi" - Fabien Fustinoni
"Happy Ending (Alternate)" - Hans Zimmer
"Life's Journey Begins" - idokay
"The Wizard's Exposé : Emerald City Graduation Exercises (Extended Version)" - MGM Studio Orchestra
"A Battle in the East" - Rhythm Scott
"Christmas Vacation" - Mavis Staples
"Main Titles - The Little Mermaid" - Alan Menken
"Binary Love" - Stanley Gurvich
"Assembly Line Dreams" - Ostin Drais
"The Perfect Storm" - David Morton
"Helm's Deep" - Howard Shore
"The Bridge of Khazad Dum" - Howard Shore
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"Atlantique" - A.M. Beef
"S.T.A.Y." - Hans Zimmer
"Inquisitions" - Kevin Graham
"Blood Trails" - Carter Burwell
"If You Leave Something Behind" - Christopher Bear, Daniel Rossen
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Diana Ross
"Wall of Fire" - Tony Anderson
"Main Title (from "Taxi Driver")" - Bernard Herrmann
"Thank God for the Rain" - Bernard Herrmann
"Anime" - Magiksolo
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#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

[@StudioBinder]

CORRECTION: The Tim Burton quote should have been attributed to director Jean Luc Godard.

[@AlleyKatPr0]

Spock, Kirk and McCoy - did you really omit that??? Rational, Balance and Irrational or rather, Ego, Super-Ego and ID. /see me after class

[@russellwboss]

Corrected 3hr ago... Perfect.

[@ffnendhgrgd]

It's spelled "Picard". Common mistake.

[@Sobreversivo]

That's why I didn't see any correlation between words and action.

[@s290709ws]

.

[@josephm.benoit9202]

“A story should have a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order” RIP Jean-Luc Godard

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Thanks for correcting that misattribution.

[@josephm.benoit9202]

@@MrRufusRToyota Actually, given SB's consistent quality, I was prepared for that British voice to make two more "mistakes" and admit, in the end, to having _pranked us in-threes_

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for catching that mistake. We've addressed it in a pinned comment. Our humble apologies!

[@chandramohan_sonder]

​@@StudioBinder That's three statements. I hope that was intentional. I'm writing this just so that even my reply is in threes.

[@s290709ws]

"That's why French films are F*ing boring" David Mamet 😅

[@grahamyates2490]

The first time I noticed the Rule of Three was when I read 'Goldfinger'. Auric Goldfinger used this phrase to warn Bond that their third meeting would end in problems for Bond. "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action."

[@StudioBinder]

That's a great example! We should have used it.

[@solertia33]

This is one of those fascinating topics that you’ve never heard of but makes complete sense because you’ve seen it everywhere your entire life.

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed. Thanks for watching!

[@AbonZel3]

Yeah, I had thought about it for a while, but didn't realize how many facets and forms it could take, like in dialogue. I'm a big gamer, and the rule of three is pretty common in games (you have to hit the weak spot three times to win).

[@swoozie]

I am such a proud subscriber of u guys, u have no idea. Thank u so much for all the hard work you put into every video.

[@StudioBinder]

Wow, thank you! We'll keep 'em coming.

[@JoshLange3D]

"u, u, you"--good rule of 3 there

[@dunnowy123]

Stuff like this gives me goosebumps, there's something fundamental about storytelling that feels cosmic and timeless

[@blueyedmule]

I n the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Yup, timeless.

[@Jeremy_Black92]

​@@blueyedmuleFather, son, holy spirit. Birth, death, resurrection. Etc.

[@CBoy92]

"Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne" 3 races in harmony, and then the 4th brings discord and a sinister feeling.

[@rd6203]

Also, brings in the other commonly "magical" numbers, which is why the fourth and the loner is discord

[@peterkalyabe7553]

StudioBinder's videos make me feel a little smarter every time I click. Well, one of my favourite examples of THREE, we discover truth in three ways: 1) experience, 2) logical reasoning, 3) words. - In this chronological order, words are the least reliable purveyors of truth.

[@StudioBinder]

That's our goal. Thanks for watching!

[@nikshmenga]

“Never two without three” Jamais deux sans trois it means that either something positive or negative has already occurred twice and is most likely to happen again

[@StudioBinder]

Oh, that's interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

This is a complete audiovisual encyclopedia about the Rule of Three in History and Filmmaking. A Complete Audiovisual anthropology about the number 3 in Pop culture. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.💯💯💯

[@StudioBinder]

Well said! You're welcome.

[@low_bal]

A book 😳

[@patrickbaleydier3129]

My favorite trilogy is "The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy a trilogy in five parts" :p

[@StudioBinder]

Douglas Adams is a treasure!

[@bruce-le-smith]

@@StudioBinderyeah thanks for including that Monty Python sketch with the 5 joke, maybe Hitchikers is a faint echo of that joke?

[@mikecastle9555]

From a cinema arcade on the Simpsons: Space Mutants IV: The Trilogy Continues

[@dhirendrakumar276]

3 words - Enlightening, Delightful, Informative

[@owie4070]

Not sure if this is the best example but this line delivered by Joan Cusack in the movie Working Girl to Harrison Ford's character: "Coffee? Tea? Me?"

[@StudioBinder]

That's an excellent example! Setting up the punchline for the third option.

[@amitadarsh6479]

Thanks for saving me from the regret of never going to film school because it's too damn costly. Honestly, I can learn everything I need to learn from StudioBinder alone. Can you make a specific playlist as a course for screenwriters? That would help me a lot. It is hard to sort the videos in order.

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate the flattery but don't limit yourself. There's plenty to learn outside of film school so don't stop with us. Also, we have a series on screenwriting called Page to Picture: kzbin.info/aero/PLEzQZpmbzckXeB51uPexULfYV3mX7DCdv&si=j8TGMSmn7BaaMEO8

[@amitadarsh6479]

Thanks@@StudioBinder 👍

[@jameshanscomb8072]

One of the best videos Studio Binder has put out. I'm sure there are two others just as good.

[@the_scrongler]

Personally i like the trope of [INSERT CHARACTER] doing [INSERT ACTION] three times with a different context each time.

[@StudioBinder]

For sure! What's a good example?

[@the_scrongler]

@@StudioBinder i guess maybe the mirror in the "Truman show".

[@trikebeatstrexnodiff]

great video! though i have a question, we have been seeing this use of 3s for a very long time and unlike other writing elements, this has not turned into a cliche trope. why is that? why do people like to see it exactly and say not the trope of orphaned protagonist for example? both are ancient tropes but while the latter has turned into a cliche element where it is usually undesirable to write about, the rule of 3 is a big stuff that it is wise to use. i know in the video it talked about how it is related to seeing patterns but is it really that easy to trick the brain everytime to fall in love/accept this rule of 3 element? i think this rule of 3 has to be subverted, has anyone tried something about this yet?

[@caetanobarsoteli]

Certainly, tricking the brain is surprisingly simple. The rule of three remains effective even if we know about it because three is the number that starts a pattern, with "starts" being the operative term here. You can mess with this rule by using any number bigger than three-four, five, fifteen-to maintain a pattern. A pattern's still a pattern with any of these numbers. You can even break it down into little groups of three. Take a trio of sentences like, "I've been eating, sleeping, and having nightmares. I've been eating at work, sleeping at work, and having work nightmares. I've been thinking of you, thinking of you, and dreaming of you." All three sentences have their own set of three things going on. Unlike the trope of the orphaned protagonist, the rule of three is structural, not a content-specific cliché, allowing for endless variation within its form.

[@StudioBinder]

That's an interesting question. Perhaps it's because "three" is a form or "container" and a trope like the "orphaned protagonist" is content (aka what you put in that container). People will notice the content much sooner than they'll notice the form it comes in. But it's all theory!

[@wyattwyatt4126]

Always incredibly qualitative content 😮 thanks StudioBinder

[@StudioBinder]

Our pleasure!

[@Beowulf25]

"You know, Pickering, this chap's got a certain natural gift of rhetoric. Observe the rhythm of his native woodnotes wild. "I'm willing to tell you. I'm wanting to tell you. I'm waiting to tell you." That's the Welsh strain in him." -My Fair Lady

[@StudioBinder]

Very nice!

[@androssteague]

There are some literature experts who say there are four acts in a story structure. Act 1 Act 2a Act 2b and Act 3. The reason act 2 is split into two is because it's the meatiest part of the story and the front end of act 2 operate under different Dynamics than the back end.

[@StudioBinder]

That's true. There are also five-act structures!

[@Nezumi--]

it also depends on where. japanese literature usually uses ki-sho-ten-ketsu which is by default four acts. third one introduces the plot twist, but western literature experts will see it as poorly executed lol .. there's something interesting stuff when narratives from various cultures are also looked at

[@martinholden2281]

Thanks for another great essay, Studio Binder. Smart, Insightful, Creative; it ticked all the boxes.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you enjoyed it! This was a fun one.

[@dougwarner6011]

This is one of the most insightful and educational videos I have seen. Thank you.

[@bobwiegers]

this is some of your finest work. many thanks for the inspiration!

[@StudioBinder]

Our pleasure! We were very excited about this one.

[@Dismythed]

I appreciate that it is often easy to pick out three things or to nudge things into the appearance of a three-part structure, but this is simply because it is the limit of the average memory. We can remember three things easily, but four becomes more difficult and for some it is near impossible to retain for more than a minute. But just because we can identify threes for memory does not mean there are only three things there. There may be four or even five things, or there may be two things, and to fit the pattern, they find reason for a third or split one or both of the other two. Take for example the three act structure. This represents the so-called "beginning", "middle" and "end" of the story. But really, when you tell someone, "it's in the beginning of the movie", do you really mean it's the first act? No, because most people don't give movies enough thought to break it into its acts. What they usually mean is that it is in the first half of the movie, not the first third or in the set-up. Likewise, the "end" usually means the last half. If they say the "middle", then they mean somewhere in the hour that doesn't set up characters or resolve the final battle. But when we really look at a movie, we see these clear divisions: day in the life, characters, problem, call to action, denouement and/or climax (in either order). The acts are completely arbitrary. The second act could include the problem or be just the call to action. It’s just easy to split these six into three, but sometimes there’s no denouement or no climax. On a character study, there's no call to action. In some movies, the day in the life and character introductions are simultaneous. As to main characters, buddy cop, single protagonist and ensemble (4 or more) movies show that trinities are just another number. You say three beats start a rhythm, but there are four beats in music, thus the fourth beat is usually represented by a silence or climax in the scenes you referenced. Note that when the third hand hits Nielson's character, this is funny for the surprise, but the deep laugh comes from seeing his completely reasonable reaction in the fourth comedy beat. In fact, comedy has only two defined stages: the setup and the punchline. The setup can be just one thing or broken up into multiple things, not just three. So this "rule of threes" thing may make things simple to remember, but a truly skilled writer would only be hampering themselves to use it for anything more than a tool to keep things easy to remember for the audience. "Threes" is just not a rule that requires any enforcement. It is just that simple minds give in to simple ideas. Four DOES NOT bore and two does not get forgotten or ignored. Remember: five is alive and six is full of tricks. Try breaking that into threes.

[@bennywollinmusic]

Thank you! You just saved me the time of writing a similar mini-essay on the internet. :) I do think there's a particular case where 3 does make sense (although you could also argue it's a case of 2): It is the minimum repetition needed to establish a pattern and then change, contrast, fulfill, or subvert it. For example, if a phrase starts out: "I want money, I need money,..." we expect the third statement to also revolve around the character's relationship to money. If it starts out "I want money, I want friends..." then we expect the third statement to be a third category of thing the character wants.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! We certainly agree that three is not the only option (there are countless and memorable duos out there). And when we say "rule," it's just like any "rule" in writing - more of a suggestion than a commandment.

[@bruce-le-smith]

@@bennywollinmusic+1 "minimum repetition needed to establish a pattern and then change"

[@djn48]

Good comment overall, but here's a quick correction: there are not only four beats in music. Four is the most common number for modern popular music, but songs can be written in a huge number of different time signatures. For example, all Waltz music is written in threes (3/4 time or 3 quarter note beats). Some modern bands even write less music in 4/4 than they do in other time signatures, for example, Tool's most recent album contains many different time signatures, even with an entire song based around 7/8 (7 eighth notes per bar).

[@JasmineJ-SuDirector]

The movie "BAPS" was based on three. She found out about the audition for a music video in a magazine, radio, then tv. Ever since then I based my own motivation off three. So for you all to have a video breaking down the psychology and logistics of it. I am a proud subscriber. Thank you!

[@fuegofranko]

I'm always learning something new from you guys!

[@mattosso7676]

Structurally, I think Star Wars is a great example. Luke fights Vader 3 times. (Once in his X-wing and 2 duels.) Each time he encounters Vader, he learns something about himself and/or Vader. Each time they meet his view changes, which also changes the context (And, thus, changes the way the audience feels). It also makes Luke's victory EARNED when he defeats Vader in Return of the Jedi (unlike MarySue Rey Palpatine in Disney's "sequels".) By the end of the 3rd encounter, he's learned the lesson that what he wants (revenge) will only turn him into the very evil he's trying to defeat. He realizes that in order to redeem his father and save his own soul, he needs to show Vader mercy. (Pity stayed his hand) Doing so redeems Anakin who in turn sacrifices himself to defeat the Emperor and save his son.) That's powerful storytelling right there. That's why Lucas is a brilliant storyteller. And that's how he was able to create one of the most impactful trilogies in cinema history.

[@samyakbhadke170]

Please make 2 videos a week !!!!! One is not enough...... I keep waiting a week, it helps much ....

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@darkmindedsith]

How about making......3?

[@JustMusicPlaylistsForAll]

Wow, I'm gonna watch this three times. A lot of good advice here!

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Amazing videos 🌍🌟 I always love starting my weeks feeling like a cineast🧐🍷

[@StudioBinder]

That's funny, we always love starting our week by sharing them!

[@SICRoosterKido]

I can't express how much I love your videos.

[@StudioBinder]

Wow, thank you!

[@ngziin9975]

Hey Studiobinder, I’d love to see a video on how to get producers’ attention for a screenplay and story when someone starts fresh without creating a track record for themselves beforehand. It’s a challenge many new writers face and your insights could be incredibly valuable. Thanks!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion! That is a very common challenge and I'm sure we'll cover it someday.

[@MemphiStig]

I am enlightened, entertained, and informed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (See also epistrophe, anaphora, simploce, etc.)

[@StudioBinder]

Well done! And you're welcome.

[@joefelice5062]

11:50 - you included my favorite line from No Country 😀

[@StudioBinder]

So many lines to choose from in that movie, but, yeah, that one's at the top.

[@paddleandhook]

Thanks again for another great edutaining video!

[@federicovicente8116]

Every time I listen to what I call The Voice, I get excited, because I know it's going to be an excellent video.

[@StudioBinder]

We are blessed to have The Voice!

[@focuspulling]

@@StudioBinder Behold bots and fluffers in the comments.

[@TeddyRumble]

I noticed this in film and television as a young man. In the original Mission impossible, it was always the third person that the leader chose.

[@alfonta]

Wild things with Dennis -Neve -Dillon

[@StudioBinder]

Yep! Good example.

[@nozrep]

this is fascinating and also I’d be curious to know if there are any famous stories, books, movies that do not follow the rule of three?

[@CaptainZachofEarth]

the rule of three has always had such powerful symbolism in our history and the stories we tell. my favorite is the original charmed episodes. the power of three truly set them free.

[@StudioBinder]

Exactly!

[@btko8020]

Great content as always

[@trusarmor4957]

Quads and Duos are everywhere as well ... how do you choose? please do a Vid on those great combos and some of the Positives and Negatives with each. Loves the Channel

[@StudioBinder]

That's true, there are more options than three. That's an interesting suggestion! We'll think it over.

[@sarangbsr]

Great Video. Hey Studiobinder, Please make next video on the direction style of david leitch.

[@StudioBinder]

Great suggestion! He's been killing it lately.

[@sarangbsr]

@@StudioBinder yeah, his action and cinematography is engaging.

[@rwalia12]

excellent and resourceful video!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@igorsauchuk7724]

I have three girls in my theatre on stage, recently shot another comedy movie with ,three of these girls where they played two pilots and flight attendant, three languages in this comedy french english and ukrainian as well three actors I played- comming soon))) Thanks for your school, another note in my Konspekt

[@StudioBinder]

You're very welcome.

[@merovideodiary2163]

Due to my physical condition i cant able to study filmmaking course which was my dream but through online you guys made my dream come true.thank u guys 🙏

[@StudioBinder]

You're very welcome! We're honored to be able to help people like you learn and appreciate film as much as we do.

[@ericwilliams626]

I learned the benefit of three when writing. Two observations which are easy to understand; when writing anything more than three characters creates a complicated mix of time for the actors and the flow of the scene. Three provides balance but most importantly, it removes boredom from the ping pong dialogue of two. Anything more than three characters provides complications for the reader and viewer. Not that this is is absolute, but keeping it a three, you are tightly focused. When you watch a scene from Ocean's Eleven for example, you see all the characters attempting to contribute or The Magnificent Seven, where McQueen had to stand out in some way. In the end, three is efficient, provides enough variety, and is more intimate where you get to know each character wo them being drowned out by other characters.

[@StudioBinder]

It's really interesting how character dynamics come into play with three vs. two.

[@AmericanActionReport]

I've often observed a 3-plus-1 set of characters. There were Three Musketeers plus D'Artagnan; in Journey to the West, there were three animal characters and the Buddhist priest; in the TV series Laredo, there were three Texas Rangers in the field and their captain. I've seen many others.

[@LastNightIWatchedMyselfSleep]

The Power of Three will set us free.

[@sanzuqui]

OMG i have been teaching this always, even with juggling balls at the class! I have been waiting for this video!

[@sanzuqui]

I believe that we have 2 sides of the brain, two ears, two eyes, 2 hands, our brain is always classifying and labelling, once something gets defined it dies. Adding a third element to the mix, just tricks with our mind that find it harder to label it quickly. That's why juggling balls is a good example for me, 2 is boring just adding 1 more and it is magic.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching and keep on juggling!

[@ExecutiveAutomotiveSociety]

I would like to add to this analogy, the concept of balance. Prices Law states the square root of the number of people in a domain do 50% of the work. That means if you have 10 employees, 3 of them do 1/2 the work. This analogy correlates with real life. Think about the people who dominate, or are known, within a skill. It's usually three. We have Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. You probably remember three great authors or three great painters. You'll have three favorite actors. It's not just based on performance, it's based on memorization and performance. Like churning butter, the cream rises to the top. Sure, there are limitless amounts of people and possibilities, but you'll only invest in three. Funny enough, a movie in 30 minutes increments (an hour and half) is acceptable, but a 3 hours movie is considered too long. It's a contest of math and balance. It really makes you think, as humans, how much do we leave on the cutting room floor to make sure the story hits the mark.

[@jessebbedwell]

I love hidden threes. Elements of a character which do not take place one after another and are not repetitions of the same information, but which contain connected information which is scattered throughout a story.

[@StudioBinder]

There are so many ways to use this rule!

[@YesterdaysMoose]

Over the past few years, I've noticed the abundance of occasions characters agree to perform a united task on the count of 3, either by counting up (1-2-3), or counting down (3-2-1). It happens so often that it has become a cliche.

[@debzzzz4415]

Oh wow where was this video two months ago! I did a presentation for my script and i could find nothing online to effectively describe the rule of three within less than a minute. Hell i wasnt even sure if the tecnique was called "rule of 3" i kinda made it up (english wasnt the language i used) i ended up using the 3 little pigs and the Christmas Carol as examples and my reasoning was that 3 is simple to follow especially for children because it splits acts and lessons into interactions with only 3 characters so its all packaged and neat. (yes rule of 3 got me the highest grade in that class for the semester.)

[@kingeducates]

This makes so much sense, why have I never noticed it.

[@StudioBinder]

Crazy, right? It's been there the whole time.

[@bodowen]

I notice it in phrases, like “in any way, shape, or form,” or the variations of “zip, nada, zilch.”

[@focuspulling]

The return of the old-timey boomer radio broadcaster narration...

[@StudioBinder]

He's great, isn't he?

[@focuspulling]

@@StudioBinder Nope.

[@Windex314]

Hannah Gadsby furiously taking notes. Then taking notes. And then taking notes.

[@RYXPfan]

One of my favorite examples of the rule of three are the three ta'veren in the wheel of time: Rand, Perrin, and Mat

[@e.s.l.1083]

3 is the 1st of the fibonacci sequence (that establishes the equation for progression into 'the infinity of the pattern'

[@StudioBinder]

The connections never end!

[@tamobebia]

Amazing video

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for that!

[@-NHMeasures-]

Puts a list of the movies that will be spoiled. Then on the count of three spoils a bit of Pulp Fiction, which wasn't on the list. That was awesome.

[@StudioBinder]

Yeah, that one should have been on there.

[@kemonopriestess]

This is an interesting topic... gosh..

[@StudioBinder]

We certainly thought so! It's just as much fun to learn about these topics as they are to share them.

[@muditchaturvedi5276]

Thnx a lot for this !!!

[@StudioBinder]

Most welcome!

[@andrewpeli9019]

1 and 2 are also used a lot in story writing. 4 sometimes but a little less. Even 5, 6, and 7. But as they go on, the numbers get used less and less frequently because that’s the nature of freaking numbers.

[@jahosaphat]

Great lesson

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for that!

[@GoShiggyGo]

You uploaded this on the 3 month of the year. March! On the 18th which divides by 3 perfectly. Coincidence?

[@StudioBinder]

We would love to take credit for that! But, alas, pure coincidence...or was it?

[@Chill_Mode_JD]

Me Myself and I love Studio Binder 🎬💚😜

[@StudioBinder]

Right back at ya!

[@nozrep]

313 comments when i clicked over to write this sorry to spoil!!😅 Anyways… I had no idea about this socalled rule of three. How fascinating! It’s like, once you point it out, as a random non-writer individual I think… oh… yah it IS like that. Very cool!

[@gustavofernandes3379]

Hey! Can we have a link for the Courier font with the typewriter look on the "Page to Picture" title?

[@andrewlowden322]

doing comedy in college in the 90s we wrote sketches and one of the most successful types was the "rule of 3". Ro3 sketches tended to start with a short setup sketch, usually 20-45 seconds long with its own decently fun tagline to get the audience laughing as the lights went out. Maybe 3 sketches later comes the 2nd. This is always very similar to the 1st scene but with a small change. IE 1st scene, character is huge dude going full up-to-11 on how much he loves vacuuming the house while mining vacuuming. "HOW I LOOOOOOVE VACUUMING MY CARPET!!" for 15 seconds or so then doorbell, who is it? with same character "WHY IS ALWAYS WHEN IM VACUUMING MY CAPERT SOMEONE HAS TO RING MY DOORBELL! GO AWAY" but the 2nd is how much he loves CAULKING MY SHOWER!! GD HOW MUCH I LOVE CAULKING MY SHOWER!!" followed by doorbell and similar reaction then the 3rd comes in and turns it on its head. 2nd to last sketch of the day, cut to same huge dude with woman bent over table and him screaming "HOW I LOVE %^&$ING MY GIRLFRIEND!!!" . Both animated (in silly way not in provocative way) and obviously this is a very intimate engagement much more so than doing chores, however this time when the doorbell rings its Domino's Pizza to which he immediately throws her to the floor (again high energy) and runs off stage "ABOUT FRIGGIN TIME!!!" This subverts what we have seen as his response and as its much more intimate the stakes are higher and elicits a huge response update from mid 90s to 2024 yes a % will decide to see spousal abuse or something but in the context of comedy and seeing the other sketches around it etc etc it works and makes an impression (so much so that its easy to remember this rule of 3 more than the dozens we did over the years)

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb 🎉

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@titocris4746]

Famous Threes: Kirk, Spock, McCoy Luke, Han, Leia Neo, Trinity, Morpheus

[@TheBlessingReport]

Great video

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@StudioBinder]

Our pleasure!

[@Amazone17171]

The threefold repetition not only reveals underlying patterns, but is also necessary to recondition ourselves. In the Cinderella fairy tale, Cinderella has to go to the royal level three times until she has balanced her masculinity with her femininity and stops sacrificing herself for her parasite family: she stops acting threefold for others while the other three live on her effort and work. She is "redeemed" (by her own power) by adopting new attitudes. Three therefore also symbolically simply stands for a certain number of repetitions that are necessary to develop a habit or a new attitude.

[@MKisFeelinSpicy]

Does anyone else feel like some of these in Chapter 2 are just arbitrary categorizations of 3, or at least not sufficiently justified why it shouldn't be broken down in any other number of categories? Like even with the beginning/middle/end categories, the video also shows a graph that seems to break it down in further subcategories, suggesting there's often more than just 3 parts to a movie.

[@GlenCollinsOfficial]

Can you delve into the Space Opera?

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting topic! We'll add it to the list.

[@Fuegoshotz]

Super cool!

[@poindextertunes]

Rocky had 3 main antagonist in the boxing ring throughout the franchise. Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago. Tommy Gunn was his protege and they fought but not in the ring. This probably doesn’t even apply here but it just popped in my head lol

[@StudioBinder]

Threes are everywhere!

[@gingerdog8203]

Would it be possible to give the start and ending times for spoilers of the movies? Some of these videos i really wanna watch to learn about things but I don’t wanna see the spoilers

[@marlanoronha4065]

Vencer, vencer, vencer 🐓 Lutar, lutar, lutar 🟩🟨

[@uncledoug-eu1xt]

is the studio binder software free to use

[@karisha2y5]

Thank you💜💜💜

[@StudioBinder]

You are so welcome!

[@ayushnair8570]

Please do a “How they Shot it” on the Lord of the Rings films @StudioBinder

[@StudioBinder]

That's a great idea but we would need to focus on specific elements like cameras, lenses, production design. Any suggestions?

[@ayushnair8570]

@StudioBinder probably camera and production design. I know you already covered the score in your leitmotif video. Although would be great if some references were made to the screenplay. Another possible area to explore is the use of practical effects in Fellowship vs the more heavy use of vfx in Return of the King.

[@jayb2283]

This is right on time

[@StudioBinder]

Nice! Glad to hear it.

[@dirtytube]

I use the rule of 3 all the time in my everyday speech. My favorite subversion of it was {Game of Thrones Spoiler} when Ramsey needed a 4th arrow to strike Rickon.

[@StudioBinder]

Exactly! Using the rule against the audience can be just as interesting.

[@juhva]

Photography has also different rules of three. You can test with your phone. Put 1, 2 and 3 items to table and take photo. Which photo looks best?

[@Roger349]

*Dear Studiobinder could ya please make a combined video on Niche Culture, Auteur Theory, High Culture, Low Culture, Feminist Film Theory' etc?*

[@StudioBinder]

We may or may not have a surprise for you in the near future.

[@kimlip_tree2009]

14:55 "WHAT is your name?" "WHAT is your quest?" "WHAT is your favorite color?"/"WHAT is the airspeed velocity of a swallow?"

[@StudioBinder]

Gets 'em every time!

[@GlenLauderdale]

I believe this is why I certain quote from Attack of the Clones doesn’t work. Even though saying “I don’t like sand. It’s rough and irritating; and it gets everywhere!” May not be a perfect line, it’s still better than saying ““I don’t like sand. It’s rough and coarse and irritating; and it gets everywhere!”

[@kirillbach6298]

Thanks

[@StudioBinder]

You're welcome!

[@oliversomething4821]

"It was the pivotal teaching of Pluthero Quexos, the most celebrated dramatist of the Second Dominion, that in any fiction, no matter how ambitious its scope or profound its theme, there was only ever room for three players. Between warring kings, a peacemaker; between adoring spouses, a seducer or a child. Between twins, the spirit of the womb. Between lovers, Death. Greater numbers might drift through the drama, of course -- thousands in fact -- but they could only ever be phantoms, agents, or, on rare occasions, reflections of the three real and self-willed beings who stood at the center. And even this essential trio would not remain intact; or so he taught. It would steadily diminish as the story unfolded, three becoming two, two becoming one, until the stage was left deserted." ― Clive Barker, *Imajica*

[@RaineAvina]

I always wondered this. I think I get it from kind of a mathy way of looking at it. One point gives no information for a pattern. Two points starts a pattern. The third can be used to subvert or heighten it even farther. It's really just _ _ / or - - \ or / \ / or \ \ /

[@babaarcuszatir]

I wouldn’t have thought this topic will be THIS interesting. I was wrong. Again 😅

[@StudioBinder]

We had the same experience!

[@mangwonfish]

인류학적으로 3은 엄마가 한명은 업고 2명은 양손에 한명씩 손잡고 데리고 다닐수 있는, 자식을 최대한 많이 번식하면서 보호할 수 있는 안정적인 숫자이기 떄문입니다

[@tomlewis4748]

Kirk, Spock, and Bones. Once I realized this triumvirate was why Star Trek worked, I knew how I would write everything.

[@StudioBinder]

Another classic triad!

[@giuliodigiusto7501]

Anyone knows where the terryfing scene at 0:35 comes from?

[@ahobimo732]

A three-legged table never wobbles. Three is balanced. I have no third clause... 😞

[@StudioBinder]

Profound none the less!

[@DeanCassady]

One becomes two, two becomes three, finally, three becomes everything, that's Daoism said.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing! There is definitely a spiritual connection to three that goes way beyond writing.

[@elbaahet]

I like, share , comment!