Using the Story Circle to Structure Your Screenplay

[@TylerMowery]

Get Practical Tools to Write Your Great Screenplay: www.practicalscreenwriting.com

[@deaconmaurice8626]

instablaster...

[@Jp-Was-Here]

It does though really

[@ishouldfindagoodname2416]

1. I am standing like always. 2. I want to move. 3. I begin moving, entering a new situation of movement. 4. I adapt by planting my foot. 5. I have moved. 6. But I used up some energy. 7. I return to being still 8. But I am moved.

[@luisamota7160]

Exactly! 😂

[@kattsplosion]

Lmao

[@samarth.patel21]

Sounds like a great story

[@SnehaSingh-ti5ui]

Mmm, metaphorical

[@williamg138]

This story moved me

[@NTJordan]

Writing is so lonely sometimes. I'm PUMPED to be a part of a community of writers like this.

[@Leprutz]

True. It's hard and it can be devestating. But the best reward is when someone read and doesn't tell you it's good, but tells you actually why they think it's good. And the best answer to get is: Because I can relate to it.

[@sergividal661]

I think writers such as Ernest Hemingway would relate

[@GendefectX]

all work and no play makes jack a dull boy

[@jeffvic9842]

Not really, you're with the characters of the story

[@ChexCat]

If you have any stuff you’ve written that you want to share, I’d love to hear it! I’m a filmmaker and always looking for good story’s and scripts! Insta @chelseabutz

[@TPKProductions]

Almost every video about filmmaking has Heath Ledger's joker as the thumbnail lol

[@TylerMowery]

Because it works!

[@ScaredStraightProductions]

TPK Productions the dark knight is one of the best written movies

[@TPKProductions]

@@ScaredStraightProductions So true!

[@NostalgiNorden]

Yepp, trying to cash in on somethnig popular.

[@allanreele8352]

@Cameron Carter the thing is, if you remove Batman from the story it wouldn't be the same regardless... the whole story would be different as a result. That's like saying someone walks into a dark room holding a flashlight, so let's replace the flashlight with a banana. I get what you mean, that a lot of the pull and attraction to The Dark Knight is the Batman and Joker elements, but the reason why this is a "good movie" is because it is well-structured, even if you don't believe it to be well written. It's a realistic exploration of fictional comic symbols which proved that there is substance to those very characters. So in that way, the story wouldn't work unless Batman were in the role as he is.

[@jaredpowell6673]

I accidentally clicked this video (I’m not in the film world at all) but ended up watching the whole thing and really enjoyed the concept of the story circle. If nothing else, I’ll use it to tell interesting bedtime stories to my future children.

[@jackalope2302]

You like this, you ought to look into K. Campbell's Hero's Journey. This is a streamlined version.

[@chrisjfox8715]

“So you want future children but...” [sips hot cocoa, brings down mug to reveal marshmallow mustache] “...at what cost...? Hm?”

[@sergividal661]

Wow, you'll be a cool dad.

[@cryptopioneer6755]

Instead of bed time stories, write your life story. It’s a story nobody else can tell but you. Then Sell it, cause there always somebody wanting to read it and enjoy it.

[@beatriceingraham2571]

JackAlope !, Joseph Campbell wrote about the Hero’s Journey.

[@Leto85]

Story Circle is very similar to Store Circle. o 1. Customer is in a zone of comfort. o 2. Customer is in the need of a product. o 3. Customer ventures out and enters a store. o 4. Customer adapts to unfamiliar prices. o 5. Customer thinks he gets what he wants. o 6. Customer pays a heavy price for it. o 7. Customer returns to his familiar situation. o 8. Customer hopefully feels at least temporarily satisfied.

[@samuelfaict5755]

I wonder who came up with this circle before Dan? It's like salesmen are writing movies these days. Predictable, forgettable, snackable, marketable content. Where are the artists?

[@Leto85]

@@samuelfaict5755 I think it all depends on the real goal of the story; income vs. art. That's not to say those two can be combined, but with the media nowadays movie makers can entertain an entire planet if they're up to it, so the movies produced can be streamlined a whole lot.

[@KINGTHEYORKIE]

Leto85 hahahha

[@mikehawkertz9237]

Samuel Faict Its originally called the Hero’s Journey. I dont remember the name of the man who discovered it but he did so by studying and comparing religious myths and stories and found that all of them had this core story structure which he called The Hero’s Journey. Dan Harmon’s story circles is a more simplified version of it

[@arulwatwe4663]

@@mikehawkertz9237 the man was Joseph Campbell who wrote a book called hero with a thousand faces .

[@fabroc8]

The change Batman goes through is not that he now kills, (and is a debate whether he does kill him or not depending on your point of view) you can see he goes back to not killing in the third movie. His change is in his struggle to reconcile his inner view of the world and how he wants the world to see him (as a symbol), he changes in that he no longer cares what gotham thinks of the symbol of Batman as long as Gotham itself is secure and becoming a better place.

[@JB-bq2qj]

correct

[@TylerMowery]

Interesting thoughts. He absolutely kills Harvey. I'd be interested to hear how that is up for debate.

[@fabroc8]

@@TylerMowery I agree he kills him, but I've had conversations with people who are convinced he didn't because he didn't intend to and that he fell the same fall and didn't die so they argued Harvey's death was an accident because a fall from that hight wouldn't kill you, etc. Yet to me, he killed him wether he wanted or not. I said it is debatable in my comment because I've had debates about it with people hahaha! Although I do stand on the fact that his moment of change is not marked by killing Harvey but by starting to act in ways he wouldn't have before... And a good example is the fact that he saves Reesse in the middle of the day (he never did Batman stuff in day-time, let alone do it to save someone who could and was going to out him as Batman)showing his change of mind before the climax.

[@appledough3843]

fabroc8 I believe that his change was to realize that only someone who's willing to do the dirty work can be the protector of Gotham and not a squeaky clean person. He wanted Harvey to be the white knight but was corrupted. The dark knight wasn't corrupted so by the end he learns that someone who does the dirty work themselves can be the protector of Gotham. At the midpoint of the story, where the hero gets what they want, Harvey declares “I am the Batman” and is taken in. Batman wants Harvey to be the new protector for Gotham. Harvey can’t handle the problems the protector of Gotham would face since he turns to two face. The joker wanted to prove that everyone is corruptible. Throughout the whole film the joker was blackmailing people and corrupting them into betraying the good guys. At the end he even tries to make the two boats blow each other up. And you always end all the smaller story narrative problems first before the main one. The last problem Bruce solved was stopping Harvey from going to kill Gordon’s family. The whole story is about corruption and how the incorruptible are the only ones who can be the protectors of Gotham.

[@GiovannaAguilar]

That’s always been my position too.

[@DafineDesign]

It kinda reminds me of the "Yes/But" and "No/And" writing tactic - Characters don't achieve goal (NO), (BUT) there's some glimmer of hope. - Characters do achieve goal (YES) (AND) something goes wrong.

[@joech1065]

Why the second is ”yes, and” and not ”yes, but”? I mean, how do ”and” and ”but” differ in the context of this technique? Unfortunately, I can't find it on Google.

[@DafineDesign]

@@joech1065 same thing, you can put yes/but instead of yes/and , i probably wrote it wrong. yes/but - there's a win, BUT something goes wrong no/and - there's a loss, AND something gets worse no/but - there's a loss BUT theres a glimmer of hope

[@numerousfrogsinacoat607]

4:13 LMAO RIGHT AFTER THIS EXPLOSION I GOT A MASTERCLASS AD AND IT WENT “damn it! How could this have happened?”

[@scrabdusanproductions2104]

"Let me give you a piece of advice. No one in life ever starts a sentence with dammit."

[@black_horse_lover2655]

That’s epic!

[@amnessie]

Lmao, I got the same ad at that same moment

[@auggiemain]

THAT HAPPENED TO ME TOO LMAOOO

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

How perfectly timed

[@timlance2753]

Argh, I love your channel but you missed the critical parts of Dan Harmon's story circle. Its a tool. Let me explain - You come up with an idea in your head. Maybe four scenes or a beginning and a climax. Doesn't matter. The idea of the story circle is to place your ideas down in their corresponding place on the circle, then use the tool to help flesh out the legs of your story's missing points. That's why its an 'unblocker'. If you have writers block, go back to the story circle and find out what you're missing. Also you forgot to mention that the lateral line between 3 and 9 o'clock is the descent into the dark room, the top half of the circle is order, the bottom half chaos. If the top half of the circle is your nice, clean house, the bottom is your basement where the lights don't work and nobody ever goes down there. The difference between 1 and 6 should be in 100% opposition from each other. The farthest point from normality and 'the zone of comfort'. I love your videos and hard work, keep up this fantastic channel.

[@breakyourstory]

Without all of this ^ the story circle is basically 3-Act structure put in a circle.

[@rixbase]

can you link something which speaks about these points? please and thanks :)

[@Spider-Too-Too]

@@rixbase check out studio bindors video on this topic

[@C0LDM1LK]

Thankss for this

[@MikeOzmun]

@@vlc-cosplayer I waited tables for almost 20 years. I've served enough tools in my lifetime. So thank you for that sentiment. Also thanks to the original commenter. I watched all the way through this video trying to figure out what was so genius or revolutionary about this model. Wasn't until I read this comment that the originality of this perspective clicked. Side note: I kind of feel like the video creator forced some square pegs into round holes to make Dark Knight fulfill the story circle model through four acts. It does not put the protagonist in a familiar or comfortable situation to simply "still be Batman". He's Batman during all the other situations as well.

[@DenNationishere]

THIS IS THE EXACT VIDEO IVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR FOR YEARS. After hearing Charlie Kauffman's speech at BAFTA, I was convinced story structure was a "cog in the machine". And ever since, have been trying to find a middle ground between the extremes of no structure and a structure. This video perfectly described it, establishing the structure to be a guideline rather than a rule, describing how some may fail, and including an exclusive purpose from one of my favorite screenwriters to have ever lived on the earth, Charlie Kaufman

[@TylerMowery]

Kaufman is fantastic!

[@theelliotchan]

"Helping you get unblock" is the best reason to use this method. This is a very clear breakdown of a story circle. Every writer should try writing structurally just to see how it feels. There isn't one method that works for every writer, but sometimes it's good to change it up.

[@Leto85]

That circle is an interesting approach, especially since it's usuable in the entire story and every scene. That's one of the things I love about stories; every scene is a small story in its own, with needs, goals, and opstacles. I like it how you also approached the fact that full focusing on story structure isn't a guaranteed either to write a good one. It's a creative process after all.

[@abijo5052]

When I first read about this I started to think about serialised TV series. And you can see this structure over the entire show, over each season, each season 'act' over each episode then act then scene. Obviously this only works for shows that run their entire course and some shows fall out of this structure (usually when they jump the shark) but it's interesting

[@KO-D00M]

I came across this video six months ago and it single-handedly changed my entire scriptwriting process from having a single idea to developing the storyline to actually writing the script. Thank you so much.

[@lifewithlani2637]

The story circle also works for authors of short stories and novels. This has helped complete my first novel - something no workshop or book has ever done. I was stuck in my story and used the story circle to "unblock" myself. Thanks.

[@FilmUnveiled]

Life With Lani Would you say this would also work for flash fiction?

[@lifewithlani2637]

@@FilmUnveiled yes

[@auggiemain]

*building blows up* The ad: "Damn it, how could that have happened?" Lmao

[@theboyslovemovies]

I'm loading up on information and ideas of different storytelling techniques to finish a long-overdue project. These tips are worth a fortune.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear it!

[@Xarithus]

I’m glad you mentioned what Charlie Kaufman said at the end there. Story structure is only a tool to tell a story, but what’s the most important is that you have something to say in the first place.

[@maybeitsceline]

I'm a novice screenwriter and I've been refreshing my basics on the story structure and this is the best explanation and example of the usage of the story circle that I've seen so far. Already requested to be a part of your Facebook group. Looking forward to learning more things from you

[@TylerMowery]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@ryanwinch2221]

You're giving Dan Harmon credit for what is really just a boiled down hero's journey. In fact I think he's said as much in past interviews.

[@SpikeLawliet]

It is still Harmmon's method. The hero's journey as a method doesn't work. It was never intended as that. That's why Harmmon had to create this method.

[@ryanwinch2221]

I won't dispute that it is instructive as a method and that it his own approach, but it's still derived from the hero's journey, whether or not that was the original intention.

[@Ruylopez778]

The point of the video is not to discuss what Harmon based his story circle on, but to give an example of how to use a structure in storytelling. Anyone who's making a video about the story circle will obviously know where it came from, wouldn't they?

[@DaniJames]

I’m taking a screenwriting class this next semester, and your videos are super helpful to me! I’m an actor, so writing isn’t necessarily what I’ll be doing the rest of my life, but I think it’s really important for me to learn about storytelling from all aspects of production in order to change my perspective of my own work. Anyway, thanks for making these concepts super digestible for my simpleton brain lol

[@TylerMowery]

Glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@JonAddisonFilms]

Literally JUST stumbled across your channel and subscribed... 30 seconds later you post this haha. 10/10

[@user-xz7os3cz2u]

damn 5 years later bro...

[@absw6129]

I just got done reading The Writer's Journey by Vogler, and one interesting aspect of all this that he mentions is "mirroring". After doing some research into this, it really makes sense to me that the second half of the story should mirror the first half. For example, if the story begins with a person being born, it could end with his/her death. If in the first half the person is running from the law, the second half could be about them willingly facing justice. For me, this creates a certain harmony and resonance.

[@Despair505]

That Kaufmann quote explains exactly why Harmon's Community reached a fandom so devoted. It's certainly why it reached me.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

But Dark Knight inbetween its points has a lot of details that make the point, some run longer and more complex than the other. Dan Harmon's structure is easy to assign AFTER the story is already set.

[@terryh004]

Mr. Mowery, I truly feel you do an amazing job of explaining screenwriting as an art. You are an inspiration as well as a great teacher to help even someone as dull as me understand the power of storytelling. You are a true testament to the craft. Godspeed and continue to do the amazing work you are doing. God bless.

[@cinemacola6398]

I've been binge-watching videos to help me with my writers block. It's helping a lot and giving me motivation to open my laptop and start writing again. Thank you.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad they have been helpful!

[@bellafina28]

Hi, Tyler Mowery. I'm from Indonesia and really really thankful to you for this tremendous video. This knowledge can't be paid with anything. Truly thank you and owe you for this video.

[@olddelhifilms]

What Charlie Kauffman said is so Beautiful.

[@brianwilson9897]

I'm not a writer but isn't this the same as Campbell's A Hero's Journey? Great job on the video too.

[@NostalgiNorden]

"Heros journey" is bullshit too.

[@ShirDeutch]

Dan Harmon explicitly references the Hero's Journey in his post about story structure.

[@Spexflow]

It's basically a dumbed-down version and easier to apply to modern pieces. So, yes.

[@ritvikbhuinya2620]

Yes it is based on Christopher vogler analogy Which again is based on joseph Campbell's work

[@joeygonzo]

@@NostalgiNorden The Hustler, Mean Girls, The Black Panther, Star Wars, Little Miss Sunshine...... Hero's Journey structure

[@TimSmythDDE]

I've watched at least a dozen videos about Harmon's Story Circle and yours is by far the best. Well done.

[@nettietrees7238]

I’m reading Screenwriting: A Sequence Approach - and The Story Circle works perfectly within a ‘sequence’.

[@Shka_maru]

This is amazing! Been learning about story structure for a while and stumbled upon Harmon's circle. And as I cross reference your video with other writing paradigms, there are so many similarities. I also seemed to notice some things about the use of the circle that opened my eyes more. For example, #6 on the circle tends to be some kind of dramatic twist/unexpected turn of event that affects the "hero" so I shouldn't always be shoehorned into thinking literal "pay a heavy price". And with #4, this is where obstacles arise and the "hero" adapts to (overcomes) them. It can go back and forth between #3 and #4 (unfamiliar situation arises, "hero" adapts, rinse and repeat) until they reach #5, "Get what they want". I'm still working on a way to add #2 into the mix with #3 and 4. Maybe I'll add #3.5 in that, after entering an unfamiliar situation, there may be a new want while still having an over arching want (#2) for the circle (probably best used on a micro level instead of the macro level). Im done rambling lol

[@TylerMowery]

Yea the Story Circle is a great tool!

[@samuelfaict5755]

Werner Herzog in his MasterClass part 4: 'Writing A Script', states the following: "Very often I have had the feeling this whole 3 act structure that is being thought in filmschool is kind of ridiculous. What is 3 acts in 'Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes'? And that the leading character from a certain point at the end has to change and has to be a different man. No, not so. Not in 'Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes'. Aguirre is bad and is only worse at the end. So, it doesn't function with me like that. Sometimes, it may be something like 5 or 6 acts in a film that I have made. I think it's brainless, it's really brainless to structure yourself in it. It very often is a signature of mediocre films. it becomes very very predictable. And I don't want to make that kind of films."

[@cothinker680]

Bruh he make documentaries he don't care about story

[@Sams.Videos]

@@cothinker680 There is no storytelling in documentaries?

[@jackalope2302]

I'm glad you thru in the bit from C Kaufman. When I tried to write, I had great structure but there was something missing. Now I know. Perhaps it's time to make up a new screenplay.

[@ericp8306]

Loved this video. I wrote down the story circle with the words “Help others feel less lonely” in the center. Already I can tell this is going to help tons. Thanks for the video!

[@harshitvardy1822]

This whole method is based on Hero's Journey

[@danielhammond2212]

Yeah it's really wild that this video is blowing peoples mind.This is very literally english literature 101.

[@harshitvardy1822]

@@danielhammond2212 Exactly

[@reecethe]

“Dan Harmon observed” I think he means Dan Harmon read “the hero with a thousand faces”

[@peachyquinn7592]

Not gonna lie, I learned about the Hero’s Journey in 10th grade and never again so I completely forgot about it until you made this comment and now I’m running over to it for help because I remember now that I thought it was helpful all those years ago. Smh my memory is crap and this confirms it

[@briannk3720]

The Bible says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pro. 27:5, 6

[@thomasjarrey6499]

Dude, wonderful job. Clear, precise, logic, you've just helpt 3 frenchies for their first documentary cheers.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad you were helped by it!

[@ivurivurivur]

I think that The Dark Night is the quintessential movie to analyse to understand for the Story Circle.

[@johnp.smithasimpleman7281]

I agree

[@yankeesrule587]

Too bad Rises stank

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@yankeesrule587 yeah, but no one's talking about tdkr here.

[@torbjornlekberg7756]

Thank you. This was exactly what I needed right now, having doubts about the structure in the book I am writing. I dont like the generic three act structure, due to it mainly just creating the same story over and over, as can be seen in Hollywood films. This is far more useful, opening up the freedom of creativity.

[@SinaAla]

Tyler, I just want you to know that I took three university level screenwriting courses and I have learned more from your videos than I learned in any of those classes. Many thanks for your hours of work 🙏

[@directedbyericsattler]

This page is worth billions. Subscribed

[@tfp3163]

This is the most thorough and clear explanation of Dan Harmon’s story circle I have found. Other videos check the boxes by mentioning the steps but fail to explain what they actually mean. Thank you for putting this together. Well done.

[@HAL-vm3wn]

And just when i thought i could not love Charlie Kaufman even more ...

[@TylerMowery]

He's great. One of the good guys.

[@tanyenomichelle7021]

@@TylerMowery He is my favorite screenwriter, the end. Lol.

[@ronaldom566]

Great vid. I didn't know Harmon, and it's a different way to look at the story than the proposals of Field, McKee and Snyder. Thank you.

[@TokisanGames]

Dude, check out his tv shows Community, and Rick & Morty. Masterfully written and hilarious. You've missed out big time on his awesome work. Also Harmon Quest, but it's not as good.

[@YuukiTakemoto1996]

@@TokisanGames I love Rick & Morty.

[@ryzeonline]

Really well done. One of the best explanations of Harmon's Story Circle I've come across. Thank you for this.

[@smartITworks4me]

I find your episodes very informative as if I'm taking a real course in Screenplay Writing. I'm learning a lot. I believe you deserve to know that you really have a natural teaching skill. Things are simplified for audience like me who doesn't have any background in Writing Narratives. Thank you so much.

[@KathBorup]

Loved this video! Especially the Charlie Kaufman quote. Touches on something so inspiring. Showing yourself in your story and in turn inspiring others.

[@MisterJang0]

Aside from being a great guide to narrative writing, this is probably the best explanation as to why The Dark Knight is such a great movie. The Joker was such a great villain that he made Batman spin his story circle in the mud four times, and it was beleivable every single time.

[@lahamada]

This was nothing but gold.

[@wildfilms365]

Subscribed after 2 videos, you are wicked smart and making me look at things way different than previous video essays

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@BlackConspiracyTVBADTV]

I don't know why this made me so emotional, but it really touched on something. I have been struggling to complete one of many novels and as I watched this video, so many thoughts popped into my mind that I had to force myself to finish the video first. I am so glad I opted to view this because it has helped me to see a few things more clearly.

[@martysmaps7411]

I've been watching your Complete Screenwriting Masterclass series to help with my screenwriting class as I write my own story for the class. This video was amazing in helping me look at the story circle in a new way that I haven't before. Thank you so much for this video and the whole series, it is helping me so much with the story I'm creating and is making me think about how I want to develop as a writer in the future.

[@Cljonesy1185]

Using this concept, I outlined my first feature length screenplay. I used the story circle for the overall storyline/plot. I then divided my story into three acts and applied the story circle to each act. I can't believe how neatly everything fit together. The only two beats from Dan Snyder's 15 beats that I was able to fit into my outline were the very first and the very last to further illustrate my main character's growth. Other than that, the story circle works much better than the 15 beats and provides a bit more clarity than the three act structure diagram.

[@gamerpopz9277]

i am writing a story based on the multiple points of view by various characters. and i have done various edits to the circle. here is one of the charecters circles. 1.you are in an unfamiliar situation 2.you want it to stop/you get some help 3.It gets worse 4.you try to escape the situation 5.you get beaten down 6.you are at rock bottom 7.Something important happens 8.they change

[@bigsistahtips]

I was so stuck and I know what I’m writing needs to be told but I was lacking structure. This helped me so much. If I get to successfully pitch my script I’m definitely thanking you for it. But I’m gonna thank you now for helping me to move on with it. This is so well narrated and edited. Well done!

[@jordantompkins9112]

This is probably the best and most easily understood explanation of the story circle I've ever seen. Great video!

[@tres5533]

Bravo Tyler. This is amazing work that truly inspires.

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@tres5533]

I speak for all when I say your work is a writer's blessing. First time here, viewing more in the following days.

[@SnehaSingh-ti5ui]

( this is my mom's account) I always wished to be a writer. But I have never got such good advice. Thanks for making this wonderful channel

[@RhiannaSpooner]

when a video about structure is very well structured

[@JarmalWilcox]

I’m so happy I found this KZbin channel. Great job man!

[@whovikrantsingh]

These beautiful explanations, interpretations, and analogies of yours make your videos so much more lovable. Hands down the best video that I have watched on screenwriting so far.

[@ExperimentalHero]

This helps me a lot, I've been looking through the lens of the whole story just relying on the structure, but I never thought too much about how the acts are structured themselves, than you

[@vonleevl]

Marvel needs to watch this video. Especially before the Fantastic 4

[@Scroteydada]

I imagine it will be hard with so many main characters. This alone could make it a non traditional superhero story.

[@leonmorales5744]

Kauffman words really got to me, I cried a little

[@shubhamdash6519]

Kauffman hit the spot with those words. Totally agree.

[@ai-man212]

I'm proud of you. Best professor I never paid for. Masterful. I hope every movie studio has you on their radar. Your lessons leave me crying and basking in thought. That's pretty good. In fact, it's a damn good start to a story. I'm thinking Fight-Club meets Dead Poet's Society.

[@cornishmadematt]

This was amazingly insightful, I've recently started out on my journey to write. I'm currently trying to research as much as i can & get a good grasp of how this world works. This video helped tremendously! Broken down so well and easy to digest, I've subscribed and look forward to future and past video's!

[@olddelhifilms]

Loved this one, very helpful. Thank you.

[@Momom7m7]

omg !.. I've been rewatching the dark knight for over 11 years and Im still learning new thing about it

[@hylianjim6484]

Hey just learned about your channel. Lots of great writing channels out there, but for what it's worth, this is the one that managed to get me out of my creative rut. So subscribed and ringing the bell. :) Keep it up.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for subscribing!

[@godblessedsaxman5347]

This video has been super helpful, thank you so much for making it! Now, whether I'm stuck on an entire act of my story, a segment of it, or even a single scene, I can come back to this and untie a lot of knots of confusion!

[@madajafarmer5414]

I just want to say thank you for putting so much effort into these videos because they are very helpful and so interesting to watch.

[@theRealLewisRich]

Inspiration... I'm getting into this... I'm gonna pull these thoughts outta my head an share it

[@Mariana16562]

I’ve never found anyone actually admit that Batman killed Harvey Dent in the Dark Knight. Its told so subtly that most people don’t realize that the Joker won even when Batman and Gordon lied about who killed the five people Harvey killed, because still he destroys the idea of Batman and His one rule. It’s a pick your poison kind of moment.

[@raihanelhakeem-bey8441]

This guy is giving us gold!!!

[@thedoctor2871]

Dan Harmon is a genius. I don't know why he hasn't written a movie yet.

[@YuukiTakemoto1996]

Thank you for encouraging this budding superhero/sci-fi writer! I loved that you used The Dark Knight, one of my favorite movies. And I love Rick & Morty. Cheers!!

[@tanwir6138]

Yayyy!!! Finally its here.. Dying for this Sir!!! Thank you soo much for making this!!

[@TylerMowery]

You're welcome! I hope it's helpful!

[@tanwir6138]

@@TylerMowery I Just joined to your screenwriting group Sir.. Can I share my Ist screenplay on this?

[@TylerMowery]

@@tanwir6138 Yes you can!

[@tanwir6138]

@@TylerMowery Thank you soo much Sir!

[@kafarkafarkafar]

It's based on a Campbell idea and what I personally found out while reading Campbell is that I was always creating stories based on a more or less similar scheme. I think that the circle is really deep in us and we use its parts instinctively. I don't believe that this is a good idea to "check" if you got your story thru every point. The most important thing is that some points may be lacking in your story and it's OK, and that story is always about a change (of a hero / world / idea / anything). Thanks for the video, I'm watching them all and it's really great work.

[@miguelb.6312]

This is excellent m8. Keep it up!

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@k.v.2049]

this is an incredibly helpful video to me

[@TylerMowery]

Good to hear!

[@cinesheikh]

Currently working on my feature film and this video was helpful! Thank you!

[@TylerMowery]

You're welcome! Glad I could help

[@SashaRaquel]

thank you for making such an in depth video about this story structure model. i've only ever heard of syd fields formula, and it felt too structured and intimidating for a beginner. your videos are so helpful!

[@tyishaariel]

Incredibly helpful! I needed to see this. I've studied other structures and this has by far made the most sense to me. Thank you!

[@keitht1954]

I have a interest in creating my own comic book and you have captured the essential elements I was looking for in less than 20 minutes. Great video my brother I really appreciate it.

[@halfbee7886]

This is probably the best story structure/elements that I've learned. Thank you!

[@light6710]

Good Work on Exemplifying the Story Circle

[@ijohnathonwhite8002]

I just realized that I was already following your group on facebook. Once again, thank you for your fantastic learning videos on writing techniques. You're amazing.

[@reginayfavors]

Mr. Tyler Mowery, you are just simply beautiful. I am new to your videos, and I love all of what I have seen so far. This one here . . . is so teachable that it directs you on how and what to do when revising your scripts or plot narrative(s). This video might introduce concepts, but it serves also as that end of the process check you need to conduct just before you submit for competition, pitch, or produce. Thank you!

[@garythompson9269]

Thanks for the video. I am a new writer and I am grateful I came across this video because it gives a great example of how the story lines fit with the movie. I see myself also using the format for my podcast and my next book.

[@cecillbill]

Best analysis of Harmon's Story Circle, hands down. Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@Steviedoll]

using this as a starting point for at home study

[@JUNOLIN]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS VIDEO. Very helpful and extra points by using one of my all-time favourite movies, The Dark Knight. All hail the legendary Heath Ledger! And Chris Nolan!

[@bigshotmovieverse2621]

Amazing. I guess what made me enjoy this video was that my currently-in-the-works script shockingly fits this circle, and I actually never heard of it. Encouraged, and am checking out the group.

[@shreyashthapar1362]

SUPERB VIDEO!!! VERY INFORMATIVE!!!

[@appledough3843]

His change was NOT willing to kill. I believe that his change was to realize that only someone who’s incorruptible can be the protector of Gotham and not a corruptible person. He wanted Harvey to be the white knight but was corrupted while the dark knight wasn't so by the end he learns that someone who is incorruptible can be the protector of Gotham. At the midpoint of the story, where the hero gets what they want, Harvey declares “I am the Batman” and is taken in. Batman wants Harvey to be the new protector for Gotham. Harvey can’t handle the problems the protector of Gotham would face since he turns to two face. The joker wanted to prove that everyone is corruptible. Throughout the whole film the joker was blackmailing people and corrupting them into betraying the good guys. At the end he even tries to make the two boats blow each other up. And you always end all the smaller story narrative problems first before the main one. The last problem Bruce solved (the main one) was about Harvey, and stopping him from going to kill Gordon’s family. The whole story is about corruption and how the incorruptible are the only ones who can be the protectors of Gotham.

[@appledough3843]

Christian Tompkins Batman saved the kid and Harvey dying is a byproduct, not the other way around. And Bruce wasn’t corrupted. He was always like that. He always did the dirty work and didn’t follow the law. Not following the law doesn’t equal corruption. Batman’s intention was always selfless and noble. Everyone who was corrupted by the joker did not have noble intent. They were selfish and trying to save themselves. Batman remained uncorrupted

[@lucasfrancesco6428]

The 3 act structure (not necessarly Syd Field's one, but a more evolved 3 act structure) can also be used in acts, sequences, and scenes.. I don't know if christopher nolan used this story circle to write the dark knight because in the end every stucture is almost the same

[@jayv8068]

yes scenes usually follow it

[@cjpreach]

The late William Froug was extremely intuitive in his story writing. When he taught screenwriting, he said, "Forget structure. Write a good story." Not very helpful advice, although his other teachings on screenwriting are good. I think his was a knee-jerk reaction to the overly formulaic approach to writing. You struck a smart balance in this video, IMO. Good job.

[@anthonysiebenmorgen7216]

Could you do a breakdown of a movie thats a little more ambiguous? This was very helpful but I'm finding it hard to break down movies that arent as upfront about protagonist need as batman. For example: Jacob's Ladder. He's stabbed in vietnam, then on a subway, which he has to find his way out of. He gets home and we meet his girlfriend. Things start to fall apart. Yet its not about his relationship. Its about him letting go of his attachments to his life while he lives in purgatory (because he died in vietnam). There is also no return to normal situation, he only goes further and further into despair and madness. This would really help.