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20 Story Questions Handout

The document provides a list of 20 questions to consider when summarizing a film for a seminar discussion. The questions cover key details about the film's production, genre, tone, characters, themes, narrative elements, and personal perspective. Topics include whether it is an independent or studio film, its commercial appeal, genre, tone with examples, plot summary, hook, target audience, themes, main characters, goals, flaws, relationships, antagonist, conflicts, and reasons for personal interest in the story.

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Maria Lourdes Riillo
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272 views2 pages

20 Story Questions Handout

The document provides a list of 20 questions to consider when summarizing a film for a seminar discussion. The questions cover key details about the film's production, genre, tone, characters, themes, narrative elements, and personal perspective. Topics include whether it is an independent or studio film, its commercial appeal, genre, tone with examples, plot summary, hook, target audience, themes, main characters, goals, flaws, relationships, antagonist, conflicts, and reasons for personal interest in the story.

Uploaded by

Maria Lourdes Riillo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MEG LEFAUVE - SEMINAR - 6.

2018

TOP STORY QUESTIONS:


1) Is it a studio or independent film?

-- If independent film, then where is it challenging, different, where does it push


the envelope? In other words, why make it; what is so compelling?

2) Is it Commercial, Mainstream, Indie or Art House in terms of content?

-- remember “commercial” films can be made independently – NAPOLEON


DYNAMITE, THE FULL MONTY, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE – and “art house”
films can be made at a studio – SIDEWAYS, 21 GRAMS, BABEL.

Think “stakes” - little stakes, little movie, big stakes- big movie.

3) What is the GENRE?

4) What is the TONE of the film?

-- Site two other tonal examples that are post 1980. Such as, if we are talking
about a comedy, is it FARGO or WATERBOY? If it is Sci Fi is it ALIENS or MEN
IN BLACK?

5) If you had to sum up the story in 2 - 3 sentences (a log line) what would you
say?)

6) What is the "hook"?

7) Who is the core audience?

8) What is the theme?


-- Tell us at least the broad idea you are exploring. Jealousy? Revenge?
-- If you are stuck, go to the main character. What do they ultimately experience
or learn?
-- You can also ask contemplate your personal favorite scene. This often will be
a good clue to what makes this idea so compelling for you.
- why is it personal to you -- what pov do you have on it . Are you asking a
question?

9) Who is the main character?

10) What is the protagonist's internal goal?

-- the thing the main character subconsciously needs in their life at story’s end.
The reckless college boys learn to be reliable; the old man makes peace with his
estranged daughter…which is different than external which might be the college
MEG LEFAUVE - SEMINAR - 6.2018

boys need to save the fraternity; the old man takes in his grandchildren to keep
them fed and schooled.

11) What is the protagonist's external/plot goal?

12) What is the protagonist's plan? (going into 2nd act)

13) What is the protagonist's flaw?

14) What is the main relationship of the film?

15) Who is the antagonist?

16) What are the antagonist's internal and external goals?

17) What is the "narrative question" of the film?


-- In other words, what is the central question the audience is following
throughout the film: "will he get the money or the girl?"

18) What is the central conflict of the film?

19) What are the set pieces of the film? (can be plot or character/emotional)

20) Why do you love this story?

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