# Screenplay Examples Guide

## Overview

This guide provides detailed explanations and annotations for all example files in the screenplay module.

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## Fountain Examples

### AAA Hollywood Scene (aaa-hollywood-scene.fountain)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates high-stakes action sequence with visual spectacle

**Key Features:**
- Fast-paced action
- Visual effects notes
- Clear spatial geography
- Escalating tension
- Cinematic set pieces

**What to Learn:**
- How to write action that's visual and dynamic
- Balancing description with pacing
- Using sound effects effectively
- Creating tension through action

**Category:** AAA Hollywood Films

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### Independent Film Monologue (independent-monologue.fountain)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates character-driven emotional scene

**Key Features:**
- Deep character exploration
- Emotional authenticity
- Minimal action, maximum emotion
- Subtext and layered meaning
- Natural, realistic dialogue

**What to Learn:**
- Writing emotional monologues
- Character voice and authenticity
- Using silence and pauses
- Creating intimacy on the page

**Category:** Independent Films

**Character Analysis:**
- Sarah is grieving, isolated, struggling
- Monologue reveals internal conflict
- Physical actions support emotional state
- Vulnerability without melodrama

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### TV Episode Teaser (tv-episode-teaser.fountain)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates cold open/teaser structure for TV series

**Key Features:**
- Hook within first 30 seconds
- Escalating mystery
- Cliffhanger ending
- Series-appropriate tone
- Act break structure

**What to Learn:**
- Creating compelling teasers
- Building suspense
- Ending on cliffhanger
- Establishing tone quickly

**Category:** TV Series (Drama/Thriller)

**Structure Breakdown:**
- Pages 1-2: Setup (lighthouse keeper, routine)
- Pages 2-4: Inciting incident (distress call)
- Pages 4-6: Investigation (approaching boat)
- Pages 6-8: Escalation (mysterious circumstances)
- Pages 8-10: Cliffhanger (trapped, something in cabin)

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### News Broadcast Segment (news-segment.fountain)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates news broadcast format with timing and production notes

**Key Features:**
- Timing marks (critical for broadcast)
- B-roll notes
- Interview segments
- Production notes
- Call-to-action

**What to Learn:**
- Broadcast script formatting
- Timing and pacing for news
- Integrating B-roll and interviews
- Production considerations

**Category:** News Broadcasts

**Production Elements:**
- Total runtime: 2:30
- Anchor segments: 1:00
- Interviews: 1:00
- B-roll: 0:30
- Graphics: 3 total

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### 30-Second Commercial (commercial-30sec.fountain)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates commercial script with precise timing

**Key Features:**
- Exact timing breakdown
- Visual storytelling
- Brand messaging
- Call-to-action
- Production notes

**What to Learn:**
- Writing for precise time constraints
- Visual storytelling without dialogue
- Brand integration
- Production planning

**Category:** Commercials

**Timing Breakdown:**
- :00-:12 - Opening visual (mountain summit)
- :12-:24 - Product messaging (voiceover)
- :24-:30 - Call-to-action (brand/tagline)

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## YAML Examples

### Character Profile Example (character-profile-example.yaml)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates comprehensive character development using schema

**Character:** Sarah Mitchell (protagonist)

**Key Features:**
- Complete character profile
- Physical and psychological traits
- Backstory with formative events
- Character arc definition
- Relationship mapping
- Voice and speech patterns

**What to Learn:**
- Creating three-dimensional characters
- Connecting backstory to present behavior
- Defining clear character arcs
- Establishing distinct voice

**Usage:**
- Use as template for your characters
- Adapt depth to character importance
- Ensure consistency with screenplay

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### Beat Sheet Example (beat-sheet-example.yaml)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates Save the Cat beat structure

**Story:** "The Weight We Carry" (psychological drama)

**Key Features:**
- All 15 Save the Cat beats
- Page number guidelines
- Beat descriptions
- Thematic connections
- Character arc integration

**What to Learn:**
- Applying Save the Cat structure
- Timing major plot points
- Connecting beats to theme
- Balancing plot and character

**Structure Highlights:**
- Opening Image (p.1): Sarah isolated in car
- Catalyst (p.12): Meets Elena, sees her mother
- Midpoint (p.55): False victory, stakes raised
- All Is Lost (p.75): Elena overdoses
- Final Image (p.110): Sarah connected, moving forward

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### Plot Outline Example (plot-outline-example.yaml)

**Purpose:** Demonstrates three-act structure with sequences and scenes

**Story:** "The Weight We Carry"

**Key Features:**
- Three-act structure
- Sequences within acts
- Individual scene breakdowns
- Turning points
- Subplots

**What to Learn:**
- Organizing screenplay structure
- Breaking story into manageable pieces
- Scene-by-scene planning
- Integrating subplots

**Act Breakdown:**
- Act 1 (pp.1-25): Setup - Sarah's world, catalyst
- Act 2 (pp.26-85): Confrontation - Progress and unraveling
- Act 3 (pp.86-110): Resolution - Healing and transformation

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## Using the Examples

### For Learning

1. **Read the example**
2. **Study the annotations** (this guide)
3. **Identify techniques** used
4. **Apply to your work**

### For Templates

1. **Copy example structure**
2. **Replace with your content**
3. **Maintain formatting**
4. **Adapt to your needs**

### For Reference

1. **Keep examples handy**
2. **Refer when stuck**
3. **Compare your work**
4. **Validate formatting**

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## Common Patterns Across Examples

### Visual Storytelling

All examples prioritize showing over telling:
- Action reveals character
- Visuals convey emotion
- Minimal exposition
- Specific, concrete details

### Formatting Consistency

All examples follow industry standards:
- Proper Fountain syntax
- Correct element formatting
- Appropriate spacing
- Professional appearance

### Category Appropriateness

Each example fits its category:
- AAA Hollywood: Spectacle and action
- Independent: Character and emotion
- TV: Structure and hooks
- News: Information and timing
- Commercial: Brand and brevity

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## Practice Exercises

### Exercise 1: Adaptation

Take the independent monologue and adapt it for:
- AAA Hollywood (add action, external conflict)
- TV Series (add cliffhanger, series context)

### Exercise 2: Structure

Use the beat sheet example to outline:
- Your own story
- A favorite film
- A story idea

### Exercise 3: Character

Create a character profile for:
- Protagonist of your screenplay
- Antagonist
- Key supporting character

### Exercise 4: Format

Write a scene in the style of:
- AAA Hollywood action
- Independent character moment
- TV teaser

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## Resources

- All example files in `examples/` directory
- Schema files in `schemas/` directory
- Rule files in `rules/` directory
- Module README for overview

