Breaking the Back of Act II 4.18.2010

#SCRIPTCHAT TOPIC 8pm GMT, 8pm EST: ACT 2: breaks into/out of, midpt, challenges, char dev, & setup Act 3

Act II can break the back of any writer.  Learn how some of your fellow screenwriters battle the beast and slay the dragon.   @jeannevb

EURO moderator:  Mina Zaher, @DreamsGrafter

USA moderator: Jeanne Veillette Bowerman, @jeannevb

EURO chat:

7:00 pm                DreamsGrafter:                #SCRIPTCHAT  O'CLOCK ... Any writers want to talk about Act 2???

7:00 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Or is everyone having a bbq/in the pub? ... ;) #scriptchat

7:02 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Not only is Act 2 is the longest but the character/plot that occurs simultaneously but it has to keep aud. interested. #scriptchat

7:02 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Sooo many pages to fill? So how do you structure a gripping act 2? #scriptchat

7:03 pm             Veramark2010:             Apologies to my non-screenwriting followers - will be over at #scriptchat for the next hour or so.

7:04 pm             chained:             #scriptchat by following tips from #Twitter users claiming to be #screenwriters some say don't use 3 acts it's a boring #formula what uthink

7:04 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter hey Mina! I'm here, but a bit distracted reworking this scene #scriptchat

7:05 pm             moviemonsterr:             RT @DreamsGrafter: Sooo many pages to fill? So how do you structure a gripping act 2? #scriptchat

7:05 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @VeraMark2010 Hi Vera, how's it going? How do you tackle Act 2 issues? i.e. structuring? How do you work to fill all that space? #scriptchat

7:05 pm             jeannevb:             I start my act 2 w a turning point where the prot has a change of plans, realizing he has to do something diff't to achieve goal #scriptchat

7:06 pm             jeannevb:             @chained I do have friends who use 4 acts... but essentially, its' just breaking up act 2 into 2 parts #scriptchat

7:06 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb No worries babe. Good luck w/ your scene ... Hope it's going well! :) #scriptchat

7:07 pm             jeannevb:             I created a "road map" i use w turning pts for not only plot but char dev. Yes, I'm an outline girl #scriptchat

7:07 pm             moviemonsterr:             Every 15-20 minutes, you should "raise the stakes". #act2 #scriptchat @DreamsGrafter

7:07 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb Doesn't the act 1 turning point spur the character in this direction already? i.e. he is now forced on this journey. #scriptchat

7:08 pm             jeannevb:             EURO #scriptchat is on right now, but ALL USA chatters welcome too! Light day over the pond, so jump on in!

7:08 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @VeraMark2010 I've always had an issue w/ "Act 2". To me it's really two acts, & I tend to break it down into 2a & 2b ... #scriptchat

7:08 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter Hi Mina! :) I've always had an issue w/ "Act 2". I think it's really two acts, or 2a and 2b #scriptchat

7:09 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @VeraMark2010 Me too. Apparently the first half is the moment of darkness and the 2nd half is enlightment. #scriptchat

7:09 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter the finish line is fully identified, so audience knows what the goal is & what they're rooting for. #scriptchat

7:09 pm             Veramark2010:             Oops, that was a double tweet. How fitting for Act 2a and Act 2b ;-) #scriptchat

7:09 pm             AudryT:             RT @jeannevb: EURO #scriptchat is on right now, but ALL USA chatters welcome too! Light day over the pond, so jump on in!

7:09 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter I may not be making any sense today bc I was up til 4am w this deadline haha I apologize in advance ;) #scriptchat

7:10 pm             julianfriedmann:             London bookfair recep in SA High Comm great fun. Reminds me of 1960s protests outside. Missing #scriptchat

7:10 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb It's such a lovely evening, I think the Euro lot are all outdoors. Don't want to distract you fr. your writing. #scriptchat

7:10 pm             jeannevb:             @AudryT thanks for the RT ;) #scriptchat

7:11 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter Do you know Dara Marks? She divides this into II/1 "what goes up..." and II/2 "...must come down". V useful. #scriptchat

7:11 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter Just reworked a major scene (from Act 1 though haha) #scriptchat

7:11 pm             chained:             #scriptchat many #Hollywood films have 1 hero battle impossible odds all on their own , I find very unrealistic can we have group of heros ?

7:11 pm             DreamsGrafter:             4 me midpoint is the pinnacle of the script. Love writing this part of the script bc it's the biggest twist, esp. for the prot. #scriptchat

7:11 pm             LisaFromNYC:             I decide my midpt reversal early on so I can determine what has to happen to get pro to that point. #scriptchat

7:12 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @VeraMark2010 I'll check her out. #scriptchat Thanks for the tip! Totallly agree w/ that.

7:12 pm             Veramark2010:             Re Dara Marks: 2a pushes the protag to exhaustion, midpoint is "enlightenment", in 2b there is this feeling that things are... #scriptchat

7:12 pm             jeannevb:             RT @LisaFromNYC: I decide my midpt reversal early on so I can determine what has to happen to get pro to that point. #scriptchat

7:13 pm             jeannevb:             @Veramark2010 @dreamsgrafter I have Dara Marks book Inside Story in our resource section of blog. GREAT book, esp w theme #scriptchat

7:13 pm             thewritertype:             #scriptchat @chained I keep hearing "3 acts is sooo outdated, use my new formula..." but I don't think Hollywood has heard yet.

7:13 pm             Veramark2010:             ... going really well but the fall from grace is happening and protag is (unknowingly) sliding twds next turning pt = crisis #scriptchat

7:14 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC Me too! Also 'cause midpoint is also a major factor in deciding dramatic climax. #scriptchat

7:14 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter link for Dara Marks http://bit.ly/aJqw9r #scriptchat

7:15 pm             DreamsGrafter:             I think there is a strong relationship between the midpoint and the dramatic climax. What does everyone think? #scriptchat

7:15 pm             DreamsGrafter:             TY! xo RT @jeannevb: @DreamsGrafter link for Dara Marks http://bit.ly/aJqw9r #scriptchat

7:16 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @chained Re group of heroes. Who is the audience's point of identification? #scriptchat (am thinking McQueen in Great Escape)

7:16 pm             Veramark2010:             @thewritertype #scriptchat Did you just write "formula"? Well... perhaps therein lies the rub (for Hollywood-style movies).

7:17 pm             jeannevb:             Another GREAT structure dvd is Michael Hauge & Chris Volger's Hero's 2 Journeys http://bit.ly/vHkPq #scriptchat

7:17 pm             Veramark2010:             @jeannevb #scriptchat Dara Marks's book is fab if you're into the mythology approach - gives new depth of understanding to Vogler.

7:17 pm             DreamsGrafter:             What about the sequence approach? This means that you can build bridges within your second act. Avoids dip in pace? #scriptchat

7:17 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @jeannevb: Another GREAT structure dvd is Michael Hauge & Chris Volger's Hero's 2 Journeys http://bit.ly/vHkPq #scriptchat

7:17 pm             thewritertype:             #scriptchat Can the Act 2 turning point/midpoint also be the (very late) introduction of a love interest?

7:18 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter #scriptchat Midpoint & climax: this shd go further - mdpt has seed for fall from grace = crisis; climax must b necess conseqc

7:18 pm             UncompletedWork:             At my desk working, I do have my tweetdeck open silently watching Euro #scriptchat.

7:19 pm             DreamsGrafter:             If it's part of the twist? RT @thewritertype #scriptchat Can the Act 2 midpoint also be the (very late) introduction of a love interest?

7:19 pm             jeannevb:             @Veramark2010 ive read Dara & Volger/Hauge. Great compliments to ea other #scriptchat

7:19 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Hi Merrel ... :) RT @UncompletedWork At my desk working, I do have my tweetdeck open silently watching Euro #scriptchat.

7:20 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @Veramark2010: @DreamsGrafter #scriptchat Midpoint & climax: this shd go further - mdpt has seed for fall from grace = crisis; climax must b necess conseqc

7:20 pm             Veramark2010:             @jeannevb #scriptchat Thx - will check out Vogler/Hauge. I started out w/ Vogler & still go back to him when stuck or losing big picture.

7:21 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @Veramark2010 Agree. This is when the protagonist starts to become aware of his flaw/need and has to do something about it. #scriptchat

7:21 pm             Veramark2010:             RT @DreamsGrafter If it's part of the twist? RT @thewritertype #scriptchat Can Act 2 mdpt also b (very late) introduction of love interest?

7:21 pm             jeannevb:             @Veramark2010 Hauge's approach is more straight fwd. I love the compliment of the 2 of them in one DVD #scriptchat

7:22 pm             jeannevb:             do u find outlining helps u get thru act 2 better? (a big outline fan) #scriptchat

7:22 pm             jetpackmedia:             #scriptchat - conceive scenes like mini-cliffhangers, like you're writing chapters of a serial

7:23 pm             LisaFromNYC:             I hear formula hurts creativity, but I really need it, for act 2 cuz it's so long. Snyder beat calculator http://bit.ly/9UTA9l #scriptchat

7:23 pm             scriptscene:             Sorry I'm late. Working on blog layouts. #scriptchat

7:23 pm             jeannevb:             agree & dont forget conflict RT @jetpackmedia: conceive scenes like mini-cliffhangers, like youre writing chapters of a serial #scriptchat

7:23 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC @thewritertype That makes sense esp. if you believe the 5th sequence is about emotional understanding/connection. #scriptchat

7:23 pm             scriptscene:             BTW this is @yeah_write #scriptchat

7:23 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter Mdpt - crisis - climax and the connection w/ flaw - need: you are going to LOVE Dara Marks! :) #scriptchat

7:24 pm             jetpackmedia:             #scriptchat your character's solution to one problem creates another problem instead.

7:24 pm             scriptscene:             I don't have time to catch up, so I'll just jump right in. #scriptchat

7:24 pm             thewritertype:             @DreamsGrafter #scriptchat So love interest as act2 midpoint could be twist if it changed everything? Or even reversed?

7:24 pm             jeannevb:             @LisaFromNYC didnt know there was a calculator link! *puts in blog resources* ;) Thx Lisa! #scriptchat

7:24 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb Yes! Outlines expose whether you have a tight plot or not. #scriptchat

7:24 pm             Veramark2010:             @LisaFromNYC For me there is a big difference betw formula and structure. Structure absolutely necessary, formula dangerous! #scriptchat

7:24 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @Veramark2010: @DreamsGrafter Mdpt - crisis - climax and the connection w/ flaw - need: you are going to LOVE Dara Marks! :) #scriptchat

7:25 pm             scriptscene:             Outlining is difficult for me, but so much better than writing 60+ pages only to find out the story doesn't work. #scriptchat

7:25 pm             Veramark2010:             @jeannevb outlining as help for Act 2? Absolutely - but for me also danger of slipping into "constructing" rather than writing #scriptchat

7:26 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @VeraMark2010 I must check her out. Sounds like she's into the emotions of the story and isn't formulaic like McKee. #scriptchat

7:27 pm             scriptscene:             Outlining is like the line sketch for a detailed drawing. It is your creativity! You fill in the fine details next... #scriptchat

7:27 pm             momentsoffilm:             Hello all at #scriptchat bit late today as was on the phone. Love outlining. Wouldn't write a feature length without it now.

7:27 pm             DreamsGrafter:             What about the act 2 TPt? The All is lost point? Doesn't it depend on the story you're telling? This cld be a fake climax? #scriptchat

7:28 pm             scriptscene:             @DreamsGrafter Usually is the fake climax, but you know there must be something more (as the reader/movie goer). #scriptchat

7:29 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @momentsoffilm Me neither. It's a solid road map if you do it right. #scriptchat But I agree w/ @Veramark2010 re danger of constructing.

7:29 pm             jeannevb:             @momentsoffilm great to see you! We're talking the struggles of Act 2 and how we overcome them #scriptchat

7:30 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @scriptscene So a fake climax with a hook? #scriptchat

7:30 pm             jeannevb:             @Veramark2010 i agree. I use the outline like broad brush strokes then sprinkle in creativity & ways to make it unique #scriptchat

7:30 pm             scriptscene:             Absolutely! RT @DreamsGrafter: @scriptscene So a fake climax with a hook? #scriptchat

7:30 pm             jeannevb:             that sounds kinky ;) RT @DreamsGrafter: @scriptscene So a fake climax with a hook? #scriptchat

7:30 pm             thewritertype:             @Veramark2010 #scriptchat maybe formula = this should happen next; structure = steps to discover what happens next.

7:31 pm             Veramark2010:             Mdpt = all is lost point: I find this term dangerous. Risk of overlooking potential of a "soft" disaster. #scriptchat

7:31 pm             momentsoffilm:             @jeannevb @DreamsGrafter I've always believed act 2 struggles are really act 1 problems. #scriptchat

7:31 pm             jeannevb:             so glad I popped in today. Got a couple more resource nuggets for our blog! Already added www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

7:31 pm             Veramark2010:             Mdpt = all is lost point: beware of concentrating on "point" or 1 event. Often sequence of event works better, unless action adv #scriptchat

7:32 pm             John_Marlow:             Be sure to include a midpoint; helps make second act manageable. #scriptchat

7:32 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Outlines take more discipline than writing a screenplay. I prefer cards and shuffling them around on the floor. #scriptchat

7:32 pm             Veramark2010:             Cool! RT @thewritertype @Veramark2010 #scriptchat maybe formula = this should happen next; structure = steps to discover what happens next.

7:32 pm             LisaFromNYC:             @DreamsGrafter Yep. Dana's book is more about the fatal flaw. Tremendous book. #scriptchat

7:33 pm             DreamsGrafter:             With cards on the floor, you can see the holes in the plot. You see how many pages you have to fill if 1 card = 1 scene. #scriptchat

7:33 pm             Veramark2010:             @momentsoffilm do you mean act 2 struggles we writers have, or our protag? ;-) #scriptchat

7:33 pm             momentsoffilm:             Me too! RT @DreamsGrafter: Outlines take more discipline than writing screenplay. I prefer shuffling cards around on the floor. #scriptchat

7:34 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter I shuffle cards on the floor in order to get to my outline. ;-) #scriptchat

7:34 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter havent mastered card shuffle. I outline 1st then take segments of outline that dont work, make cards & shuffle #scriptchat

7:34 pm             LisaFromNYC:             RT @thewritertype @Veramark2010 maybe formula = this should happen next; structure = steps to discover what happens next. #scriptchat

7:34 pm             scriptscene:             RT @DreamsGrafter: w/cards on the floor, U can see the holes in plot. U see how many pages you have to fill if 1 card = 1 scene. #scriptchat

7:34 pm             DreamsGrafter:             What about using a subplot to help with act 2 struggles? In terms of plot but also re reinforcing theme. #scriptchat

7:35 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Me too. :) RT @Veramark2010 @DreamsGrafter I shuffle cards on the floor in order to get to my outline. ;-) #scriptchat

7:35 pm             scriptscene:             @jeannevb I outline on the page first, then I transfer to cards to play around with the scene order. #scriptchat

7:35 pm             chained:             #scriptchat please tell me some #act2 #secrets I may not have read about in #screenwriting books

7:35 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb Shuffling cards on the floor is a great way to visualise your story in action 'cause it's there in front of you. #scriptchat

7:36 pm             LisaFromNYC:             I'm lazy :( My outline = snyder's beats w/2-3 sentences per beat & scattered words 4 notes lol #scriptchat

7:36 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter Subplot to help act 2: good advice, but I find it hard. Usually leads me to "constructing", see earlier comment. #scriptchat

7:36 pm             John_Marlow:             #SEBlog SCR: Midpoint is where we realize an unsuspected element is at work, or where the hero passes the point of no return. #scriptchat

7:36 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb Key to shuffling cards is that on each card (i.e. scene), you have an action word that occurs in that scene. #scriptchat

7:36 pm             jeannevb:             @Evenstephen2000 hey! Add the hashtag #scriptchat, then chatters can see ur tweets. Go to http://bit.ly/e5pJS to tweet & hashtag autoadded

7:37 pm             Evenstephen2000:             @jeannevb If you don't outline, you're asking for huge trouble & rolling the dice against the odds - no matter how good you are. #scriptchat

7:37 pm             Veramark2010:             @chained Secrets you haven't read in books? If we had those we wouldn't be here now but writing our own screenwriting book! ;-) #scriptchat

7:37 pm             DreamsGrafter:             .@Veramark2010 What if you think thematically? Check out film Girl With A Dragon Tattoo for a great use of subplot. #scriptchat

7:37 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @chained: #scriptchat please tell me some #act2 #secrets I may not have read about in #screenwriting books

7:38 pm             willentrekin:             Syd had us map out the first act in beats, with 14 notecards each marking one. It's good to do for once, certainly. #scriptchat

7:38 pm             momentsoffilm:             @VeraMark2010 Writers.. if your act 2 isn't working, often act 1 is the problem. Act 2 action and conflict is rooted there. #scriptchat

7:38 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter ah... the action word. Great idea! #scriptchat

7:38 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @John_Marlow: #SEBlog SCR: Midpoint is where we realize an unsuspected element is at work, or where the hero passes the point of no return. #scriptchat

7:38 pm             jeannevb:             @willentrekin hey Will! Welcome! #scriptchat

7:39 pm             chained:             #scriptchat are there any #books or #DVDs just about #act2 ? Don't think I've heard of any , interesting if there are

7:39 pm             scriptscene:             @willentrekin Hey Will. #scriptchat

7:40 pm             jeannevb:             welcome to both you crazy guys! ;) This doesnt get u excused from USA chat later ;) @Evenstephen2000 @willentrekin #scriptchat

7:40 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter Subplot hugely useful - but I have trouble using it consciously w/out it bcoming forced. Will chk out DragonTatoo #scriptchat

7:40 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @jeannevb A word to sum up the emotion also helps too. But in short, Goal, Conflict, Twist, Action - goes on each card. #scriptchat

7:40 pm             thewritertype:             #scriptchat Does Act2 midpt have to be a climax (fake/real, w or w/out kinky hooks) or can it just be an escalation/twist?

7:41 pm             willentrekin:             RT @DreamsGrafter @John_Marlow: #SEBlog Midpoint = where we realize unsuspected element at work/hero passes point of no return. #scriptchat

7:41 pm             Veramark2010:             RT @John_Marlow: #SEBlog SCR: Mdpt is where we realize an unsuspected element is at work or where hero passes point of no return #scriptchat

7:41 pm             Aporetic1:             Who's a better protagonist: head writer collapsing under pressure, or lowly writer in desperate need of a break? #scriptchat #CSCSOpen

7:41 pm             scriptscene:             If the middle sags, ramp up your conflict! #scriptchat

7:42 pm             willentrekin:             Not really: midpoint is emotional center and crux of story. Doesn't spin story in new direction so much as highlight profluence. #scriptchat

7:42 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @Veramark2010 Once u've decided on yr main plot, maybe u can think abt subplot as 'what will make this stronger' re char/story. #scriptchat

7:42 pm             John_Marlow:             #SEBlog WRT: Outlining your story takes much time--but, ultimately, saves even more time. #scriptchat #scribechat #writechat

7:42 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @thewritertype: #scriptchat Does Act2 midpt have to be a climax (fake/real, w or w/out kinky hooks) or can it just be an escalation/twist?

7:42 pm             jeannevb:             trying to chat & work this deadline.... #scriptchat

7:42 pm             willentrekin:             Point of no return is usually plot point one. Sometimes earlier. Not often #scriptchat

7:42 pm             Veramark2010:             @thewritertype Mdpt as (fake) climax: depends on type of film. More important to me: shd turn story in unexpected direction. #scriptchat

7:43 pm             jeannevb:             @Aporetic1 Yeah, Chris made it too! ;) Welcome! #scriptchat

7:43 pm             willentrekin:             RT @jeannevb: "This doesnt get u excused from USA chat later ;) @Evenstephen2000 #scriptchat" I thought it was later! Homework now. Must go!

7:43 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @thewritertype For me, midpoint is all abt the twist. The character's point of no return i.e. he's encountered his biggest fear. #scriptchat

7:44 pm             DreamsGrafter:             What about that bit between act 1 tp and midpoint as well as between midpoint and act 2 tp? How do you structure these parts? #scriptchat

7:45 pm             chained:             @Veramark2010 oops should I be sitting in a corner with a dunce cap on ! Haha yes #scriptchat is hunting for #secrets #iblamethewine !

7:45 pm             jeannevb:             @willentrekin haha...8pm EST ;) #scriptchat

7:45 pm             DreamsGrafter:             After all, between act 1 tp and midpoint is just as long as act 1 (which has an inciting incident to break it up), for example. #scriptchat

7:45 pm             scriptscene:             @willentrekin We live for the 8pm EST chat. It's our USA baby. Mina is wonderful to moderate the Euro chat early. #scriptchat

7:45 pm             jeannevb:             @chained I was going to say the "secret" not in books is tequila ;) #scriptchat

7:46 pm             sdarancette:             Hey #scriptchat @covermyscript. Love to play today, however I have a meeting in the valley I am late for. Later!

7:46 pm             scriptscene:             And or vodka. lol RT @jeannevb: @chained I was going to say the "secret" not in books is tequila ;) #scriptchat

7:46 pm             DreamsGrafter:             #treefort love. Thanks so much babe. xo RT @jeannevb trying to chat & work this deadline.... #scriptchat

7:46 pm             lizziside:             Hi, just confused with time. Just this line to let u know that I'll be silent but present #scriptchat

7:46 pm             jeannevb:             come back at 5pm PST ;) RT @sdarancette: Love to play today, however I have a meeting in the valley I am late for. Later! #scriptchat

7:46 pm             moviemonsterr:             @DreamsGrafter Blake Snyder's "Beat Sheet" = great way to structure your script. http://www.blakesnyder.com/tools/ #scriptchat

7:46 pm             anothermelanie:             Hi, 1st time scriptchatter here. New writer. Wrestling with A2. I like the mdpt idea! How would you say it relates to A2-A3 TP? #scriptchat

7:47 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter ? Idea: Point of no return = char thinks she has elixir & will win but really this pushes her in fatal direction? #scriptchat

7:47 pm             thewritertype:             @DreamsGrafter #scriptchat Think I've just solved it: maybe my prog's biggest fear IS the love interest! Thanks u and Vera.

7:47 pm             John_Marlow:             In romantic comedies, midpoint (of no return) is often where main characters sleep together. #scribechat #scriptchat #writechat

7:47 pm             Evenstephen2000:             Actually, writing now so I'll catch you all later...ish. Have a great day. #scriptchat

7:48 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @scriptscene My pleasure. It's great to have a chance to connect w/ writers from the other side of the pond! :) #scriptchat

7:48 pm             jeannevb:             If any of u are curious... @scriptscene is #treefort @yeah_write ;) Follow her on that name too #scriptchat

7:48 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @thewritertype Haha. Very happy to help. :)) #scriptchat

7:49 pm             scriptscene:             RT @thewritertype: @DreamsGrafter Think Ive just solved it: maybe my progs biggest fear IS the love interest! Thanks u and Vera. #scriptchat

7:49 pm             LisaFromNYC:             Act 2-2.5 seems a good place for subplot into #scriptchat

7:49 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @thewritertype Not sure what genre your story is, but you have you looked at North By North West script? #scriptchat

7:49 pm             jeannevb:             I was up til 4am & am still in my jammies... if that gives u any indication of how hard I'm working this deadline *yawn* #scriptchat

7:50 pm             lupiilu:             wow, finally managed to get on just in time for the end! #scriptchat #scriptchat

7:50 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @thewritertype Cary Grant is a divorcee at the end, u know how it ends and I'm sure midpoint, he meets the woman on train. #scriptchat

7:51 pm             John_Marlow:             @jeannevb Yeah but 4am where? #scriptchat

7:51 pm             jeannevb:             New York RT @John_Marlow: @jeannevb Yeah but 4am where? #scriptchat

7:52 pm             Veramark2010:             Act 2a = old values & ineffective ideas are challenged, 2b = protag begins to understd truth and act accordingly, s/he changes #scriptchat

7:52 pm             thescriptlab:             Super easy to get bogged down in Act Two. Check out this breakdown of elements to help. http://bit.ly/cAp8un #scriptchat #scriptfrenzy

7:53 pm             momentsoffilm:             @anothermelanie I'd say the midpoint is where everything the protag does fails.. then only facing their flaw takes them forward. #scriptchat

7:53 pm             LisaFromNYC:             @DreamsGrafter @thewritertype I *think* NBNW. Cary meets chick at beg of act 2. Midpt she sends him to the corn fields-reversal #scriptchat

7:53 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Yes, within the first few scenes of act 2 if only to change vibe. RT @LisaFromNYC Act 2-2.5 seems a good place for subplot into #scriptchat

7:54 pm             Veramark2010:             Midpoint also a good point where protag turns from re-acting to acting?#scriptchat

7:54 pm             thewritertype:             @DreamsGrafter #scriptchat I'll check Nth by NW script; a literal cliff-hanger, too. That Hitchcock fellow will go far.

7:54 pm             anothermelanie:             RT @thescriptlab: Super easy to get bogged down in Act Two. Check out this breakdown of elements to help. http://bit.ly/cAp8un #scriptchat #scriptfrenzy

7:55 pm             ambigfoot:             The wonderfully rich narrative and poignant familial moments,make Hard To Kill Seagal's best film from a scripting point of view #scriptchat

7:55 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC @thewritertype Yes! You're right. Duh, that's one of the classic midpoint in screenwriting history. *head - hand*. #scriptchat

7:55 pm             LisaFromNYC:             How about Hitchcock's Psycho midpt? I didn't see that coming. #scriptchat

7:55 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Act 3 for horror protagonist. RT @Veramark2010 Midpoint also a good point where protag turns from re-acting to acting? #scriptchat

7:56 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC My brain is overtired at the mo. Can you give me a clue re Pyscho's midpoing? #scriptchat

7:57 pm             jeannevb:             @thewritertype we have some links for downloading scripts on the blog www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

7:57 pm             ambigfoot:             I love winding up those scholarly writers on a Sunday. It's my number one favourite pastime #scriptchat #sadbastard

7:57 pm             Auntsuger:             I adore you! You make me snort! RT @ambigfoot: The wonderfully rich narrative and poignant familial moments,make Hard To Kill #scriptchat

7:57 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter True. Also, if memory serves correctly, in Collateral - very late turn from reaction to action by JL Fox #scriptchat

7:57 pm             jeannevb:             @chained bubblegum... it keeps me thinking, popping & writing #scriptchat

7:57 pm             LisaFromNYC:             @DreamsGrafter lol the female pro gets hacked in the shower. #scriptchat

7:58 pm             anothermelanie:             @momentsoffilm I just wrote that down. :D Trying to figure out how "all is lost" mdpt can relate to A3 crisis. #scriptchat

7:58 pm             moviemonsterr:             RT @DreamsGrafter: Act 3 for horror protagonist. RT @Veramark2010 Midpoint also a good point where protag turns from re-acting to acting? #scriptchat

7:58 pm             DreamsGrafter:             This means my brain is officially fried. :s RT @LisaFromNYC @DreamsGrafter lol the female pro gets hacked in the shower. #scriptchat

7:59 pm             thewritertype:             RT @momentsoffilm: @anothermelanie midpoint is where all protag does fails; only facing their flaw takes them forward. #scriptchat

7:59 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC Am still laughing, I forgot that. Yes, great twist! In every way. Hitchock rocks! #scriptchat

7:59 pm             jeannevb:             @thescriptlab I need to link ur site to our blog resources www.scriptchat.com ... doing it now ;) #scriptchat

7:59 pm             Veramark2010:             @LisaFromNYC @DreamsGrafter Isn't it funny, such well-known scene - I couldn't remember either when exactly it happens! #scriptchat

8:00 pm             John_Marlow:             The low or all-hope-is-lost point is where the hero is farthest from the goal. #scriptchat #scribechat #writechat #pubtips #writer

8:00 pm             jeannevb:             Great article on Act 2 obstacles via @TheScriptLab http://bit.ly/aREPBL #scriptchat

8:00 pm             LisaFromNYC:             @DreamsGrafter lol I had like 4 cups of coffee & have a pot waiting... or maybe I watch too much hitchcock. #scriptchat

8:00 pm             jeannevb:             RT @John_Marlow: The low or all-hope-is-lost point is where the hero is farthest from the goal #scribechat #writechat #writer #scriptchat

8:01 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @VeraMark2010 I love Collateral! Yes ... true. And also History of Violence. #scriptchat

8:01 pm             moviemonsterr:             I agree. In horror, Act 1 = What's going on? Act 2 = Pro. runs from terror. Act 3 = Pro. goes towards the terror. #scriptchat @DreamsGrafter

8:01 pm             thewritertype:             @ambigfoot #scriptchat Winding up writers is fun but selling a script is even more fun, believe me.

8:02 pm             John_Marlow:             Midpoint and low point are not the same; low point often at or near end of second act, not in the middle. #scriptchat #scribechat

8:02 pm             LisaFromNYC:             RT @jeannevb Great article on Act 2 obstacles via @TheScriptLab http://bit.ly/aREPBL #scriptchat

8:02 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC Funny thing, I was doing a Phd a few years ago and wrote a chapter on Hitchcock's films. Ha ha! #Inneedofcoffee! #scriptchat

8:02 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @LisaFromNYC: RT @jeannevb Great article on Act 2 obstacles via @TheScriptLab http://bit.ly/aREPBL #scriptchat

8:02 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @John_Marlow: Midpoint and low point are not the same; low point often at or near end of second act, not in the middle. #scriptchat #scribechat

8:03 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @moviemonsterr: I agree. In horror, Act 1 = What's going on? Act 2 = Pro. runs from terror. Act 3 = Pro. goes towards the terror. #scriptchat @DreamsGrafter

8:03 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @jeannevb: Great article on Act 2 obstacles via @TheScriptLab http://bit.ly/aREPBL #scriptchat

8:03 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @jeannevb: @thescriptlab I need to link ur site to our blog resources www.scriptchat.com ... doing it now ;) #scriptchat

8:03 pm             jeannevb:             In resources on blog RT @DreamsGrafter: RT @jeannevb: Great article on Act 2 obstacles via @TheScriptLab http://bit.ly/aREPBL #scriptchat

8:03 pm             anothermelanie:             RT @moviemonsterr: I agree. In horror, Act 1 = What's going on? Act 2 = Pro. runs from terror. Act 3 = Pro. goes towards the terror. #scriptchat @DreamsGrafter

8:03 pm             DreamsGrafter:             RT @John_Marlow: The low or all-hope-is-lost point is where the hero is farthest from the goal. #scriptchat #scribechat #writechat #pubtips #writer

8:05 pm                DreamsGrafter:                I can't believe where that hour went! Thanks everyone for joining in tonight's #scriptchat.

8:06 pm             anothermelanie:             RT @John_Marlow: Midpoint and low point are not the same; low point often at or near end of second act, not in the middle. #scriptchat #scribechat

8:06 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter thanks so much for another great hosting job, Mina! #scriptchat

8:06 pm             thescriptlab:             @jeannevb TY can't wait for #scriptchat US

8:06 pm             jeannevb:             pulling transcript... so say anything brilliant now ;) #scriptchat

8:06 pm             scriptscene:             @DreamsGrafter Thanks for being our gracious host. #scriptchat

8:07 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Thx so much for the #treefort love! :) xo RT @jeannevb @DreamsGrafter thanks so much for another great hosting job, Mina! #scriptchat

8:07 pm             LisaFromNYC:             It's so hard to make all these beats feel organic. The pro's internal needs really has to drive his actions. #WritingIsHard #scriptchat

8:07 pm             jeannevb:             u might have to bitchslap me to stay awake. Deadline - no sleep ;) RT @thescriptlab: @jeannevb TY cant wait for #scriptchat US #scriptchat

8:07 pm             anothermelanie:             I can't believe I missed most of #scriptchat. Thanks everybody for an educational fifteen minutes!

8:07 pm             Veramark2010:             @DreamsGrafter Thanks Mina - superb chat - seems we're going backwds (ending informs beginning) so will it be Act 1 next Sunday? #scriptchat

8:08 pm             LisaFromNYC:             RT @jeannevb @DreamsGrafter thanks so much for another great hosting job, Mina! #scriptchat

8:08 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC Now, I ask myself what's the emotion driving each scene. If the scene doesn't make sense emotionally, I rework it. #scriptchat

8:08 pm             Veramark2010:             Someone mentioned sequencing earlier - any suggestion where to read up on this? #scriptchat

8:08 pm             momentsoffilm:             Wow.. that did go quickly.. good stuff though, need to read the transcript at leisure. Until next week ta ta for now to all at #scriptchat

8:09 pm             lizziside:             @DreamsGrafter Thank you #scriptchat

8:09 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @LisaFromNYC It's a new approach which seems to be working 'cause it makes me constantly aware of protag's internal struggle. #scriptchat

8:09 pm             DreamsGrafter:             @momentsoffilm Have a good week Leilana! :) #scriptchat

8:10 pm             John_Marlow:             @Veramark2010 "The Sequence Approach" book by Gulino #scriptchat

8:10 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Act 2 discussion will continue at 8pm EST/5pm PST! If you're a European insomniac, please feel free to drop in and say hi. #scriptchat

8:10 pm             LisaFromNYC:             RT @DreamsGrafter I ask myself what's the emotion driving each scene. If the scene doesn't make sense emotionally I rework it #scriptchat

8:10 pm             PennyAsh:             Well rat spit, missed #scriptchat :(

8:10 pm             jeannevb:             @DreamsGrafter @LisaFromNYC I'm def writing much more for emotion than ever before. Dissect ea scene for impact. Love it #scriptchat

8:11 pm             jeannevb:             HAHA RT @PennyAsh: Well rat spit, missed #scriptchat :( #scriptchat

8:11 pm             thewritertype:             @DreamsGrafter Thanks, great #scriptchat, very helpful. Not going to Morocco tomorrow but got sunburn today anyway. Hah.

8:11 pm             Veramark2010:             @John_Marlow Thanks! #scriptchat

8:12 pm             PennyAsh:             @jeannevb I'll be there for the US version though :) #scriptchat

8:12 pm             DreamsGrafter:             Yvw. :) Pleasure to connect w/ you! RT @ScriptScene @DreamsGrafter Thanks for being our gracious host. #scriptchat

8:12 pm             lizziside:             @VeraMark2010 try "Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach" by Paul Gulino - It gives some useful insight #scriptchat

8:13 pm             jeannevb:             @PennyAsh you and all ur vermin saliva ;) #scriptchat

8:13 pm             Veramark2010:             Husbd tells me BBC 4 is showing maps docu now - my first script was based on this - so I'll say ye & have a great week everyone! #scriptchat

8:13 pm             Veramark2010:             @lizziside Thanks to you too :) #scriptchat

8:13 pm             PennyAsh:             @jeannevb Yep :) the plague rats need a night out #scriptchat

8:14 pm             jeannevb:             adding to blog RT @lizziside: @VeraMark2010 try "Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach" by Paul Gulino -gives some useful insight #scriptchat

8:17 pm                thescriptlab:                @lizziside @jeannevb Check this breakdown of Sequences as well. http://bit.ly/dxVMms  #scriptchat

8:20 pm             lizziside:             @VeraMark2010 :-)) #scriptchat

8:21 pm             lizziside:             @TheScriptLab thanks! #scriptchat

8:22 pm             jeannevb:             excellent! RT @thescriptlab: @lizziside @jeannevb Check this breakdown of Sequences as well. http://bit.ly/dxVMms #scriptchat

8:22 pm             ambigfoot:             @thewritertype hi. Hope you weren't offended. I think not? I tweet a funny every week. Friend of your uber pimp @jeannevb #scriptchat ;)

8:22 pm             momentsoffilm:             @DreamsGrafter You too sweetie! #scriptchat

USA chat:

12:01 am                jeannevb:                Let the party begin! It's scriptchat o'clock #scriptchat

12:01 am             jeannevb:             #scriptchat TOPIC: ACT 2: breaks into and out of, midpt, challanges, char dev, & setup Act 3 #scriptfrenzy #CSopen

12:01 am             multihyphenate:             RT @jeannevb: #scriptchat TOPIC: ACT 2: breaks into and out of, midpt, challanges, char dev, & setup Act 3 #scriptfrenzy #CSopen

12:01 am             tylerweaver:             RT @jeannevb: #scriptchat TOPIC: ACT 2: breaks into and out of, midpt, challanges, char dev, & setup Act 3 #scriptfrenzy #CSopen

12:02 am             jeannevb:             Let me begin by saying I was up til 4am w this deadline. Now tired & punchy. Will do my best... #scriptchat

12:02 am             DryerBuzz:             RT @WriterChanelle: Hello hello #scriptchat!

12:02 am             eyamie:             Q: How many of us break Act 2 into 2a and 2b ? #scriptchat

12:02 am             KageyNYC:             Discuss! ;) RT @jeannevb: #scriptchat TOPIC: ACT 2: breaks into and out of, midpt, challanges, char dev, & setup Act 3 #scriptfrenzy #CSopen

12:02 am             pulptone:             Hello Hello #scriptchat

12:03 am             sarahssnow:             Oh no. I came online JIT for #scriptchat ... but, no time to play today. Back to my essay on the poetic image of Seamus Heaney. #amwriting

12:03 am             jeannevb:             @eyamie my guess is a lot break it up to before midpt & after. I find outlining helps me get through it #scriptchat

12:03 am             John_Marlow:             Midpoint is where we realize an unsuspected element is at work, or where hero passes point of no return. Typical p50-70. #scriptchat

12:03 am             jeannevb:             @pulptone *waves* ;) #scriptchat

12:03 am             UncompletedWork:             I know @covermyscript would agree B-A-B-C structure is a good way to know where your ACT II dark moment is. Have to write it 1st #scriptchat

12:03 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @jeannevb: it's just about that time. Any1 new to my feed, plz forgive my excessive tweeting about screenwriting for nxt hr #scriptchat

12:03 am             John_Marlow:             The low or all-hope-is-lost point is where the hero is farthest from the goal. #scriptchat

12:03 am             talented_boy:             i often feel like i'm building tension but it seems like that is still a critique i receive...it's pretty frustrating #scriptchat

12:04 am             KageyNYC:             I definitely see it flow as before midpoint and after. RT @eyamie: Q: How many of us break Act 2 into 2a and 2b ? #scriptchat

12:04 am             dawnbierschwal:             To my non screenwriter followers (are there any left?), the next hour will be #scriptchat

12:04 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @jeannevb: #scriptchat TOPIC: ACT 2: breaks into and out of, midpt, challanges, char dev, & setup Act 3 #scriptfrenzy #CSopen

12:04 am             John_Marlow:             Midpoint and low point are not the same; low point often at or near end of second act, not in the middle. #scriptchat

12:04 am             jeannevb:             fyi, i added cple new resources on blog today bc of EURO info! One was a beat sheet calculator via Blake Snyder. COOL! #scriptchat

12:04 am             talented_boy:             but after a past scriptchat, i've started writing to my midpoint which has helped a lot #scriptchat

12:04 am             jtabergas:             I've never formally done 2a & 2b. I'll try that next time. Maybe I'll have less of a hard time figuring out the points. #scriptchat

12:04 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @jeannevb: fyi, i added cple new resources on blog today bc of EURO info! One was a beat sheet calculator via Blake Snyder. #scriptchat

12:05 am             shabanky:             Hello all! #scriptchat

12:05 am             WriterChanelle:             @jeannevb ooooo....nice on the beat sheet #scriptchat

12:05 am             jeannevb:             @John_Marlow thanks for coming back, John ;) Love ur dedication to us! xo #scriptchat

12:05 am             dawnbierschwal:             2nd half of Act 2 can feel like vast wasteland. #scriptchat

12:05 am             talented_boy:             RT @dawnbierschwal: 2nd half of Act 2 can feel like vast wasteland. #scriptchat

12:06 am             UncompletedWork:             B-A-B-C begins in the Dark moment of "B" (ACT II) and then back to "A" (ACT II) then revisit and pass the Dark moment in "B" #scriptchat

12:06 am             jolenejahnke:             Multi-tasking. Keeping one eye on #scriptchat tonight.

12:06 am             jeannevb:             Here's the Snyder beatsheet calculator via @LisaFromNYC http://bit.ly/8M4c1U #scriptchat (linked on our blog resources) www.scriptchat.com

12:06 am             dawnbierschwal:             I like how Blake Snyder says the first have of Act if where the "fun and games" happen...the trailer moments. #scriptchat

12:06 am             talented_boy:             i'm watching the game at the same time so i may disappear for stretches #scriptchat

12:06 am             KageyNYC:             I'm knee-deep outlining Act 2 now, trying desperately to nail major high-low pts to see how the heck I'm going to get thru it #scriptchat

12:07 am             Timsn:             RT @dawnbierschwal: 2nd half of Act 2 can feel like vast wasteland. #scriptchat

12:07 am             WriterChanelle:             The hardest part of Act II for me has been understanding how to make *realistic* struggle happen over and over #scriptchat

12:07 am             UncompletedWork:             then onto "C" (but, alas, twitter did not allow it all to be put in one tweet, so I'll be verbose here. How about that!?) #scriptchat

12:07 am             eyamie:             @dawnbierschwal Act 2b - Just beat the hell out of protag and get to the low point - or the high point for the antag #scriptchat

12:07 am             jtabergas:             I like this, thanks! RT @jeannevb: Heres the Snyder beatsheet calculator via @LisaFromNYC http://bit.ly/8M4c1U #scriptchat #scriptchat

12:07 am             jeannevb:             I focus just as much on char dev as action points. So many times plot pts can be pivotal in changes in char arc #scriptchat

12:07 am             dawnbierschwal:             And, of course, Blake said it without the typos. #scriptchat

12:08 am             WriterChanelle:             #scriptchat without making it seem contrived or predictable

12:08 am             tylerweaver:             I have to split Act 2 into 2 halves. It's like eating a whole cake by myself otherwise. I like cake, but that's too much. #scriptchat

12:08 am             Donna_Carrick:             @jeannevb #scriptchat Hi, Jeanne, @Alex_Carrick & I are lurking from on the highway. Just watching & learning.

12:08 am             pulptone:             RT @jeannevb: Heres the Snyder beatsheet calculator via @LisaFromNYC http://bit.ly/8M4c1U #scriptchat www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

12:08 am             jeannevb:             *waves* RT @Donna_Carrick: @jeannevb #scriptchat Hi, Jeanne, @Alex_Carrick & I are lurking from on the highway. #scriptchat

12:08 am             UncompletedWork:             The worst place to have a rolling act break is between II & III - this is the sea in which so many (produced) movies are lost. #scriptchat

12:09 am             multihyphenate:             RT @pulptone: RT @jeannevb: Snyder beatsheet calculator via @LisaFromNYC http://bit.ly/8M4c1U #scriptchat www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

12:09 am             tylerweaver:             RT @pulptone: RT @jeannevb: Snyder beatsheet calculator via @LisaFromNYC http://bit.ly/8M4c1U #scriptchat www.scriptchat.com #scriptchat

12:09 am             talented_boy:             RT @tylerweaver: I have 2 split Act 2 n2 2 halves. Its like eating a whole cake by myself otherwise. I like cake, thats 2 much. #scriptchat

12:09 am             yeah_write:             Most people have the hardest time with writing Act 2. Any thoughts as to why, and how to overcome? #scriptchat

12:09 am             Donna_Carrick:             RT @jeannevb: I focus just as much on char dev as action points. So many times plot pts can be pivotal in changes in char arc #scriptchat

12:09 am             WriterChanelle:             I just figured out today how to make my protagonist break and move into Act III #scriptchat

12:10 am             dawnbierschwal:             @eyamie Problem is I tend to beat the shit out of him/her by the mid point. : ) #scriptchat

12:10 am             LifesizeLD:             Hello fellow scribes! What's the topic du jour? #scriptchat

12:10 am             pulptone:             @yeah_write It's the place between points. Or is it? It just seems like your story needs to move along wo high or lows. #scriptchat

12:10 am             jeannevb:             Also added Michael Hauge/Christopher Volger DVD: Hero's 2 Journeys. http://bit.ly/vHkPq Fantastic layout of plot pt vs. char dev #scriptchat

12:10 am             talented_boy:             @yeah_write i feel like act one is why you started and act three is why you wanna finish...act two is why writing takes forever #scriptchat

12:11 am             jeannevb:             ha RT @talented_boy: @yeah_write act 1 is why you started and act 3 is why you wanna finish...act 2 is why writing takes forever #scriptchat

12:11 am             UncompletedWork:             Just an aside. Tonight's #scriptchat is brought to you by my iTunes -- now playing 'Radio Ga Ga'

12:11 am             CTK1:             Calling All Writers, the hash tag Twitter event known as #scriptchat is currently in progress. Join in! Hosted by @Jeannevb

12:11 am             jeannevb:             @UncompletedWork turn it up, I cant hear u ;) #scriptchat

12:12 am             Donna_Carrick:             RT @CTK1: Calling All Writers, the hash tag Twitter event known as #scriptchat is currently in progress. Join in! Hosted by @Jeannevb

12:12 am             jeannevb:             @CTK1 *curtsy* ;) #scriptchat

12:12 am             writeononline:             Just poking in to say "hi" to everyone at #scriptchat and good luck to those doing #scriptfrenzy

12:12 am             WriterChanelle:             @UncompletedWork rolling act? #scriptchat

12:12 am             LisaFromNYC:             @yeah_write I think it's hard because u have to keep the story going. Filling in beg/end gaps. That how it feels sometimes. #scriptchat

12:13 am             scriptscene:             @talented_boy And Act 1 & 3 are almost written by themselves before you start typing. Act 2 requires most thought. #scriptchat

12:13 am             jeannevb:             Rewriting now & looking at every scene making sure there's conflict & most imp EMOTIONAL impact #cutcutcut #scriptchat

12:13 am             eyamie:             @UncompletedWork Want to know more about B-A-B-C ... can I read more anywhere? #scriptchat

12:13 am             leymaricel:             RT @CTK1: Calling All Writers, the hash tag Twitter event known as #scriptchat is currently in progress. Join in! Hosted by @Jeannevb

12:13 am             jeannevb:             Hi Debra! ;) RT @writeononline: Just poking in to say "hi" to everyone at #scriptchat and good luck to those doing #scriptfrenzy #scriptchat

12:13 am             talented_boy:             @scriptscene i concur #scriptchat

12:13 am             scriptscene:             RT @eyamie: @UncompletedWork Want to know more about B-A-B-C ... can I read more anywhere? #scriptchat

12:14 am             KageyNYC:             I'm beginning Act 2 w/intro to B story, hoping it will give a break from intense A story push through Act 1, thoughts on this? #scriptchat

12:14 am             jtabergas:             haha! RT @talented_boy: i feel like act 1:why you started act 3:why you wanna finish.act 2 i:why writing takes forever #scriptchat

12:14 am             jeannevb:             Another great resource on our blog is book by Dara Marks - Inside Story http://bit.ly/aJqw9r Great for outlining & def theme #scriptchat

12:14 am             dawnbierschwal:             Think 1 tricks of 2nd half of act is to have protagonist's actions during 1st half catch up with him/her here. #scriptchat

12:14 am             LisaFromNYC:             RT @eyamie @UncompletedWork Want to know more about B-A-B-C ... can I read more anywhere? #scriptchat

12:15 am             KageyNYC:             Agreed, didn't understand via tweets RT @eyamie: @UncompletedWork Want to know more about B-A-B-C ... can I read more anywhere? #scriptchat

12:15 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @WriterChanelle: @UncompletedWork rolling act? #scriptchat [Rolling Act break refers to a not easily identifiable break.. it "rolls"]

12:15 am             talented_boy:             i've written a story with two protagonists but only one has the midpoint crisis...it's been interesting balancing the stories #scriptchat

12:15 am             jeannevb:             @KageyNYC maybe sprinkle tiny plants for B story a tad earlier? Not a forest, just an acorn ;) #scriptchat

12:15 am             jtabergas:             RT @jeannevb: I've not really read a book on outlining, only formatting. Thanks for the resource! #scriptchat

12:15 am             UncompletedWork:             All, I believe @covermyscript wrote an excellent article on B-A-B-C structure, I'll have to dig it up #scriptchat

12:15 am             John_Marlow:             I find it best not to get too analytical, too by-the-numbers. Structure, yes; formula, no. #scriptchat

12:15 am             Timsn:             I would also like to know about B-A-B-C #scriptchat I break into a and b story

12:16 am             jeannevb:             act 2b HAS to have prot taking action, not letting things happen to him/her #scriptchat

12:16 am             yeah_write:             RT @dawnbierschwal: Think 1 tricks of 2nd half of act is 2 have protagonist's actions during 1st half catch up w/ him/her hre. #scriptchat

12:16 am             jeannevb:             @jtabergas its not so much about outlining as it is structure. But I turn everything into an outline haha #scriptchat

12:16 am             WriterChanelle:             @UncompletedWork Ah...I see. Thank you for clarifying that for my novice mind. Lol #scriptchat

12:16 am             jeannevb:             agree RT @John_Marlow: I find it best not to get too analytical, too by-the-numbers. Structure, yes; formula, no. #scriptchat

12:16 am             Donna_Carrick:             @jeannevb #scriptchat **waving back**

12:17 am             Timsn:             Agree RT @John_Marlow: I find it best not to get too analytical, too by-the-numbers. Structure, yes; formula, no. #scriptchat

12:17 am             eyamie:             Someone else looking for more B-A-B-C info - his blog here: http://bit.ly/9fUd0h #scriptchat

12:17 am             UncompletedWork:             A-B-C correlates to your ACTS 1, 2, and 3. You begin in the Dark moment of the end of ACT 2 or B up TO the moment of "impact" #scriptchat

12:17 am             jeannevb:             when I say "outlining" I mean brushstrokes w structure... not formulaic...or else uniqueness gets lost #scriptchat

12:18 am             talented_boy:             i've had to learn to save some stuff for act II...had to slow down my first acts #scriptchat

12:18 am             markezrastokes:             Yikes. Looks like algebra in here with all these equations. Tough one to come into mid-stride! #scriptchat

12:18 am             eyamie:             @UncompletedWork Gotchya... like a lot of JJ Abrams' stuff. #scriptchat

12:18 am             jeannevb:             hey, where is @zacsanford &/or @zacsanford2 ??? #scriptchat

12:18 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @dawnbierschwal 1 trick of 2nd half of act is to have protagonist's actions during 1st half catch up with him/her here. #scriptchat

12:18 am             MetaPhoenix:             RT @jeannevb: when I say "outlining" I mean brushstrokes w structure... not formulaic...or else uniqueness gets lost #scriptchat

12:18 am             KageyNYC:             Excellent point. RT @jeannevb: @KageyNYC maybe sprinkle tiny plants for B story a tad earlier? Not a forest, just an acorn ;) #scriptchat

12:18 am             yeah_write:             @jeannevb Or like I said in Euro, it's the line drawing before you fill in the fine details. It's just as creative as story. #scriptchat

12:19 am             ItsMeAbe:             RT @CTK1: Calling All Writers, the hash tag Twitter event known as #scriptchat is currently in progress. Join in! Hosted by @Jeannevb

12:19 am             UncompletedWork:             Then you head back and write your script normal -- eventually you will catch up to the dark moment act II or B & write past it #scriptchat

12:19 am             yeah_write:             He said he won't likely make it tonight. RT @jeannevb: hey, where is @zacsanford &/or @zacsanford2 ??? #scriptchat

12:19 am             dawnbierschwal:             @KageyNYC I agree that beginning B story at beginning of 2nd act is a good idea... weaving the two together is the tricky part. #scriptchat

12:19 am             jeannevb:             @yeah_write yep, the pencil... not the permanent marker. #scriptchat

12:19 am             UncompletedWork:             Err, not "head back" but rather "head forward, by going back" #scriptchat

12:19 am             tylerweaver:             @jeannevb I do the structure in outline, then let the characters play when I write draft 1. Subsequent drafts combine the two. #scriptchat

12:20 am             yeah_write:             Exactly. RT @jeannevb: @yeah_write yep, the pencil... not the permanent marker. #scriptchat

12:20 am             Wylieknowords:             RT @LifesizeLD: Hello fellow scribes! What's the topic du jour? #scriptchat

12:20 am             jeannevb:             @tylerweaver I do the same. Got in trouble when 2 chars started having affair I hadnt intended on HAHA #scriptchat

12:20 am             thescriptlab:             Super easy to get bogged down in Act Two. Check out this breakdown of elements to help. http://bit.ly/cAp8un #scriptchat #scriptfrenzy

12:20 am             scriptscene:             I agree. RT @jeannevb: @yeah_write yep, the pencil... not the permanent marker. #scriptchat

12:20 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @eyamie: @UncompletedWork Gotchya... like a lot of JJ Abrams' stuff. #scriptchat [lets the audience know at least SOMETHING is coming]

12:20 am             jeannevb:             Act 2 & the hell it is ;) RT @Wylieknowords: RT @LifesizeLD: Hello fellow scribes! Whats the topic du jour? #scriptchat

12:21 am             tylerweaver:             @jeannevb Hate it when they do that. You have to turn the hose on them. #scriptchat

12:21 am             WriterChanelle:             @dawnbierschwal The action being the thing the protag decided to do to change? #scriptchat

12:21 am             jeannevb:             Also added link to @thescriptlab's great blog & article on Act 2 to our blog www.scriptchat.com (right sidebar) #scriptchat

12:21 am             scriptscene:             Nice. RT @thescriptlab: ... Act Two. Check out this breakdown of elements to help. http://bit.ly/cAp8un #scriptchat #scriptfrenzy

12:21 am             jolenejahnke:             RT @thescriptlab: Super easy to get bogged down in Act Two. Check out this breakdown of elements http://bit.ly/cAp8un #scriptchat

12:21 am             UncompletedWork:             @WriterChanelle Oh no worries. You'll want to avoid rolling act breaks if you are just starting. They can be messy. #scriptchat

12:21 am             jeannevb:             @tylerweaver when we did the rewrite, we took it out... but I still think they have a crush on ea other ;) #scriptchat

12:22 am             John_Marlow:             #SEBlog QOT: ?McKee takes something that?s supposed to be creative, and turns it into a math problem.? ?Ryan Condal #scriptchat

12:22 am             jeannevb:             hey @yeah_write, have u met @scriptscene yet? haha #scriptchat

12:22 am             dawnbierschwal:             @WriterChanelle Any actions toward achieving his/her objective... in some cases, misguided. #scriptchat

12:22 am             UncompletedWork:             I wonder where @covermyscript is, she has some great stuff on her site. BRB, gunna dig on it to share some articles #scriptchat

12:22 am             WriterChanelle:             @UncompletedWork I think I'll take that tip. Lol #scriptchat

12:23 am             markezrastokes:             RT @John_Marlow: #QOT: ?McKee takes something that?s supposed to be creative, and turns it into a math problem.? ?Ryan Condal #scriptchat

12:23 am             yeah_write:             Oh so funny. Sure you aren't drinking? RT @jeannevb: hey @yeah_write, have u met @scriptscene yet? haha #scriptchat

12:24 am             yeah_write:             @jeannevb It's tough to tweet with 2 egos at the same time. lol #scriptchat

12:24 am             jeannevb:             @yeah_write positive ;) Cldnt resist @ScriptScene #scriptchat

12:24 am             jeannevb:             HAHA RT @yeah_write: @jeannevb Its tough to tweet with 2 egos at the same time. lol #scriptchat

12:24 am             John_Marlow:             @yeah_write Me and my ego; I go where he goes. #scriptchat

12:25 am             jeannevb:             so what are the tricks u use to get u past the 2nd half of act 2 and keep the momentum going? #scriptchat

12:25 am             jtabergas:             having trouble with my scriptfrenzy script bex. of act 2. i think theres a fine line b/w end of act 1 & start of act 2. #scriptchat

12:25 am             Evenstephen2000:             @jeannevb What I'm most comfortable doing is as much structure as possible on front end (w/scene cards). As long as it takes! #scriptchat

12:25 am             jeannevb:             I feel a tap dance coming ;) RT @John_Marlow: @yeah_write Me and my ego; I go where he goes. #scriptchat

12:25 am             yeah_write:             I'm also @scriptscene for my RWA chapter. RT @John_Marlow: @yeah_write Me and my ego; I go where he goes. #scriptchat

12:25 am             John_Marlow:             @jeannevb Sequencing. #scriptchat

12:25 am             Scrivener030:             I'm stuck in my #scriptfrenzy scripts, and I don't care. They both need page 1 rewrites. #scriptchat

12:25 am             tylerweaver:             @jeannevb "'tis better to have loved and been hosed down than to have never loved at all." - Me, via some other dude. #scriptchat

12:25 am             GCGeek:             I'm reading these tweets, then browsing the articles (good stuff!), then back here. It's like speed-learning! #scriptchat

12:26 am             jtabergas:             interested in those tips too. RT @jeannevb: so what are the tricks to get u past the 2nd half of act 2& keep momentum going? #scriptchat

12:26 am             jeannevb:             @Evenstephen2000 same here. We did a 31 pg outline, scene by scene b4 writing first draft. Much easier to edit & cut that way #scriptchat

12:26 am             jtabergas:             Mine too! RT @Scrivener030: Im stuck in my #scriptfrenzy scripts, and I dont care. They both need page 1 rewrites. #scriptchat

12:26 am             UncompletedWork:             FOUND IT! "The Three-Act Structure and You, Perfect Together" from Hollywood scriptwriter mag http://bit.ly/1Q1Jai #scriptchat

12:26 am             John_Marlow:             @jtabergas A great midpoint. #scriptchat

12:27 am             talented_boy:             i'm looking forward to getting my guardian angel @jeannevb back from her tireless work on #slaverybyanothername #scriptchat

12:27 am             jeannevb:             great tip, for sure RT @John_Marlow: @jeannevb Sequencing. #scriptchat

12:27 am             Evenstephen2000:             @jeannevb I think when u can run thru ur scene cards and feel good, it's golden. The hardest part is done. Solid structure wins. #scriptchat

12:27 am             KageyNYC:             The all-important midpoint shift, what's your takes on it? What are things you feel must be accomplished at/with that point? #scriptchat

12:27 am             jeannevb:             ME 2! RT @talented_boy: looking forward 2 getting my guardian angel @jeannevb back fr her tireless work on #slaverybyanothername #scriptchat

12:28 am             Scrivener030:             @jtabergas Are you plugging through to finish the pages? #scriptchat

12:28 am             WriterChanelle:             From what I understand, the second Plot Point is what leads into the Third Act and keeps the momentum going #scriptchat

12:28 am             somemandy:             @John_Marlow I agree on sequencing. I usually find that it helps me think clearer about the story #scriptchat

12:28 am             KageyNYC:             Btw, my questions aren't so random, I have class tomorrow & I'm presenting a bunch of new Act 2 work, I'll take any & all tips! #scriptchat

12:28 am             jeannevb:             @Evenstephen2000 even w the 31 pg outline, we still made TONS of changes writing it. Sucker is still too long *sigh* #scriptchat

12:28 am             DavidWeedmark:             Backstory, Intrigue, Character Develop't RT @jeannevb: so what are the tricks u use to get u past the 2nd half of act 2 ...? #scriptchat

12:28 am             talented_boy:             @jeannevb my new joint needs you =) #scriptchat

12:29 am             UncompletedWork:             @KageyNYC Personal growth is really important during this part of script. groundwork for the bigger things to come must be laid #scriptchat

12:29 am             yeah_write:             People hate Act 2 so much that it's even quiet in the chat tonight. lol #scriptchat

12:29 am             somemandy:             @Evenstephen2000 sorry for the very novice question. Scene card? #scriptchat

12:29 am             NugzyBogues:             im lost right now just joining #scriptchat work has me missing too much

12:29 am             jeannevb:             cheater ha RT @KageyNYC: Btw, my quest arent so random, have class tom &presenting bunch of new Act 2 wrk, Ill take any/all tips #scriptchat

12:29 am             jtabergas:             @Scrivener030 I'm trying my best. Been hard fighting the urge to do rewrites before I'm even done with it. #scriptchat

12:29 am             tylerweaver:             @KageyNYC I make it the point of no return. "You had your chance. You're in it now, and things are going to get ugly." #scriptchat.

12:29 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @yeah_write: People hate Act 2 so much that it's even quiet in the chat tonight. lol #scriptchat [ I quite like Act 2 ]

12:29 am             WriterChanelle:             The second plot point has to be emotional/exciting enough to make audience want to know what happens #scriptchat

12:29 am             jeannevb:             @DavidWeedmark ur so smart ;) #scriptchat

12:30 am             jtabergas:             @John_Marlow Definitely, a great midpoint. That's where I struggle a lot! #scriptchat

12:30 am             Timsn:             LOL RT @yeah_write: People hate Act 2 so much that it's even quiet in the chat tonight. lol #scriptchat

12:30 am             eyamie:             @yeah_write Yeah I'm actually finding it mighty civilized tonight! #scriptchat

12:30 am             jeannevb:             Went thru each char to plot them & be certain action moved their arc. One by one. #scriptchat

12:30 am             dawnbierschwal:             @KageyNYC False win or false loss for protagonist. (re: mid point) #scriptchat

12:30 am             jeannevb:             that's bc I'm sober ;) RT @eyamie: @yeah_write Yeah Im actually finding it mighty civilized tonight! #scriptchat

12:30 am             talented_boy:             @WriterChanelle scriptsavvy.net has a nice little chart...TP 1: opportunity, 2: change of plans, 3: PONR, 4: setback, 5: climax #scriptchat

12:31 am             LisaFromNYC:             2a is the hardest 4 me. I have to keep pro interesting/active (lol) until the mp twist, then it takes off. #scriptchat

12:31 am             KageyNYC:             @jeannevb You think this topic is a coincidence? *maniacal laugh!* #scriptchat

12:31 am             Timsn:             A spreadsheet with each char. journey helps #scriptchat

12:31 am             DavidWeedmark:             @jeannevb that's just me YMMV #scriptchat

12:31 am             jtabergas:             Never heard it that way before. Thanks.RT @dawnbierschwal: @KageyNYC False win or false loss for protagonist. (re: mid point) #scriptchat

12:31 am             jeannevb:             u are evil! HAHA RT @KageyNYC: @jeannevb You think this topic is a coincidence? *maniacal laugh!* #scriptchat

12:31 am             talented_boy:             i had an issue with a reader thinking my inciting incidents were the end of act I because the moments were so strong #scriptchat

12:32 am             dawnjohnston:             just joined and lurking to see what the topic is - something about Act 2 #scriptchat

12:32 am             John_Marlow:             When working with clients whose stories have major problems, first thing I do is help develop an outline. Saves time. #scriptchat

12:32 am             jtabergas:             Glad I'm doing scriptchat. Can't wait to work on my script again. #scriptchat

12:32 am             Evenstephen2000:             @jeannevb Exactly! You'll have to rewrite but you can still feel good about the framework! #scriptchat

12:32 am             scriptscene:             @eyamie But we don't want a civilized Act 2. We want Fun and Games. The party no one wants to leave. #scriptchat

12:32 am             eyamie:             @jeannevb Next time, you delegate the inebriation to someone else! #scriptchat

12:32 am             jeannevb:             @dawnjohnston the hatred of Act 2... its even killing the chat haha #scriptchat

12:33 am             UncompletedWork:             Uh, who slipped #scriptchat a roofie?

12:33 am             talented_boy:             it's pretty quiet...everyone needs to get a drink #scriptchat

12:33 am             jeannevb:             RT @scriptscene: @eyamie But we dont want a civilized Act 2. We want Fun and Games. The party no one wants to leave. #scriptchat

12:33 am             jolenejahnke:             For me, Act2 struggles mostly occur when Protag is too passive. Post notes to remind myself... #scriptchat http://twitpic.com/1gp92j

12:33 am             dawnjohnston:             Haha! I wondered! RT @jeannevb: @dawnjohnston the hatred of Act 2... its even killing the chat haha #scriptchat

12:33 am             jeannevb:             I do believe Act 2 is breaking the back of scriptchat ha RT @UncompletedWork: Uh, who slipped #scriptchat a roofie? #scriptchat

12:33 am             jtabergas:             that's what i'm doing now. ;) RT @talented_boy: its pretty quiet...everyone needs to get a drink #scriptchat

12:34 am             yeah_write:             It does that to a writer. RT @jtabergas: Glad Im doing scriptchat. Cant wait to work on my script again. #scriptchat

12:34 am             jeannevb:             *tag* ur it! ;) RT @eyamie: @jeannevb Next time, you delegate the inebriation to someone else! #scriptchat

12:34 am             UncompletedWork:             Think of ACT II as that REALLY AWESOME part of a relationship. Everything is golden and sexy, the world is a melting gummy #scriptchat

12:34 am             John_Marlow:             @jeannevb We need a chat midpoint to liven things up. Look--Dragon! #scriptchat #scriptchat

12:35 am             UncompletedWork:             (Cont) all the way up until the dark moment... #scriptchat

12:35 am             dawnbierschwal:             My problem tends to be I use up all my fun and games in the first half of the act! #scriptchat

12:35 am             HonorKnightASA:             @jolenejahnke Lol. That's a pretty specific post it note. #scriptchat

12:35 am             jeannevb:             *pulls out sword* RT @John_Marlow: @jeannevb We need a chat midpoint to liven things up. Look--Dragon! #scriptchat #scriptchat

12:36 am             jtabergas:             Haha! RT @John_Marlow: @jeannevb We need a chat midpoint to liven things up. Look--Dragon! #scriptchat #scriptchat

12:36 am             KageyNYC:             I'll be staying up late reading transcript tonight! It's frakkin' Cliff Notes! ;) #scriptchat

12:36 am             NugzyBogues:             i love the 2nd act of the script because its the easiest its like u get 2 create these people then shape & change em how u want #scriptchat

12:36 am             Timsn:             Is everyone stuck in an act 2? #scriptchat

12:36 am             yeah_write:             Interesting. RT @dawnbierschwal: My problem tends to be I use up all my fun and games in the first half of the act! #scriptchat

12:36 am             markezrastokes:             Anybody got examples of second acts that DON'T work? For me, DA VINCI CODE. All connect-the-dots w/no real rising stakes. #scriptchat

12:36 am             eyamie:             @jeannevb *sips tea, pinkie raised* I believe "Sad Sack Buys Final Draft" has something to do with it! #scriptchat

12:36 am             Trigonis:             Feel like I just joined in on a Dungeons & Dragons campaign here :-) Hi everyone. Sorry I'm late! #scriptchat

12:36 am             jeannevb:             we are at the chat midpt, we've fully committed to our goal, now time to slay part 2 of the the chat.... I need a drink for this #scriptchat

12:36 am             jolenejahnke:             @HonorKnightASA A common problem I face, too often. = #scriptchat

12:36 am             thescriptlab:             @jolenejahnke best way 2 keep yr protag active is 2 keep throwing obstacles in his way. always make it rlly hard on yr main char #scriptchat

12:36 am             John_Marlow:             @dawnbierschwal Think up more, or brainstorm with someone else. Worst thing to do is space out too few good turns. #scriptchat

12:37 am             talented_boy:             anybody wanna send me a used copy of Story by McKee? =) #scriptchat

12:37 am             jeannevb:             @Trigonis haha.. we're talking Act 2 hell... and we're in it haha Chat rather slow tonight #scriptchat

12:37 am             John_Marlow:             @jeannevb Dragon melts sword. #scriptchat #scriptchat

12:37 am             dawnbierschwal:             @yeah_write Learning to use the consequences of that half as fodder for 2nd half. #scriptchat

12:37 am             yeah_write:             I thought it was mandatory. RT @Timsn: Is everyone stuck in an act 2? #scriptchat

12:38 am             jeannevb:             @John_Marlow ninja pulls out bow #scriptchat

12:38 am             UncompletedWork:             After scouring @covermyscript's site couldn't find B-A-B-C article, now realizing she has YET to write it. (get cracking?) #scriptchat

12:38 am             thescriptlab:             @markezrastokes yeah a great example of trying to fit 200 pgs of book in a 60 pg act 2 #scriptchat

12:38 am             dawnbierschwal:             Agree! RT @John_Marlow: @dawnbierschwal Think up more. Worst thing to do is space out too few good turns. #scriptchat

12:38 am             WriterChanelle:             I was reading Syd Field's book on problems screenwriters have, and he says that a key to keeping momentum is to get in and out #scriptchat

12:38 am             LisaFromNYC:             Not sure if COTT had a mp. Movie was weak as a whole. Pro was lame. #scriptchat

12:38 am             WriterChanelle:             #scriptchat of the scene, that is

12:39 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @talented_boy: anybody wanna send me a used copy of Story by McKee? =) #scriptchat [Library?]

12:39 am             yeah_write:             Love that idea. RT @dawnbierschwal: @yeah_write Learning to use the consequences of that half as fodder for 2nd half. #scriptchat

12:39 am             blankethouse:             @eyamie @jeannevb @yeah_write Is it OKay to skip #scriptchat tonight if my excuse is that I'm actually writing my script?? ;-)

12:39 am             jeannevb:             @WriterChanelle agree, enter late, leave early... but MOVE the viewer emotionally somehow, dont just use scene for exposition #scriptchat

12:39 am             jeannevb:             amazon? RT @UncompletedWork: RT @talented_boy: anybody wanna send me a used copy of Story by McKee? =) #scriptchat [Library?] #scriptchat

12:40 am             jeannevb:             @blankethouse no ;) #scriptchat

12:40 am             HonorKnightASA:             @jolenejahnke Protag should move through 2nd act (every act, actually) as if their ass is on fire. #scriptchat

12:40 am             jolenejahnke:             RT @thescriptlab: @jolenejahnke best way 2 keep yr protag active is 2 keep throwing obstacles in his way. #scriptchat

12:40 am             talented_boy:             @UncompletedWork library? they still have those? lol...i'll go look #scriptchat

12:40 am             KageyNYC:             Act II, the only act #scriptchat hadn't covered is the big, badass one. It's kicking my ass so far, no doubt.

12:40 am             talented_boy:             @jeannevb i looked on amazon...trying to find a cheaper one #scriptchat

12:41 am             yeah_write:             It's the scene transitions that stump me. I have a harder time moving from scene to scene in Act 2. #scriptchat

12:41 am             WriterChanelle:             @jeannevb Yea. The emotion can't come out of nowhere either. I was just watching a (bad) movie that did that. #scriptchat

12:41 am             jeannevb:             and the chats ;) RT @KageyNYC: Act II, only act #scriptchat hadnt covered is big, badass 1. Its kicking my ass so far, no doubt. #scriptchat

12:41 am             John_Marlow:             #SEBlog QOT: "Less is not more. More is more, and too much is never enough." ?James Cameron #scriptchat #scribechat #writechat

12:41 am             jeannevb:             @WriterChanelle barf #scriptchat

12:41 am             kingisafink:             Yes! RT @jeannevb to @WriterChanelle enter late, leave early. MOVE the viewer emotionally, don't use scene for exposition #scriptchat

12:41 am             markezrastokes:             @talented_boy half.com usually works best for me. There's also alibris.com. #scriptchat

12:41 am             jolenejahnke:             Ha! RT @HonorKnightASA: @jolenejahnke Protag should move through 2nd act (every act, actually) as if their ass is on fire. #scriptchat

12:41 am             talented_boy:             @yeah_write me too...particularly with subplots...they can't be all the time but you can't forget about them either #scriptchat

12:41 am             kingisafink:             Ooo, I like that! RT @HonorKnightASA Protag should move through 2nd act (every act, actually) as if their ass is on fire. #scriptchat

12:42 am             talented_boy:             @markezrastokes thank ya kindly #scriptchat

12:42 am             jeannevb:             @kingisafink can't wait to read urs ;) #scriptchat

12:42 am             thescriptlab:             @yeah_write a thorough outline works wonders in Act 2. really helps with your transitions. you KNOW what's the next hot water is #scriptchat

12:42 am             purelycarrie:             #scriptchat #act2 Joesph Campbell THE ORDEAL:Near the middle of the story, the hero enters a central space in the (cont) http://tl.gd/u3hlr

12:42 am             jeannevb:             I bet we're slow tonight bc of #CSOpen & #scriptfrenzy.... damn dedicated writers. #scriptchat

12:42 am             KageyNYC:             @jeannevb The first step of recovery is admitting you have a problem. ;) #scriptchat

12:42 am             markezrastokes:             @talented_boy Glad to pass on the addiction. #scriptchat

12:42 am             kingisafink:             Ha! RT @yeah_write I thought it was mandatory. RT @Timsn: Is everyone stuck in an act 2? #scriptchat

12:43 am             LisaFromNYC:             *Lights match* RT @HonorKnightASA @jolenejahnke Protag should move through 2nd act (every act) as if their ass is on fire #scriptchat

12:43 am             thescriptlab:             and the water should ALWAYS be hot in act 2 #scriptchat

12:43 am             WriterChanelle:             I watched a movie that I never thought I would have liked: The Wrestler #scriptchat Did anyone else see this?

12:43 am             jeannevb:             i'm getting a drink RT @KageyNYC: @jeannevb The first step of recovery is admitting you have a problem. ;) #scriptchat

12:43 am             kingisafink:             You have no idea how excited we are to send it your way. 2 more weeks! RT @jeannevb can't wait to read urs ;) #scriptchat

12:43 am             jeannevb:             @WriterChanelle I did! Really liked it #scriptchat

12:44 am             yeah_write:             Stupid dedicated writers. lol RT @jeannevb: I bet we're slow tonight bc of #CSOpen & #scriptfrenzy.... damn dedicated writers. #scriptchat

12:44 am             WriterChanelle:             @jeannevb I thought Julie/Julia did a good job with Act II, as well #scriptchat

12:44 am             scriptscene:             RT @thescriptlab: and the water should ALWAYS be hot in act 2 #scriptchat

12:44 am             John_Marlow:             @WriterChanelle Everyone else saw that--didn't they? #scriptchat

12:44 am             WriterChanelle:             Omg...did you cry?? Cause I cried. RT @jeannevb: @WriterChanelle I did! Really liked it #scriptchat

12:44 am             markezrastokes:             @WriterChanelle Yes! I was VERY pleased and interested in something that never interested me before. THAT is good storytelling. #scriptchat

12:45 am             SissiePoohSOD:             is lurking & learning. hit a speed bump in the script & needs to iron it out. #scriptchat

12:45 am             markezrastokes:             @WriterChanelle Re: The Wrestler. #scriptchat

12:45 am             jeannevb:             i have a crap memory RT @WriterChanelle: Omg...did you cry?? Cause I cried. RT @jeannevb: @WriterChanelle I did! Really liked it #scriptchat

12:45 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @thescriptlab: and the water should ALWAYS be hot in act 2 #scriptchat

12:45 am             WriterChanelle:             @jeannevb Out of nowhere, too. I was like....what is this salty liquid? For a wrestler?? Why do I care?? But, I did! #scriptchat

12:45 am             jeannevb:             OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:46 am             purelycarrie:             #scriptchat If only to follow those words, because that is where most people lose interest ...

12:46 am             markezrastokes:             @WriterChanelle @jeannevb Perhaps one for the "scripts to read" monthly emphasis? #scriptchat

12:46 am             WriterChanelle:             I just saw it the other day. I was up very early 4am. Lol RT @John_Marlow: @WriterChanelle Everyone else saw that--didn't they? #scriptchat

12:46 am             jtabergas:             Agree. 100%!!! RT @jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:46 am             markezrastokes:             :-) RT @jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:47 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @CambridgeCEOCOO: @WriterChanelle The Wrestler was awesome!!!! Mickey Rourke SERIOUSLY did his thing in that film!! INTENSE!! #scriptchat

12:47 am             GCGeek:             @jeannevb Smarties, liqueur and Rollos? #scriptchat

12:47 am             jeannevb:             sorry, couldn't resist *guzzle* #scriptchat

12:47 am             LisaFromNYC:             lol RT @jeannevb OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:47 am             sinamungirl:             RT @jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:47 am             jeannevb:             omg... 13 more minutes in this act of hell #scriptchat

12:47 am             WriterChanelle:             @markezrastokes I know! The whole time I was watching it, I couldn't believe I was watching a movie about a wrestler #scriptchat

12:47 am             UncompletedWork:             As a child, I'd throw all the couch pillows on the floor & play "hot lava". wait, where's this lost analogy abt youth going?? #scriptchat

12:48 am             KageyNYC:             That'll cure most ailments ;) RT @jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:48 am             John_Marlow:             @WriterChanelle Check out Mickey Rourke as Marv in Sin City, too. Upcoming in Iron Man 2. #scriptchat

12:48 am             screamtweets:             (LOL) RT @jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat #scriptchat

12:48 am             WriterChanelle:             @markezrastokes When he met his daughter, and she was sooo emotional. I broke.... #scriptchat

12:48 am             GabrielleVall:             OMG! Share some. Share all :D RT @jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:48 am             Timsn:             RT @jeannevb: omg... 13 more minutes in this act of hell #scriptchat

12:48 am             sinamungirl:             Ok, I wanna hang out at your desk! (@jeannevb: OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat)

12:48 am             UncompletedWork:             @jeannevb I am totally going to read your DM's. ;-) #scriptchat

12:48 am             WriterChanelle:             Yesss! RT @markezrastokes: @WriterChanelle @jeannevb Perhaps one for the "scripts to read" monthly emphasis? #scriptchat

12:49 am             LifesizeLD:             Ha ha! RT @jeannevb OMG OMG... I found the CURE for Act II!!!! http://twitpic.com/kv3vp #scriptchat

12:49 am             KageyNYC:             Oh thank God, she drinks. It had gotten pretty chilly in hell :-P RT @jeannevb: sorry, couldn't resist *guzzle* #scriptchat

12:49 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @rickyounger: @WriterChanelle I saw it. Met the writer, he also wrote and directed a film,"Big Fan". It was very good too! #scriptchat

12:49 am             MetaPhoenix:             RT @jeannevb: I bet we're slow tonight bc of #CSOpen & #scriptfrenzy.... damn dedicated writers. #scriptchat

12:49 am             markezrastokes:             @WriterChanelle Perhaps THAT's the secret to enduring th dreaded Act 2. Have ur protag SO real & compelling, he carries u thru. #scriptchat

12:49 am             WriterChanelle:             I might have to RT @John_Marlow: @WriterChanelle Check out Mickey Rourke as Marv in Sin City, too. Upcoming in Iron Man 2. #scriptchat

12:50 am             dawnbierschwal:             Here's the best thing about #CSOpen... no Act 2! #scriptchat

12:50 am             jeannevb:             If i had some sleep last night, i might actually have something brilliant to say #sundancedeadlinekickingmyass #scriptchat

12:50 am             UncompletedWork:             this hour feels likes Matrix Franchise, 1st bit was awesome, but we'll all pretend rest didn't happen #scriptchat ;-)

12:50 am             zacsanford:             Sorry I missed out on #scriptchat. Had to help the roommate take his dog to vet.

12:51 am             WriterChanelle:             RT @markezrastokes: @WriterChanelle THAT's the secret to enduring Act 2. Have ur protag SO real & compelling, he carries u thru. #scriptchat

12:51 am             talented_boy:             @UncompletedWork agreed good sir #scriptchat

12:51 am             thescriptlab:             @markezrastokes there is a lot to be said about that. rourke's character was really deep. we felt his obstacles with him. #scriptchat

12:51 am             jeannevb:             @zacsanford its been as painful as Act 2 haha .... slooooooooow #scriptchat

12:51 am             KageyNYC:             So why doesn't everyone just write Act I & III and skip II (short movies)? Must be some pt to it besides torturing the writer... #scriptchat

12:51 am             jeannevb:             Am I the protagonist here, but if I am, I'm not doing a good job of grabbing my mission by the balls in Act 2 #scriptchat

12:51 am             yeah_write:             @zacsanford Didn't miss much. Quite slow tonight. #scriptchat

12:51 am             WriterChanelle:             @markezrastokes Yes it is! I wanted to smack him when he went to the bathroom with that chick. And the deli??? Robin?? omg #scriptchat

12:51 am             KageyNYC:             You know, to play devil's advocate. #scriptchat

12:52 am             talented_boy:             i recently rewrote about 40 pages of a new script...anybody wanna take a gander before i get up the nerve to continue? #scriptchat

12:52 am             thescriptlab:             the more you develop your protag in Act One the easier Act Two is. There is no more explaining to do. #scriptchat

12:52 am             WriterChanelle:             @talented_boy Lol...I just bought it. #scriptchat

12:52 am             jolenejahnke:             @zacsanford Quick, say something brilliant...We're all fading. #scriptchat

12:52 am             dawnjohnston:             Is your butt getting hot? RT @jeannevb: Am I the protagonist here, #scriptchat

12:52 am             thinkStory:             RT @UncompletedWork: re: "hot lava." #scriptchat // How come so many of us did this? is it a collective cultural memory of some kind?

12:52 am             yeah_write:             Definitely sagging in the middle. RT @jeannevb: @zacsanford its been as painful as Act 2 haha .... slooooooooow #scriptchat

12:52 am             dawnbierschwal:             Why do excuses always involve dogs? RT @zacsanford: Sorry I missed out on #scriptchat. Had to help roommate take dog to vet. #scriptchat

12:52 am             John_Marlow:             #SEBLOG SCR: In romantic comedies, midpoint (or no return) is often where main characters sleep together. #scribechat #scriptchat

12:53 am             jeannevb:             that @honorknightasa lit a match on me! RT @dawnjohnston: Is your butt getting hot? RT @jeannevb: Am I the protagonist here, #scriptchat

12:53 am             markezrastokes:             @WriterChanelle CHARACTER is the answer to the Act 2 blues. If he's complex enough, there's no WAY we can slow down in 2. #scriptchat

12:53 am             Donna_Carrick:             T'was so lively last week! Ppl must dread act2.hah RT @jeannevb @zacsanford its been as painful as Act 2 haha .... slooooooooow #scriptchat

12:53 am             markezrastokes:             RT @thescriptlab: the more you develop your protag in Act One the easier Act Two is. There is no more explaining to do. #scriptchat

12:53 am             dawnjohnston:             Careful with that liquor! RT @jeannevb: that @honorknightasa lit a match on me! RT @dawnjohnston: Is your butt getting hot? #scriptchat

12:53 am             jeannevb:             I have now broken into my airline liquor bottles. Hemingway must have hated Act 2 #scriptchat

12:54 am             WriterChanelle:             @markezrastokes I need to watch it again and read the script because it completely caught me off guard #scriptchat

12:54 am             yeah_write:             RT @markezrastokes: RT @thescriptlab: the more you develop your protag in Act 1 the easier Act 2 is. There's no more splainin' #scriptchat

12:54 am             jeannevb:             its all about pushing the envelope. If u dont take risks, act 2 sucks #scriptchat

12:55 am             moviemonsterr:             RT @jeannevb: its all about pushing the envelope. If u dont take risks, act 2 sucks #scriptchat

12:55 am             jeannevb:             so... how about those Jets #scriptchat

12:55 am             WriterChanelle:             How do you determine the difference between a problem w/plot, character, or structure in Act II? #scriptchat

12:55 am             dawnbierschwal:             The Hangover certainly knew how to do Act 2. #scriptchat

12:56 am             jtabergas:             RT @jeannevb: its all about pushing the envelope. If u dont take risks, act 2 sucks #scriptchat

12:56 am             MetaPhoenix:             RT @jeannevb: I have now broken into my airline liquor bottles. Hemingway must have hated Act 2 #scriptchat

12:56 am             UncompletedWork:             I forgot to share #ScreenwriterKaraoke will be AT Great American Pitch Fest http://bit.ly/bmMQbG will you be? #scriptchat

12:56 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @jeannevb: so... how about those Jets #scriptchat [lol]

12:56 am             thescriptlab:             You should know your protag inside and out. http://bit.ly/92rhv5 #scriptchat

12:56 am             KageyNYC:             I'm a Shark myself. RT @jeannevb: so... how about those Jets #scriptchat

12:56 am             jeannevb:             SCRIPT NIGHT! RT @markezrastokes: @WriterChanelle Yup! Reading scripts one thing I do far 2 little of, but ALWAYS enlightening #scriptchat

12:56 am             dawnbierschwal:             In film much more than script. RT @dawnbierschwal: The Hangover certainly knew how to do Act 2. #scriptchat

12:56 am             WriterChanelle:             @markezrastokes I've been reading quite a few since the start of #scriptfrenzy #scriptchat

12:56 am             kimnunley:             Think I just finished my #CSOpen entry. Fist pump! Now it's wine time. #scriptchat

12:57 am             jeannevb:             @UncompletedWork pimping helps act 2 move faster #scriptchat

12:57 am             markezrastokes:             @jeannevb SO excited abt Script Night! Like nerd-ily excited!!! #scriptchat

12:57 am             jeannevb:             congrats! RT @kimnunley: Think I just finished my #CSOpen entry. Fist pump! Now its wine time. #scriptchat

12:57 am             dawnjohnston:             thanks for all the links everyone - I'm lining up tabs to read after #scriptchat

12:57 am             MetaPhoenix:             RT @jeannevb: Am I the protagonist here, but if I am, I'm not doing a good job of grabbing my mission by the balls in Act 2 #scriptchat

12:57 am             jnzproductions:             @John_Marlow " midpoint (or no return) is often where main characters sleep together." Would that be year 3.5 in TV series speak #scriptchat

12:57 am             yeah_write:             Sneaking out early. I have beads to make. Good night all. #scriptchat

12:57 am             jeannevb:             RT @thescriptlab: You should know your protag inside and out. http://bit.ly/92rhv5 #scriptchat

12:57 am             UncompletedWork:             #screenwriterkaraoke in LA is this THURSDAY in Burbank at Sardo's http://bit.ly/97N3Cb Sing with us! #scriptchat

12:58 am             dawnbierschwal:             Congrats! And break a brad! RT @kimnunley: Think I just finished my #CSOpen entry. Fist pump! Now its wine time. #scriptchat

12:58 am             jeannevb:             btw, the EURO's had a very civilized chat. U shld chk out the transcript. Light crowd but all great stuff. Will post soon #scriptchat

12:58 am             WriterChanelle:             @jeannevb Is that Celtx in the background of that twitpic? #scriptchat

12:58 am             blankethouse:             @zacsanford @jeannevb @yeah_write Act 2, that's when I pull out my outline and redefine it a little, then it seems ok again! #scriptchat

12:58 am             TheJudalina:             RT @UncompletedWork: #screenwriterkaraoke in LA is this THURSDAY in Burbank at Sardo's http://bit.ly/97N3Cb Sing with us! #scriptchat

12:59 am             Evenstephen2000:             @somemandy No worries! It's just a card that explains the gen scene (what happens). Usually includes emotion, conflict & notes. #scriptchat

12:59 am             jeannevb:             @WriterChanelle Movie Magic... behind tweetdeck, of course #scriptchat

12:59 am             kimnunley:             @dawnbierschwal Thank you! #scriptchat #CSOpen

12:59 am             John_Marlow:             @jnzproductions Depends: long series or short? #scriptchat

12:59 am             Timsn:             I need to get going. I'll read the transcripts from Euro and the links from here. Thanks! #scriptchat

1:00 am             jeannevb:             @Timsn ciao! xo #scriptchat

1:00 am             jnzproductions:             @John_Marlow LOL! Thank you! #scriptchat

1:00 am             WriterChanelle:             @KageyNYC Cause we can't go from the problem to the solution without knowing how to get there re: not writing Act II #scriptchat

1:00 am             jtabergas:             Great scriptchat! Gotta go. Need to start working on my script again. Thanks for all the tips! #scriptchat

1:01 am             jeannevb:             ok, it's 9pm. I'm taking the Act 2 anvil off ur backs & letting u run WILD... run, Bambie, run... dance naked in the fields #scriptchat

1:01 am             WriterChanelle:             I'm going to watch that tonight RT @dawnbierschwal: The Hangover certainly knew how to do Act 2. #scriptchat

1:01 am             KageyNYC:             Exactly :) RT @WriterChanelle: KageyNYC Cause can't go from prob to solution w/o knowing how to get there re: not writing Act 2 #scriptchat

1:02 am             markezrastokes:             Whew! That topic made me sweat like a hooker in church! I've been shamed into writing now! #scriptchat

1:02 am             KageyNYC:             @WriterChanelle And isn't it all about the journey... #scriptchat

1:02 am             thescriptlab:             Check out a full set of info on our site: http://bit.ly/9YEbtn #scriptchat

1:02 am             jeannevb:             HAHA RT @markezrastokes: Whew! That topic made me sweat like a hooker in church! Ive been shamed into writing now! #scriptchat

1:02 am             blankethouse:             @jeannevb Phew, just made my comment in time for the ending! #scriptchat

1:02 am             UncompletedWork:             RT @markezrastokes: Whew! That topic made me sweat like a hooker in church! I've been shamed into writing now! #scriptchat

1:02 am             dawnbierschwal:             @WriterChanelle They pushed the envelope at every turn. Read the script after... amazing how much better the film is. #scriptchat

1:03 am             jeannevb:             god bless u for ur pimp skills RT @thescriptlab: Check out a full set of info on our site: http://bit.ly/9YEbtn #scriptchat

1:03 am             jnzproductions:             #scriptchat Going to @netflix to find a move. Thanks and good-night, all!

1:03 am             WriterChanelle:             *music swells....cut to* hehe RT @KageyNYC: @WriterChanelle And isn't it all about the journey... #scriptchat

1:03 am             jolenejahnke:             Need to write more pages for #scriptfrenzy tonight. Catch ya on the flip side! #scriptchat

1:03 am             UncompletedWork:             What a nice mellow #scriptchat. I'm gunna go slit my wrists. ;-)

1:04 am             dawnjohnston:             Is this where the protag sleeps with me? *confused* #scriptchat

1:04 am             dawnbierschwal:             Time to go give my #CSOpen scene one last pass before sending it in. Night y'all. #scriptchat

1:04 am             markezrastokes:             RT @UncompletedWork: What a nice mellow #scriptchat. Im gunna go slit my wrists. ;-) #scriptchat

1:04 am             UncompletedWork:             Oh, btw @SWKaraoke is my new account for #Screenwriterkaraoke. FOLLOW for deets on that #scriptchat

1:04 am             jeannevb:             Dont forget May 2nd is our first SCRIPT NIGHT! Discussing ADAPTATION. Download script on our blog http://bit.ly/9SHVrE #scriptchat

1:04 am             jeannevb:             *hands head in shame* RT @UncompletedWork: What a nice mellow #scriptchat. Im gunna go slit my wrists. ;-) #scriptchat

1:05 am             thescriptlab:             @jeannevb HA np. thx for the RT's #scriptchat

1:05 am             John_Marlow:             @dawnjohnston Depends--we talking romantic comedy here? #scriptchat

1:05 am             markezrastokes:             YAY! RT @jeannevb: May 2nd is our first SCRIPT NIGHT! Discussing ADAPTATION. Download script on our blog http://bit.ly/9SHVrE #scriptchat

1:05 am             jeannevb:             @thescriptlab one pimp appreciates another *curtsy* #scriptchat

1:05 am             jeannevb:             @markezrastokes ur such a geek heehee #scriptchat

1:06 am             KageyNYC:             @WriterChanelle Feeling a lil teary *sniff* (hehe) RT @WriterChanelle: *music swells....cut to* hehe #scriptchat #scriptchat

1:06 am             jeannevb:             If any of u have future TOPIC IDEAS, plz @ me!!! #scriptchat

1:06 am             KageyNYC:             RT @jeannevb: Dont forget May 2nd is first SCRIPT NIGHT! Discussing ADAPTATION. Download script on our blog http://bit.ly/9SHVrE #scriptchat

1:07 am             dawnjohnston:             Ohhh, just in general, seemed like good timing RT @John_Marlow: Depends--we talking romantic comedy here? #scriptchat

1:07 am             thescriptlab:             RT Followed @UncompletedWork: Oh, btw @SWKaraoke is my new account for #Screenwriterkaraoke. FOLLOW for deets on that #scriptchat

1:07 am             markezrastokes:             @jeannevb You have NO idea. Going 2 spread the script night news on Facebook now... #scriptchat

1:07 am             WriterChanelle:             @KageyNYC *laughs with pen in mouth* LOL...ok...I'm gonna stop now #scriptchat

1:07 am             talented_boy:             @jeannevb i have a topic: balancing realism and stereotypes among characters #scriptchat

1:07 am             jeannevb:             *writing it down* RT @talented_boy: @jeannevb i have a topic: balancing realism and stereotypes among characters #scriptchat

1:08 am             WriterChanelle:             @jeannevb Directing without directing. #scriptchat

1:08 am             jeannevb:             yeah! RT @markezrastokes: @jeannevb You have NO idea. Going 2 spread the script night news on Facebook now... #scriptchat

1:08 am             blankethouse:             Ok, since #scriptchat is officially over, I'm heading back to writing. I'm on page 37, written in 26 hours, not straight though. Yay me!

1:08 am             markezrastokes:             @jeannevb How about a topic about tips and conventions of one's favorite genre? Could create a few thousand convos at once. #scriptchat

1:08 am             dawnjohnston:             Thanks all! Easy on the eyeballs tonight #scriptchat

1:08 am             jeannevb:             oohhhhh RT @WriterChanelle: @jeannevb Directing without directing. #scriptchat

1:09 am             dawnjohnston:             Yay you! RT @blankethouse: I'm heading back to writing. I'm on page 37, written in 26 hours, not straight though. Yay me! #scriptchat

1:09 am             markezrastokes:             I prefer writing without writing. RT @jeannevb: oohhhhh RT @WriterChanelle: @jeannevb Directing without directing. #scriptchat

1:09 am             KageyNYC:             To think I "heard"some folks say topic may need more than 1 chat to cover it. Discussing 50% of script did *sound* weighty, ha! #scriptchat

1:10 am             robertcarroll:             That's a good one. RT @talented_boy: @jeannevb i have a topic: balancing realism and stereotypes among characters #scriptchat

1:10 am             WriterChanelle:             Just saw a commercial for Iron Man II. Someone was watching #scriptchat

1:10 am             NCP4EVA:             *High Five* RT @blankethouse: I'm heading back to writing. I'm on page 37, written in 26 hours, not straight though. Yay me! #scriptchat

1:11 am             jeannevb:             @markezrastokes sounds like i need to be drunk for that one #scriptchat

1:11 am             jeannevb:             copying down all topic ideas then will pull transcript #scriptchat