Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop

Syd Field uses a paradigm based around the 3 Act structure.  In his screenwriting workshop he emphasizes that writing is step by step process, but also that his paradigm is not a formula; if it works in your story, use it.  If not, don't.   

Syd Field defines a screenplay as:

• a story told in pictures
• with dialogue and description
• placed within the context of dramatic

He also proposes a clear structure:

Beginning : Act 1
=22-30 pages
set up:
establish dramatic premise
characters
situations
relationships between characters
plot point 1 at end

Middle: Act 2
=60 pages
Confrontation
plot point 2 at end

End: Act 3
=20-30 pages
Resolution= solution succeed or fail

Syd Field's Paradigm

Syd Field's Paradigm is much looser then Blake Snyder and John Truby's, as there aren't precise beats to be fulfilled.

Instead, this paradigm focuses more on structure and Dramatic Context.  The workshop takes you through a step by step process, broken down into 4 parts.

Part 1: Getting Started. 

• Idea
• Action and character
• Structure
• Treatment

Determine end and beginning and then plot points 1-2 first, then write a treatment to start the process. 

Part 2:

• create characters
• define dramatic need

Character bios should be written, exploring their need as well as their professional, personal and private life.

Part 3:

• Write screenplay
• Prepare, structure and write each act

Syd Field suggests that each act is prepared, structured and written before moving onto the next.  To structure each act he suggests that key points are defined first.

For example in Act 1 the key points would be the Opening Scene and Plot Point 1.  Then, using 14 cards, other key points are mapped out. 

The first 10 pages should be used to establish the:  

• main character
• dramatic premise
• dramatic situation

The 2nd 10 pages should follow the focus of your main character.

And the last pages should create 1 or 2 scenes to set up plot point one.

Part 4:

• Rewrite

Syd Field's workshop could be quite useful for getting started on a screenplay, especially because it covers a lot of key story points.  I feel like this would be useful in more clearly defining your story and giving a nice starting point.  I like it a lot more then the more strict beats seen in Blake Snyder and John Truby's paradigms as the focus on structure and character gives a lot more flexibility.