'Beats', within film-making, beats are described as 'the timing and movement of a film'. They are written out to display the events of a story, specifically concerning the events that effect the protagonist, such as a decision or choice.
The beat layout below is similar to Todorov's narrative theory of equilibrium. My idea of a short film fits into it near perfectly: There is a state of equilibrium at the start as we see a normal setting with the characters dorm room; we then see a disruption, everyone seems to have forgotten aspects of their lives; character realises what's going on and after time attempts to help the situation for the better. HOWEVER, my plot does not involve a state of equilibrium at the end, there is no full conclusion and the audience is left hanging as to what is going to happen, but is left with someone what of resolution.
- —Beat 1 – Introduce the world the film will be in
Character wakes up in a university dorm room.
- —Beat 2 – Introduce the character
Character looks into a mirror, brushing himself down.
- —Beat 3 – Introduce the problem
Pain in head of the character with flashes of images, who goes downstairs to find family or friends standing aimlessly around, looking as if they've forgotten something important.
- —Beat 4 – How the character chooses to solve the problem
Takes it as them messing around and 'solves' it by continuing on with life, ignoring what is going on.
- —Beat 5 – The character experiences a major set back
Realises he's gaining the memories of everyone, and in an attempt to ignore everything, hurts himself more
- —Beat 6 – The character is almost defeated
- —Beat 7 – The character rejects a solution
Rejects somehow telling people about what's happening, as no-one believes him when he tries.
- —Beat 8 – The character discovers a solution
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