Mariner Software Contour for Mac - Manual (Page 28)

Chapter 6: The Formula
O
ne of the concepts that we discussed in Chapter 2 was the
concept of the formula, which amplifies, expands, and clarifies the
protagonistʼs his journey from Orphan, to Wanderer, to Warrior,
and finally, to Martyr. It serves as the logline for the script which is
necessary for pitching a script to an agent, studio, or production
company. It also serves as the creative mission statement for your
screenplay and acts as a promise to the audience of what the film
will be about.
The Formula, broken down into its most basic form is as follows:
“When a type of person has/does/wants/gets A, he gets/does/tries/
learns B, only to discover that C now happens and he must respond
by doing D.”
The “A” statement is the ORPHAN STATEMENT.
The “B” statement is the WANDERER STATEMENT
The “C” statement is the WARRIOR STATEMENT
The “D” statement is the MARTYR STATEMENT
As we break down the formula for HOME ALONE, weʼll stop and give you a chance to construct the state-
ments for your own formula.
When an under-appreciated boy is accidentally left behind by his family when they leave for a European
vacation, he must learn how to take care of himself and be the man of the house. . . only to discover that
his house has been targeted by bumbling burglars whom he thwarts several times before realizing that they
know that he is alone and are coming back, and he must now single-handedly defend the house.
In This Chapter:
Constructing the “A” (Orphan)
Statement
Constructing the
“B” (Wanderer) Statement
Constructing the “C” (Warrior)
Statement
Constructing the “D” (Martyr)
Statement
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