Turn & Burn Screenplay
Write better screenplays faster.
Overview
When new story paradigms hit the scene, they usually offer a more granular series of beats in an attempt to make outlining more approachable. Turn & Burn is a refreshingly elegant system that simplifies the process, focuses on a slightly broader act structure, and puts focus on great story mechanics.
Structure
Yearn
Our protagonist has sufficient conflict in their life to yearn for something more but is comfortable enough to stay in stasis.
Turn
A tipping point shakes up the protagonist’s world and gives them a clear goal while triggering the antagonistic force.
Burn
The protagonist faces heightened antagonism demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses to a point of no return.
Learn
With no route to their goal or back home, the protagonist becomes lost until they hit a point of realisation about life and believe they can restore balance.
Earn
The protagonist confronts the antagonistic force and, win or lose, reaches a point of acceptance with the life affirming truth they’ve identified.