Beat Sheet Template: Meaning, Beats, Structure and Movies with Examples

The Blake Snyder Beat Sheet (BS2), outlined in Blake Snyder's book Save the Cat!, is a framework used to structure screenplays. It's particularly useful for ensuring that a story hits all the major emotional and narrative beats that keep audiences engaged. 

The sheet breaks a story into 15 beats, each corresponding to specific turning points in a script. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Beat Sheet Meaning, Template, Structure, Movies with Examples

Source: NolanAI

A beat sheet is a detailed outline used in screenwriting to map out the key moments or "beats" of a story. Each beat represents a significant event, turning point, or emotional moment that drives the narrative forward. The beat sheet is a tool for organizing the structure of a screenplay and ensuring that it stays engaging and cohesive.

Also Read: Film Auditions, Casting Calls Guide

Beat Sheet Structure

Beat	Page in Script (approx.)
Opening Image	1
Theme Stated	5
Set-Up	1–10
Catalyst	12
Debate	12–25
Break Into Act Two	25
B Story	30
Fun and Games	30–55
Midpoint	55
Bad Guys Close In	55–75
All Is Lost	75
Dark Night of the Soul	75–85
Break Into Act Three	85
Finale	85–110
Final Image	110

Source: Kindleprenuer

This structured approach helps screenwriters create tightly paced, engaging stories with emotional depth. By hitting these beats, writers ensure that their screenplay resonates with audiences and maintains narrative momentum.

---

1. Opening Image (1%)

• What It Is: The very first scene or moment of the film, showcasing the tone, style, and themes of the story.
• Purpose: Sets the stage and gives a snapshot of the protagonist’s world before the journey begins.
• Example: The Dark Knight – The bank robbery scene introduces Gotham's chaos and the Joker.

---

2. Theme Stated (5%)

• What It Is: A line of dialogue or moment early in the film that subtly conveys the story's central theme.
• Purpose: Hints at the protagonist’s emotional journey or lesson they need to learn.
• Example: Finding Nemo – Marlin’s fear of the unknown sets up the theme of letting go.

---

3. Set-Up (1%–10%)

• What It Is: Introduces the protagonist, their flaws, supporting characters, and the world they inhabit.
• Purpose: Establishes the stakes, goals, and the "normal" world before the inciting incident.
• Example: Toy Story – We see Andy’s attachment to Woody and the arrival of Buzz Lightyear.

---

4. Catalyst (10%)

• What It Is: The inciting incident that disrupts the protagonist’s normal world.
• Purpose: Forces the protagonist to take action or sets the story in motion.
• Example: The Lion King – Simba's father, Mufasa, dies, leaving him to question his place.

---

5. Debate (10%–20%)

• What It Is: The protagonist struggles to decide whether to take on the challenge or avoid it.
• Purpose: Shows their internal conflict and reluctance before committing to the journey.
• Example: The Matrix – Neo hesitates before taking the red pill.

---

6. Break Into Act Two (20%)

Beat Sheet Graph for Screenplay

• What It Is: The protagonist makes a decision that propels them into the new world of Act Two.
• Purpose: Marks the transition into the "adventure" phase, with new challenges and stakes.
• Example: The Hunger Games – Katniss volunteers as tribute, entering the Capitol.

---

7. B Story (22%)

• What It Is: Introduces a secondary storyline, often a relationship or subplot.
• Purpose: Provides thematic contrast or reinforces the protagonist’s journey.
• Example: Titanic – Jack and Rose’s romantic relationship begins to develop.

---

8. Fun and Games (20%–50%)

• What It Is: The "promise of the premise"—the part where the premise of the story plays out.
• Purpose: Delivers on audience expectations for the genre or concept.
• Example: Jurassic Park – Characters explore the dinosaur park, marveling at its wonders and facing minor dangers.

---

9. Midpoint (50%)

• What It Is: A significant event that changes the story’s direction, often a victory or defeat.
• Purpose: Raises the stakes and often marks a shift in tone or urgency.
• Example: The Avengers – Loki’s capture leads to the group’s first confrontation.

---

10. Bad Guys Close In (50%–75%)

• What It Is: The protagonist faces mounting challenges as enemies grow stronger or personal flaws resurface.
• Purpose: Builds tension and pushes the protagonist toward their lowest point.
• Example: The Empire Strikes Back – The heroes are pursued relentlessly by Darth Vader and the Empire.

---

11. All Is Lost (75%)

• What It Is: The protagonist experiences their lowest moment, often accompanied by a symbolic "death."
• Purpose: Forces the protagonist to reflect and find inner strength for the final battle.
• Example: The Lion King – Simba feels unworthy after Scar manipulates him.

---

12. Dark Night of the Soul (75%–80%)

• What It Is: A quiet moment where the protagonist reflects on their situation and decides how to move forward.
• Purpose: Builds emotional weight and sets up the protagonist’s final transformation.
• Example: Spider-Man – Peter Parker reflects on Uncle Ben’s words, deciding to fully embrace being Spider-Man.

---

13. Break Into Act Three (80%)

• What It Is: The protagonist takes decisive action to face their biggest challenge.
• Purpose: Launches the final act and leads into the climax.
• Example: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – Frodo and Sam push toward Mount Doom.

---

14. Finale (80%–99%)

• What It Is: The protagonist confronts the climax and resolves the central conflict.
• Purpose: Provides resolution, ties up loose ends, and shows how the protagonist has changed.
• Example: Black Panther – T’Challa defeats Killmonger and decides to open Wakanda to the world.

---

15. Final Image (99%–100%)

• What It Is: The last scene or moment that reflects how the world has changed since the opening.
• Purpose: Leaves a lasting impression and closes the narrative loop.
• Example: The Dark Knight – Batman, now an outcast, rides into the night.

How to use Beat Sheet in Scriptwriting?

Hero's Journey vs Save the Cat beats

Being essentially a roadmap that helps organize the narrative structure and ensure that key events and turning points are properly paced and aligned, Beat sheets are commonly used in screenwriting and Film rehearsals to provide a framework for storytelling, acting and guide the writing process.

Here's a breakdown of how to use Beat Sheet to write scripts effectively.

1. Act Breakdown: Beat sheets often divide the screenplay into its three acts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. Each act serves a specific purpose in advancing the story and character arcs.

2. Major Beats: These are the significant events or turning points that drive the plot forward and shape the characters' journey. Examples of major beats include the inciting incident, midpoint reversal, and climax.

3. Character Arcs: Beat sheets may outline the development of the main characters throughout the story, including their goals, motivations, and conflicts. Character arcs provide depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

4. Subplots: In addition to the main storyline, beat sheets may incorporate subplots that complement or intersect with the central plot. Subplots add complexity and richness to the overall narrative.

5. Theme and Tone: Beat sheets may address the thematic elements and tone of the screenplay, ensuring consistency and coherence in storytelling. Themes and tone contribute to the overall message and impact of the story.

6. Visual and Emotional Beats: Beat sheets may highlight specific visual or emotional moments that are crucial for conveying the story's impact. These beats help guide the visual and emotional storytelling aspects of the screenplay.

Overall, a beat sheet serves as a comprehensive outline or blueprint for a screenplay, providing structure and direction for the writing process. It helps screenwriters organize their ideas, maintain narrative momentum, and create a cohesive and engaging story for the screen.