In film, a sequence is a scene or a series of scenes that form a distinct narrative unit to advance the narrative, usually connected either by a unity of location or a unity of time.[1] Each of these sequences might further contain sub-sequences. It is also known by the French term, "plan séquence". Sequence shots give the editor plenty of shots to tell a story and keep audiences' attention.[2]
Sequencing refers to what one shoots, with the five most common shots used being: close-ups, wide angle, medium, over the shoulder, and point of view shots. Sequencing keeps viewer interest while maintaining a consistent story. The five most common shots are used to build a framework of where to place the characters or action.[2]
The sequence is one of a hierarchy of structural units used to describe the structure of films in varying degrees of granularity. Analyzed this way, a film is composed of one or more acts; acts include one or more sequences; sequences are divided into one or more scenes; and scenes may be thought of as being built out of shots (if one is thinking visually) or beats (if one is thinking in narrative terms).[citation needed]
The sequence paradigm or the "8 sequence structure" of screenwriting was developed by Frank Daniel.[3] In 2004, his protege Paul Gulino, published a book about this paradigm called, “Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach”.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Definition of Sequence and Scene in Screenwriting". ScreenWriting Science. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ a b "Sequence shots in film and how to use them - Adobe". www.adobe.com. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Whats On | Sessions | 8 Sequence Structure The Screenwriters Ultimate Weapon | London Screenwriters' Festival". Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ Brislee, Jack (2010-02-19). "The Sequence Approach". The Story Department. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
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