A Beat Sheet Calculator is a valuable tool used in screenwriting to outline the major plot points of a story. This calculator helps writers determine the page numbers for significant events or “beats” in their screenplay based on the total number of pages. By using a Beat Sheet Calculator, writers can structure their story more effectively and ensure that key events happen at the right moments.
Understanding the Calculator’s Purpose and Functionality
The primary purpose of a Beat Sheet Calculator is to provide a structured framework for a screenplay. Screenwriters often use a beat sheet to map out the key moments in their story. These moments, or beats, include the opening image, theme stated, set-up, catalyst, and many others that drive the plot forward.
The formula for calculating each beat’s page number is straightforward:
Beat Page=(Beat Percentage100)×Total Pages\text{Beat Page} = \left( \frac{\text{Beat Percentage}}{100} \right) \times \text{Total Pages}Beat Page=(100Beat Percentage)×Total Pages
Here’s a list of common beats and their typical percentages based on a 120-page screenplay:
- Opening Image: 0%
- Theme Stated: 5%
- Set-Up: 1%-10%
- Catalyst: 10%
- Debate: 10%-20%
- Break into Two (Act Two): 20%
- B Story: 22%
- Fun and Games: 20%-50%
- Midpoint: 50%
- Bad Guys Close In: 50%-75%
- All is Lost: 75%
- Break into Three (Act Three): 75%-80%
- Finale: 80%-99%
- Final Image: 100%
Step-by-Step Examples
Let’s assume we have a 120-page screenplay. We will calculate the page number for each beat using the percentages listed above.
- Opening Image Page=(0100)×120=0\text{Page} = \left( \frac{0}{100} \right) \times 120 = 0Page=(1000)×120=0
- Theme Stated Page=(5100)×120=6\text{Page} = \left( \frac{5}{100} \right) \times 120 = 6Page=(1005)×120=6
- Set-Up Page=(10100)×120=12\text{Page} = \left( \frac{10}{100} \right) \times 120 = 12Page=(10010)×120=12
- Catalyst Page=(10100)×120=12\text{Page} = \left( \frac{10}{100} \right) \times 120 = 12Page=(10010)×120=12
- Debate Page=(20100)×120=24\text{Page} = \left( \frac{20}{100} \right) \times 120 = 24Page=(10020)×120=24
- Break into Two (Act Two) Page=(20100)×120=24\text{Page} = \left( \frac{20}{100} \right) \times 120 = 24Page=(10020)×120=24
- B Story Page=(22100)×120=26.4≈26\text{Page} = \left( \frac{22}{100} \right) \times 120 = 26.4 \approx 26Page=(10022)×120=26.4≈26
- Fun and Games Page=(50100)×120=60\text{Page} = \left( \frac{50}{100} \right) \times 120 = 60Page=(10050)×120=60
- Midpoint Page=(50100)×120=60\text{Page} = \left( \frac{50}{100} \right) \times 120 = 60Page=(10050)×120=60
- Bad Guys Close In Page=(75100)×120=90\text{Page} = \left( \frac{75}{100} \right) \times 120 = 90Page=(10075)×120=90
- All is Lost Page=(75100)×120=90\text{Page} = \left( \frac{75}{100} \right) \times 120 = 90Page=(10075)×120=90
- Break into Three (Act Three) Page=(80100)×120=96\text{Page} = \left( \frac{80}{100} \right) \times 120 = 96Page=(10080)×120=96
- Finale Page=(99100)×120=118.8≈119\text{Page} = \left( \frac{99}{100} \right) \times 120 = 118.8 \approx 119Page=(10099)×120=118.8≈119
- Final Image Page=(100100)×120=120\text{Page} = \left( \frac{100}{100} \right) \times 120 = 120Page=(100100)×120=120
Relevant Information Table
| Beat | Percentage | Page Number |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Image | 0% | 0 |
| Theme Stated | 5% | 6 |
| Set-Up | 10% | 12 |
| Catalyst | 10% | 12 |
| Debate | 20% | 24 |
| Break into Two (Act Two) | 20% | 24 |
| B Story | 22% | 26 |
| Fun and Games | 50% | 60 |
| Midpoint | 50% | 60 |
| Bad Guys Close In | 75% | 90 |
| All is Lost | 75% | 90 |
| Break into Three (Act Three) | 80% | 96 |
| Finale | 99% | 119 |
| Final Image | 100% | 120 |
Conclusion: Benefits and Applications of the Calculator
The Beat Sheet Calculator is an essential tool for screenwriters. It helps in structuring the screenplay effectively by ensuring that key plot points occur at the right moments. By calculating the page numbers for major beats, writers can better manage the pacing and flow of their story. This not only enhances the readability of the screenplay but also makes it more engaging for the audience.