Michael Arndt, an acclaimed screenwriter known for his work on films like "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Toy Story 3," emphasizes six key tentpole moments in his approach to screenwriting.

Michael Arndt received the Oscar for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ at the 2007 Academy Awards.

These moments are crucial for crafting a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Here are the six tentpole story points according to Michael Arndt:

1. Opening Image

This is the first moment of the film, which sets the tone and gives the audience a glimpse of the protagonist's world before the story truly begins. It should be an image or scene that encapsulates the essence of the protagonist's life and the central conflict. According to screenwriting experts, a strong opening image is vital as it engages the audience's interest and provides a visual shorthand for the protagonist's initial state .

2. Set-Up

This section establishes the main characters, their goals, and the world they inhabit. It also introduces the central conflict or problem that the protagonist will face. The setup should make the audience care about the characters and invest in their journey. According to Syd Field's paradigm, the setup usually occupies the first 10% of the screenplay, serving to hook the audience by establishing stakes and emotional investment .

3. Catalyst

Also known as the inciting incident, this is the event that sets the story in motion. It disrupts the protagonist's normal life and presents them with a challenge or opportunity that propels them into the main plot. This moment usually occurs around the 10-15 minute mark in a film . The catalyst is essential for transitioning from the setup to the main action, as it propels the protagonist out of their comfort zone and into the story's primary conflict .

4. Midpoint

This is a crucial turning point in the story, typically occurring halfway through the film. The midpoint often involves a significant revelation, a major decision, or a shift in the protagonist's approach to the central conflict. It raises the stakes and changes the direction of the story. Blake Snyder, in his book "Save the Cat," refers to the midpoint as the moment where the fun and games of the story take a serious turn, leading to greater complications and deepening the narrative .

5. Climax

The climax is the peak of the story's conflict, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge. This moment is filled with the most tension and drama, leading to the resolution of the central conflict. The protagonist's actions and decisions in the climax reveal their true character and often result in significant personal growth or change. As Robert McKee notes in "Story," the climax is the scene that brings all the story's threads together in a decisive confrontation that determines the protagonist's fate .

6. Finale

The finale resolves the story's main plot lines and subplots, providing a satisfying conclusion to the narrative. It shows the aftermath of the climax and how the protagonist's life has changed as a result of their journey. The finale should leave the audience with a sense of closure and emotional satisfaction. According to Aristotle's principles of dramatic structure, the resolution must not only tie up the story but also provide a cathartic experience for the audience .

These six tentpole story points help to create a well-structured and engaging narrative that resonates with audiences. Michael Arndt's emphasis on these moments aligns with the fundamental principles of screenwriting, ensuring that stories are both emotionally compelling and structurally sound.

References

Snyder, B. (2005). Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need. Michael Wiese Productions.
McKee, R. (1997). Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting. HarperCollins.
Field, S. (2005). Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting. Delta.
Vogler, C. (2007). The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. Michael Wiese Productions.
Truby, J. (2007). The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller. Faber & Faber.

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