You are here:
Writing Plays/Screenwriting/Sub plots
Advertisement
Question
Are there any rules our guidelines for sub plots? Is there a difference between a sub plot that is only one scene, like a short flashback, and a long drawn out subplot that is referenced through out the movie? Should there be a balance between the two if both are going to be used?
Hi Cameron,
Yes there are structural patterns that could be called "rules," But which are too detailed and complicated to lay out in this site,
Please e-mail me at createyourscreenplay@rogers.com, repeating your question and I'll send you my free minibook "Creating Successful Screenplay Stories," which will be helpful to you in shaping your story.
All the best,
Barry
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Barry Pearson
Expertise
I`m a credited writer on nine feature films. My latest movie, IRON ROAD, which stars Peter O'Toole and Sam Neill,is being offered to festivals. Sun Li, the Chinese star, won the best actress award at the Roma Fiction Fest recently. www.ironroadthemovie.com) I'm also the writer of over 40 hours of television drama for major networks in North America, and I`m a producer of three feature films and over 50 hours of television prime time drama. I've received Best Screenplay, Best Picture awards at international film festivals around the world. I've been coaching screen and television writers in person, and on the internet, for over ten years, and I've answered over 1200 All Experts questions!
Experience
I've been in the business of writing and producing feature
films, television series, and MOW's for over 20 years.
You can check me out at this URL
http://www.createyourscreenplay.com/aboutbp.htm
Education/Credentials
Master of Arts degree (Drama)
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.