chapter 8

Event Rhythm

Event rhythm is the timing, pacing, and trajectory phrasing of the movement and energy of events over the course of a whole film. It is found in the temporal, kinetic, and energetic flow of story or structure, of sequences, or of a series of two or more scenes. Each scene in which a problem is initiated and resolved or a question is raised and addressed is an event. Sequences in which a series of scenes opens and explores problems, questions, or ideas are events. A series of events collected and shaped into a cause-and-effect relationship is a plot. Shaping the rhythms of events and plots involves balancing the flow of information, ideas, unanswered questions, or character journeys so that enough is happening ...

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