I am deep in my first revision and wanted to see how other screenwriters ensure that they are sticking to the initial plot points you outlined.
Screenwriting : Importance of plot points in a feature by Erika Timmons
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I use a beat sheet (whether it’s Save the Cat, Hero’s Journey, or your own method) it is your spine. Keep it close. Every major scene should serve one of those beats or push the story toward them.
Tip: Revisit your beat sheet before every revision pass. Ask:
“Is the midpoint still the midpoint?”
“Is the catalyst moment still clear and early enough?”
“Does the ending deliver on what the premise promised?”
or you can Use Scene Cards or Index Cards
Whether physical or digital, have every scene mapped out. Color-code them if needed (setup, conflict, resolution, etc.).
Why? You’ll see at a glance if your rising tension stalls, if a subplot bloats the second act, or if the climax moved 15 pages too early.
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I'll usually use my own personal formula derived from Save the Cat. But when I get going with the first draft...I don't worry about sticking to plot points so much. Rather just let it happen naturally.
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Hi, Erika Timmons. I make a beat sheet in my outline and follow the beat sheet, but sometimes the beats change as I write/rewrite the script.
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Hi Erika Timmons - as our colleagues mentioned, I would be open to both using my beat sheet to ensure I haven't lost the structure of my story WHILE being open to adjusting plot points, etc, if the story revision demands it.
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Sometimes my first draft follows the major plot points closely. Other times, I'm wildly off. But as long as I like the pages, I'll keep going to see where the characters and their story goes. At that point, often, I'll revise the outline accordingly.
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I always give it some time before rereading or rewriting. I'll try and walk away and even write something else so I can come back fresh.
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I remember David Lynch recommended writing each scene out on Post-it notes. I'm sure you can always change things around to accommodate the story; but visually this can help map things out.
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I hardly bother about plot points. I try to have my midpoint and the two act breaks at the right time. But within Act 1, 2a, 2b and 3, I simply try to make sure that the story moves back and forth as much as possible. With my background in no-budget filming, I bother more about practical details that theoretical plot points.