Units & Beats - Intro

The Dramatic Unit

The dramatic unit is a particular section of the film where :

- A problem is highlighted
- The obstacles that prevent the solution are overcome
- A change occurs
- A resolution is found.

This resolution may highlight further problems; hence another dramatic unit has begun. This cycle continues until the ultimate resolution has been found.

The Beat

The beat is a significant part of the dramatic unit can be described as ‘a moment of changed awareness’, which is normally a result of a decisive moment in the plot. This realisation can happen to a character or the audience (when they understand more than the characters in the story – another form of dramatic irony). These audience / character / plot beats can be used to prepare guidelines or steps for actors to follow.