Inciting Incident
An Inciting Incident is a key storytelling element that screenwriters use to start the main action of a movie or TV show. It's the event that kicks off the story and pushes the main character into action. Think of it like the moment in "Jurassic Park" when dinosaurs escape, or in "Finding Nemo" when Nemo gets captured - these are inciting incidents that set the whole story in motion. When reviewing resumes, this term shows that a writer understands how to structure compelling stories and create strong beginnings that hook audiences.
Examples in Resumes
Crafted Inciting Incident for award-winning short film that garnered festival recognition
Restructured television pilot by moving Inciting Incident to first act, leading to script option
Developed multiple Plot Point and Inciting Incident variations for streaming series pitch
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain how you would adjust an inciting incident for different movie genres?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should explain how different genres require different types of inciting incidents - action movies might need explosive events, while dramas could use subtle personal moments. They should provide specific examples from well-known movies.
Q: How do you handle executive feedback that requires changing the inciting incident of an established script?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in restructuring stories, understanding how changing the inciting incident affects the entire script, and balancing creative vision with executive demands.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What makes an effective inciting incident for television versus film?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how TV shows might need inciting incidents that can sustain multiple episodes or seasons, while movies need more immediate impact. Should provide examples from current shows and films.
Q: How do you ensure your inciting incident properly sets up the rest of your story?
Expected Answer: Should explain how the inciting incident connects to character motivation, plot development, and theme, with practical examples of story structure.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an inciting incident and when should it appear in a script?
Expected Answer: Should be able to define an inciting incident as the event that starts the main story and explain that it typically appears in the first act, usually within the first 10-15 pages of a screenplay.
Q: Can you give examples of inciting incidents from popular movies?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify clear examples like the letter to Hogwarts in Harry Potter or the death of Uncle Ben in Spider-Man, showing understanding of how these events drive the story.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of story structure
- Can identify inciting incidents in existing works
- Writes clear story beginnings
- Understands basic character motivation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Creates compelling inciting incidents
- Adapts story structure for different formats
- Develops multiple story options
- Handles script feedback effectively
Senior (5+ years)
- Masters complex story structures
- Mentors other writers
- Handles high-stakes rewrites
- Creates innovative story solutions
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to identify inciting incidents in well-known movies or TV shows
- Confusion between inciting incidents and basic plot points
- Scripts that take too long to start the main story
- Lack of understanding about how inciting incidents affect character motivation
Related Terms
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