Sequence (filmmaking)

In film, a sequence is a series of scenes which form a distinct narrative unit, which is usually connected either by unity of location or unity of time. For example a heist film might include an extended recruitment sequence in which the leader of the gang collects together the conspirators, a robbery sequence, an escape sequence, and so on. Each of these sequences might further contain sub-sequences; for example the robbery sequence might consist of an entry sequence, a safe-cracking sequence, and so on.

The sequence is one of a hierarchy of structural units used to describe the structure of films in varying degrees of granularity. Analysed this way, a film is composed of one or more acts; acts include one or more sequences; sequences are divided into one or more scenes; and scenes may be thought of as being built out of shots (if one is thinking visually) or beats (if one is thinking in narrative terms).

The sequence paradigm of screenwriting was developed by Frank Daniel.

A sequence in a movie can also be the number of exclusive content in an R-rated movie to a PG-rated movie for an example. Or when you see "extended sequences" in a movie. That means the number of exclusive scenes in the movie may expend and go past the rating board. But it's not prohibited because there's not a rating past R anymore. So the Motion Picture Association Of America does not take it off from TV or theaters because there is not a rating past R. This is my summary. Signed, Tony

See also