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Cineview community resources · Free download

Free But Therefore Story Template

Use this free but therefore story template to check the connection between scenes. “But” introduces a complication; “therefore” identifies the action or consequence that follows.

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No sign-up required. The Word file is editable in Microsoft Word and Apple Pages.

See the film example ↓
First page of the blank free but therefore story template

Your worksheet, ready to use

How to use your free worksheet

Step 1

Write the beats plainly

Describe each beat as a specific event or decision. Leave out dialogue and decorative detail at this stage.

Step 2

Choose the connection

Use “but” for a reversal or obstacle and “therefore” for a consequence or response. Explain the actual connection.

Step 3

Repair weak links

If two events only connect with “and then”, look for the missing motivation or cause. Keep deliberate pauses when they serve the film.

Structure in practice · Film spoilers

Back to the Future (1985)

Inspired by Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s cause-and-effect advice. Original Cineview worksheet and film interpretation; spoilers follow.

Back to the Future (1985) mapped to but therefore story; full text breakdown follows
Original Cineview teaching visual. The text below also makes the example readable without the image.

Starting situation

Marty wants to get home after arriving in 1955.

Try it in your story: What does your character want or attempt?

BUT

His interference threatens his parents’ relationship.

Try it in your story: What blocks the plan or changes the situation?

THEREFORE

He must help them fall in love.

Try it in your story: What action follows because of that complication?

BUT

Time is running out to repair history and return home.

Try it in your story: What new obstacle makes that action harder?

THEREFORE

He coordinates the dance and Doc’s return plan.

Try it in your story: What decisive response moves the story forward?

Reference: Back to the Future — Official production notes

Watch and compare

Writing Advice from Matt Stone & Trey Parker @ NYU

Reference video from MTVU Stand In teaching excerpt, uploaded by Fabian Valdez. Compare its approach with the worksheet and decide what serves your own story.

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Watch on YouTube ↗

Before you start

Can I use this for a short film?

Yes. Adapt the number of beats and the space you give each stage to your film. You do not need to copy feature-length page counts.

Can I edit the template in Apple Pages?

Yes. Download the Word file and open the .docx document in Apple Pages. The download is a Word document, rather than a native .pages file.

Does this structure guarantee a successful story?

No. Use it to test choices, consequences and character change. You can combine or depart from models when your story requires it.

Explore another approach

From planning to production

Bring your next scene to Cineview Studios

When your script becomes a shooting plan, explore our film studio hire options, infinity cove studio and equipment list. Contact the studio to discuss the space and equipment your production needs.

Share with your crew

Send this free resource to a colleague, your production team or a WhatsApp group.

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Use and attribution

You may adapt our original worksheets for your own production planning. Keep the website credit when sharing an unchanged template. These educational resources are not legal, financial or safety advice. Film titles, story frameworks and third-party videos belong to their respective rights holders. Cineview Studios is not affiliated with those publishers, and inclusion does not imply endorsement.

References are provided so you can compare approaches and form your own view. Check the rights to any photographs, scripts, music or other material you put in a production. Protect personal information when sharing crew and cast documents.

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