Filmmaking / Directing : The “Reductionism Breakdown System” by Peter D. Marshall

The Definition of Reductionism from Oxford Languages is “the practice of analyzing and describing a complex phenomenon in terms of phenomena that are held to represent a simpler or more fundamental level, especially when this is said to provide a sufficient explanation.” (Ouch! Too heavy)

From Wikipedia: Reductionism can either mean a) an approach to understanding the nature of complex things by reducing them to the interactions of their parts, or to simpler or more fundamental things or (b) a philosophical position that a complex system is nothing but the sum of its parts, and that an account of it can be reduced to accounts of individual constituents. (Too many words)

ChatGPT defines Reductionism as “a philosophical and scientific approach that seeks to explain complex phenomena by reducing them to simpler, more fundamental components. It involves breaking down complex systems or concepts into their constituent parts in order to better understand and explain them.” (Okay. Getting better)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Reductionism as “a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms.” (PERFECT!!!)

Now here is MY simplified definition of Reductionism: “any complex system or concept can be better understood by taking its pieces apart, studying them and then putting them back together so you can see the larger picture.” :)

NOTE: Reductionism is what we use every day to help us figure out many things - not just in the “reel world” but in the “real world” as well! (Remember the first time you drove a car, used a computer, turned on your phone or made a cake.)

For our purposes as filmmakers, the Reductionism Breakdown System is "the process of reducing a script, budget or schedule down to its smallest individual elements by going from large to small, from general to specific.”

This Reductionism Breakdown System allows the director to better understand the structure and flow of the script, visualize the story by making creative decisions and help plan the shooting schedule and logistics.

For directors, the following is a “simplified” order of a Reductionism Breakdown System from the First Reading of the script to the First Shot on set emphasizing how each script element contributes to the overall storytelling process.

1. The SCRIPT is read and analyzed to understand the overall story, tone, themes, plot points, and characters. This comprehensive analysis helps the director to structure their vision with the story’s core elements.

2. The script is then divided into ACTS, which are major sections of the story that have their own story arc and climax. This division aids in structuring the film and planning the shooting schedule more effectively.

3. Each act is further divided into SEQUENCES, which are smaller sections of the story that also have their own story arc and climax. Sequences help to maintain the flow of events and contribute to the overall storyline.

4. Each sequence is divided into SCENES, which are individual units of action that take place in a specific location and time. Scenes are the building blocks that drive the story forward and reveal characters.

5. Each scene is then divided into BEATS, which are smaller moments within a scene that mark a shift in tone, emotion, or action. Beats help in pacing the scene and highlighting key emotional or plot points.

6. Each scene is then further divided into SHOTS, which are individual camera setups that capture specific actions within a scene to convey the story information and communicate the desired message and mood.

7. Each shot requires multiple TAKES to achieve the desired result. Multiple takes allow the director to capture different nuances of performance and technical perfection, providing more options during the editing process.

NOTE: Every department on a film uses this Breakdown System. The Producer/PM creates budgets; the Director analyzes the script and creates shot lists; the First AD designs the shooting schedule; the DOP organizes equipment lists, the Gaffer designs the lighting plan; the Caterers create menus etc.

Using the Reductionism Breakdown System, you can see how all the parts of a film can be broken down systematically into their smallest element. This process of reducing everything down to its smallest detail is crucial in the filmmaking process. It enables you to focus on just one item at a time instead of trying to conceptualize the whole production at once!

PERSONAL STORY: Here’s a good personal example of the Reductionism Breakdown System.

When I got the job as the First Assistant Director on the movie “Bird on a Wire" I was overwhelmed by the creative and technical logistics of this big action/comedy. (This was only my second feature film!) Plus, I was a little nervous working with such an established director as John Badham!

I honestly wondered how I could prepare such a demanding film with two major Hollywood stars (Mel Gibson & Goldie Hawn), lots of stunt action with many locations spread over two cities. BUT... after two months of prep, I was totally prepared for our first day of shooting!

What happened initially was that I was overwhelmed on my first readthrough of the script because I could only see the “magnitude” of the film as a whole. I was just looking ahead to the end result with no idea of how to get there! But once I started to REDUCE the script and schedule into more manageable elements, it became clearer and clearer each day on how to proceed.

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