What is a Set Piece? (And How to Write a Compelling One)

Create the build-up

Your set pieces should build upon each other just like your scenes. The motivation of the action should lead to the next one and so on until the final outcome or conclusion of your film. Set pieces don’t necessarily consist of positive outcomes for your main character or characters, but they should lead to an outcome — be it positive or negative. 

Set the stage

You should set the stage for the set piece and mention it either through dialogue, location, or action before it happens. It should be something that the audience is anticipating and that sticks with them long after they have seen your film. Great ones can become part of popular culture on their own. 

Discover more with Here’s How to Write a Montage in a Script

Plan a movie night

Watch a few films from different genres — horror, comedy, drama, and action. Look for set pieces. Go back and watch these films with fresh eyes. There are plenty of examples of contemporary filmmakers creating set piece homages to classical Hollywood cinema productions, and with good reason. The elements of good storytelling are universal.

Examples of great set pieces

You’ve no doubt seen hundreds of excellent set pieces in films, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. The Mission Impossible franchise uses set pieces throughout for massive impact, creating films that linger with the viewer long after the credits have rolled. The Matrix franchise is another great example of a series of films that rely on well-developed set pieces.

Let’s take a look at the Matrix Reloaded car chase set piece. The production cost for this part of the film was over $30 million. We see a lot of different characters in the video clip below, and we take in the action from various points of view.

Another great example that has become part of the cultural landscape on its own is the diner scene from the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. Let’s take a look at this below.

This set piece could stand on its own as a short film. It has all the key elements and perhaps most importantly, it reveals the vulnerability between the two main characters and adds to the intimacy of their friendship with the ultimate goal of a romantic connection being forged between the two of them. 

Set pieces are short films

When you are in the process of writing, it is helpful to think of them as their own short films. They should be able to stand alone as far as their story structure is concerned, as well as have a beginning, middle (where the action happens), and conclusion. Think of it in the same act structure that you think about your script at large. 

Set pieces inform

Set pieces don’t just look great. They are also a device to get to the heart of your characters. In fact, it should reveal some central truth or information about your character and their journey. Set pieces should be both memorable and original. What do we learn about the characters at the conclusion?