Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet for the movie Delivery Man (2013)

Delivery man (2013)

Director = Ken Scott

ScreenPlay = Ken Scott and Martin Petit 

Set-up = David is a financially hard up meat delivery guy who is about to become a father for the first time his finances are so bad he thousands of dollars in debt but is still excited at the prospect of a child.

Theme stated = The theme that stands out the most through out this film is the importance of family and impact they have in your life. We also learn how selflessness for the sake of your family can bring true happiness to them no matter what the cost.

Catalyst = Every thing changes for David when he realises the sperm he donated for the benefit of his family and finances in a younger life has now fathered 533 children.

Debate = David is faced with the challenge of not knowing what to do when 143 of his biological children make the decision to meet there biological father. David is comprehensive that if he reveals himself as their father the children will be disappointed to know his life revolves around a meat delivery business. 

Break into two = David makes the decision to meet his children after all but does not announce his identity to them as he meets them one by one in a variety of life situations.

B Story = David faces the challenge of proving that he is a responsible man to his girlfriend, and convince her he will be a great dad to their expected child.

The promise of the premise = As David meets his children in a variety of life situations he tries to help them the best way he can and leave a good impression with them. As David meets his children he learns what paths they took in life to lead them to the situations they are in now, leading the audience on an emotional roller coaster with the stories funny and high parts right down to the more serious low points of each childs life.

Midpoint = David is faced with the dellima of wether to take the money offered by counter sueing the sperm clinic and pay his debt or disclose his children his identity.

Bad guys close in =  After still not getting paid there money the men who lent David money decide to pay him a little visit resulting in David getting hurt. 

All is lost =  In the sense of this films content “all is lost”  becomes David loosing his old money owing non responsible self to make way for the more responsible father figure David. So “all is lost” becomes for the better.

Dark night of the soul=  This moment occurs in the film when David must tell his Girlfriend that he is the sperm donor that fathered all those children , not knowing how she will take this news as she has just given birth to their new born child.

Break into three=  David’s Girlfriend accepts this news and is supportive allowing David to make a fresh and honest start with his new found family.

Final Image= The final image is that of David standing in the hospital surrounded by all of his children hugging and having a huge smile on his face, showing that he is now finally content with life.