Nate Write

“that she must leave the convent to teach seven children (The Sound of Music) or that he’s given a chance to fight the champion (Rocky). Although this type of catalyst isn’t as forceful as an event, in relationship-based stories it might be very appropriate.”
― Linda Seger, Making a Good Script Great

“The catalyst begins a story’s action. Something happens—a crime occurs, a letter arrives, Aunt Mary appears on the doorstep—and from that moment on the story is defined. Until the catalyst kicks off the story, the only information the audience has is where and when the film takes place. But once an event happens, the story suddenly has focus and direction.”
― Linda Seger, Making a Good Script Great

“Sometimes this catalyst presents a problem that must be addressed (there’s pollution or someone is ill) or a need (the need for a cure, the need to find the killer, the need to find someone who will commit to a true love). Sometimes the catalyst is a disturbance, something jarring that starts an extraordinary journey.”
― Linda Seger, Making a Good Script Great

“Sometimes a catalyst is situational, made up of a series of incidents that add up over a period of time. This sort of catalyst is rare, because hinting at action is usually not a strong way to start a story. Three films that have situational catalysts are Tootsie, Back to the Future, and Some Like It Hot. Tootsie, for instance, introduces the New York theater world, showing how difficult it is to get a job.”
― Linda Seger, Making a Good Script Great