In the high-stakes world of screenwriting, the first ten pages are everything! These days, films and series need to hook their audience almost immediately so a script that fails to grab a reader’s attention instantly is likely to be overlooked. How do you craft a compelling opening that makes a reader eager to turn the page?
Start In the Middle
Dive directly into the action or a key moment of conflict. The reader is immediately engaged by the mystery of what’s happening and why. This creates a compelling need to keep reading to find out the backstory.
Example: Instead of a character waking up, getting dressed, and going to work, start with them already in the middle of a tense negotiation or a high-speed chase. Pulp Fiction is a classic example, opening with two characters in the middle of a diner robbery. The audience is instantly hooked by the witty dialogue and unpredictable situation.
The Shocking or Intriguing Image
A strong visual image can be more powerful than any line of dialogue. It can set the tone, create a sense of unease, or raise questions that demand answers. Think about the most iconic opening scenes in film—many are defined by a single, powerful image.
Example: The opening of Jaws is a perfect illustration. The image of a young woman swimming alone at night, followed by the terrifying point-of-view shot from the shark, creates immediate dread and sets the stage for the entire film. There’s no dialogue, just pure, visceral tension.
The Unforgettable Character
Introduce your protagonist in a way that immediately reveals their personality, quirks, or a key flaw. The reader should be intrigued by them and want to know more about their journey. This can be done through action, dialogue, or a combination of both.
Example: In The Social Network, we meet Mark Zuckerberg in a rapid-fire scene of dialogue that establishes his brilliance and social ineptitude. The scene is captivating because his character is so unique and polarizing, making the audience want to see what he does next.
The Central Question or Mystery
Pose a question or introduce a mystery that the reader must have answered. This creates a powerful narrative drive. The hook isn’t just about what is happening, but about the unknown that is yet to be revealed.
Example: Get Out starts with a tense, unsettling scene where a Black man walks alone at night and is suddenly confronted by a mysterious car. The simple question, “What is going on here?” is enough to keep the reader engaged.
The Unexpected Twist
Subvert expectations from the very first scene. Give the reader a moment that makes them re-evaluate everything they thought they knew.
Example: In Inglourious Basterds, the opening scene is a long, tense conversation between a French farmer and a Nazi officer. Just when you think it’s a simple interrogation, the scene ends with the shocking reveal of a hidden Jewish family. The audience is instantly on the edge of their seat, knowing that anything can happen.
Use Scene Descriptions as a Storytelling Tool
Don’t just describe what’s on screen; use your descriptions to convey mood, tone, and character. A well-crafted scene description can be as captivating as the action itself.
Example: A description of a messy bedroom can tell the reader a lot about a character’s state of mind. Use strong, active verbs and sensory details to create a vivid picture that immerses the reader in your world from the very beginning.
By mastering these techniques, a screenwriter can transform a good script into a great one, ensuring that their story finds its way into the right hands and onto the screen. The first page isn’t just a starting point; it’s a promise of what’s to come. Make that promise unforgettable.