In Hollywood, the first 10 pages of your screenplay can make or break your chances of success. Why? Because producers, agents, and readers decide quickly whether your script is worth their time—or the trash bin. If your opening doesn’t grab them, they’ll never make it to page 11.
So how do you ensure your script hooks readers from the very start? Let’s dive into the strategies and techniques to make those first 10 pages unputdownable.
1. Start With a Bang: The Hook
Why It Matters:
Your opening scene sets the tone and stakes for your entire story. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention and make them care about what happens next.
How to Do It:
- Begin in the Middle of Action: Skip the setup and drop readers directly into an exciting or intriguing moment.
- Establish the Stakes: Show what’s at risk right away, even if it’s just a hint of the larger conflict.
- Introduce a Question: Create a sense of mystery or curiosity that demands answers.
Example:
In Inglourious Basterds, the opening scene is an intense, high-stakes interrogation that immediately sets the tone for the film and establishes its villain.
Pro Tip: Avoid cliché openings like waking up, driving to work, or overly long exposition.
2. Introduce Your Protagonist Early
Why It Matters:
Readers want to know who they’re rooting for. If your protagonist isn’t introduced quickly, they may lose interest.
How to Do It:
- Show, Don’t Tell: Introduce your protagonist through action, not a long backstory dump.
- Highlight Their Strengths and Flaws: Make them relatable and intriguing.
- Create Empathy: Give your protagonist a problem or situation that makes readers care about them.
Example:
In The Hunger Games, Katniss is introduced hunting in the woods—a moment that showcases her resourcefulness and dedication to her family.
Pro Tip: Ensure your protagonist has a clear goal, even if it’s small at first.
3. Set the Tone and Genre
Why It Matters:
Your first 10 pages should make it clear whether your story is a comedy, thriller, drama, or something else. A confused tone can turn readers off.
How to Do It:
- Use Visual Cues: Describe settings, costumes, or actions that reflect the genre.
- Let Dialogue Do the Work: Characters’ language and interactions can hint at tone (e.g., snappy banter for comedy, cryptic lines for suspense).
Example:
In Get Out, the eerie opening scene of a man being kidnapped in a quiet suburban neighborhood immediately sets the tone for the psychological horror to come.
Pro Tip: Watch films in your genre and study how they establish tone in their openings.
4. Introduce the World Without Overloading
Why It Matters:
World-building is essential, but dumping too much information too soon can overwhelm the reader.
How to Do It:
- Sprinkle Details Naturally: Show the world through the protagonist’s actions and interactions.
- Use Dialogue Sparingly: Let conversations reveal key aspects of the world without feeling forced.
- Focus on the Unique Hook: Highlight what makes your world different or intriguing.
Example:
In The Matrix, the opening scene doesn’t explain the entire concept but hints at the larger mystery through Trinity’s gravity-defying escape.
Pro Tip: Save deeper exposition for later. Use the first 10 pages to intrigue, not explain.
5. Create Tension and Conflict
Why It Matters:
Conflict drives stories. Without it, even the best premise can feel dull.
How to Do It:
- Establish a Problem: Show your protagonist facing an obstacle, even if it’s unrelated to the main plot.
- Foreshadow Bigger Conflicts: Drop hints about the challenges to come.
- Use Stakes to Heighten Tension: What does the character stand to gain—or lose?
Example:
In Jaws, the opening scene of a swimmer being attacked by a shark immediately establishes the central conflict and stakes.
Pro Tip: Tension doesn’t have to be life-or-death. Emotional or interpersonal conflicts can be just as compelling.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls
What to Watch Out For:
- Slow Starts: Don’t spend the first 10 pages on mundane activities or excessive setup.
- Too Much Exposition: Avoid info dumps that bog down the pacing.
- Unclear Goals: If readers don’t know what your protagonist wants, they may lose interest.
Pro Tip: Get feedback from trusted readers. Ask if they were hooked by the opening or felt bored.
7. Polish, Polish, Polish
Why It Matters:
The first 10 pages are the most-read section of your script. They need to be flawless.
How to Do It:
- Trim the Fat: Cut unnecessary lines or descriptions to keep the pacing tight.
- Proofread for Errors: Typos or formatting mistakes can signal inexperience.
- Read It Out Loud: Hearing your words can help you spot clunky dialogue or awkward phrasing.
Pro Tip: Compare your opening to the first 10 pages of professional scripts in your genre. Are they equally compelling?
FAQs About Crafting the First 10 Pages
How much backstory should I include in the first 10 pages?
Minimal. Focus on action and conflict, and weave backstory in later.
What if my story doesn’t get exciting until later?
Rework your opening. Find a way to hint at the excitement to come or start closer to the action.
Can I introduce multiple characters in the first 10 pages?
Yes, but don’t overwhelm the reader. Focus on your protagonist and a few key supporting characters.
Resources to Help You Nail Your Opening
- Screenplay Readers: Affordable feedback on your script’s opening.
- The Script Lab: Articles and tools for improving your screenwriting craft.
- Save the Cat!: A guide to structuring compelling openings.
Final Thoughts: Hook Them Early
The first 10 pages of your script are your best chance to grab a reader’s attention. By starting with a hook, introducing compelling characters, and establishing conflict and tone, you’ll make sure they can’t stop reading.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to write a good opening—it’s to set the stage for an incredible story. Nail these first 10 pages, and you’re well on your way to impressing Hollywood.
