The first page of your screenplay is arguably the most important. Producers, agents, and readers will decide within the first few sentences whether your script is worth their time. A great opening page should grab attention, set the tone, and establish the world of your story in a way that makes them need to read the next page.
So how do you write a first page that demands attention? Here’s the blueprint for crafting an opening that will have producers hooked from the very first sentence.
1. Start with Action (Not Exposition)
One of the quickest ways to lose your reader’s interest is by starting with a lot of exposition. Producers want to jump into the action and feel the pulse of your story right from the beginning.
Why It Works:
- Immediate Engagement: Action scenes or events thrust the reader into the world and set a dynamic tone.
- Sets the Pace: Starting with action establishes the rhythm of your script—energetic, tense, or fast-paced.
Example: The opening of Mad Max: Fury Road doesn’t waste time with backstory. It starts with Max on the run, immediately setting up the tension and the stakes.
Pro Tip: Even if your genre is drama or dialogue-driven, start with something that actively shows your protagonist’s world. Even a small action—like someone getting in a car or answering the phone—can create intrigue.
2. Establish Tone and Genre
Your first page is the perfect place to establish the tone of your script. Whether it’s dark comedy, action-packed thriller, or quirky drama, the reader should know exactly what they’re in for by the time they hit the end of page one.
Why It Works:
- Sets Expectations: Tone determines the emotional experience for the audience. If you’re writing a horror, let the creepiness seep into the first few lines. If it’s a rom-com, let humor and charm shine through.
- Grabs the Right Attention: Writers have different voices, and tone helps identify yours, ensuring it resonates with the right producer, director, or actor.
Example: In The Grand Budapest Hotel, Wes Anderson’s whimsical tone is clear right away with his signature style, precise dialogue, and playful description.
Pro Tip: Set the tone early with the very first action or description. Your opening sets the emotional landscape, so choose carefully.
3. Introduce Your Protagonist Early
Your protagonist is the anchor of the story, so they should appear or at least be introduced early. Producers want to know who the story is about from the get-go.
Why It Works:
- Immediate Investment: Introducing your protagonist early lets the reader connect with them quickly. The sooner they know who they’re rooting for, the more invested they’ll be in your story.
- Clarifies the Narrative: A strong protagonist establishes the conflict and gives the story direction.
Example: In The Dark Knight, we are immediately introduced to the Joker in the opening scene. He sets the tone, establishes the stakes, and demonstrates his ruthless nature.
Pro Tip: If your protagonist isn’t in the first scene, they should be central to the first few pages. If you can’t introduce them right away, introduce an important part of their world—something that will engage the audience.
4. Keep Your Descriptions Tight and Visual
The opening page of your script should be efficient and to the point. Use visual language to paint the world, but avoid long-winded descriptions. Every word should serve a purpose.
Why It Works:
- Concise and Powerful: Producers don’t want to read lengthy paragraphs of description. They want to know what’s happening visually and quickly.
- Sets the Scene: Visual descriptions help the reader see the world of your story, whether it’s a gritty city street, a sleek futuristic spaceship, or a cozy living room.
Example: No Country for Old Men uses sparse, impactful descriptions that immediately set the mood. There’s nothing excessive, and every word is focused on creating atmosphere and giving the reader a clear mental image.
Pro Tip: Be selective with your descriptions. Use precise language that paints a vivid picture, but avoid overloading the reader with unnecessary detail.
5. Make Sure the Opening Scene is Meaningful
The opening scene should introduce more than just a location or a random event. It should serve a purpose—either setting up the conflict, revealing something about the protagonist, or laying the groundwork for the thematic elements of your story.
Why It Works:
- Shows Your Intent: A strong opening scene foreshadows what’s to come. If it’s a thriller, make sure there’s tension. If it’s a drama, set up emotional stakes. Whatever it is, make sure the opening scene serves the narrative.
- Grabs Attention: A scene that offers insight into your story or character will grab the reader’s attention more than a random setup.
Example: The opening of Jaws isn’t just about a shark attack. It sets the tone for the horror, introduces the idea of survival, and hints at the larger themes of fear, isolation, and heroism.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself: How does this opening scene set the stage for everything that follows? It should lay the groundwork for the major conflicts or themes.
6. Keep the Dialogue Snappy and Revealing
If your opening scene includes dialogue, make sure it’s tight, sharp, and full of subtext. The best first pages don’t just tell you what’s happening—they hint at deeper emotions, desires, or conflicts through conversation.
Why It Works:
- Reveals Character: Dialogue in your opening scene should show us who your characters are. Are they funny? Serious? Suspicious? It’s an opportunity to immediately develop your protagonist or other key characters.
- Establishes Tone: The way your characters speak can set the tone just as much as actions or descriptions.
Example: In Pulp Fiction, the opening conversation between Pumpkin and Honey Bunny sets the tone for the entire film. It’s quirky, sharp, and funny, giving us a taste of Tarantino’s distinctive style.
Pro Tip: Make sure your dialogue serves multiple purposes. It should reveal character, advance the story, and hint at conflict or tension.
FAQs About Writing a Killer First Page
Q: Can I skip straight to the action, or should I build the world first?
A: Start with action or a compelling event, but don’t forget to establish tone and character. You can introduce your world through action or description.
Q: How long should the first page be?
A: Your first page should be concise—aim for around 1–2 minutes of screen time. That’s about one page of screenplay, so don’t overdo it with description.
Q: Should I write multiple versions of the first page?
A: Yes! It’s always a good idea to try different approaches to your opening. Sometimes what works in your head doesn’t land on the page as expected.
Final Thoughts: Nail the First Page, Nail the Script
The first page of your script is your opportunity to grab attention and set the tone for everything that follows. A strong opening introduces your protagonist, sets the tone, and builds intrigue, all while keeping things concise and compelling. Use this page to show off your voice, grab the reader’s interest, and keep them turning the pages.
Further Resources:
- The Script Lab: Great for tips on writing compelling first pages.
- Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder for story structure and pacing advice.
- John August’s Blog: Insight into screenwriting fundamentals.
