In Hollywood, the first page of your script isn’t just an introduction—it’s a make-or-break moment. If your opening doesn’t immediately hook a producer or agent, they won’t bother flipping to page two. And let’s be honest: in an industry where everyone has a drawer full of scripts, yours needs to stand out instantly.
The good news? Crafting a killer first page isn’t magic—it’s strategy. Here’s how to ensure your opening grabs attention, sets the tone, and makes producers want more.
1. Start With Action or Tension
Forget slow-build introductions. In today’s fast-paced world, you need to throw your audience right into the heart of the story. This doesn’t mean explosions or car chases (unless it fits your genre)—it means giving your first scene immediate stakes or intrigue.
Why It Works:
- Action immediately engages readers.
- Tension creates questions that demand answers.
- Both show that your script has momentum.
Example: Think of The Dark Knight. The opening bank heist establishes the Joker as a menacing and unpredictable force without a single line of dialogue about his backstory. By the end of the scene, we know this isn’t your typical superhero movie.
Pro Tip: If action isn’t your thing, lean into emotional tension. In Manchester by the Sea, the opening scene introduces Lee Chandler’s quiet, detached existence, setting up the emotional weight of the story.
2. Introduce Your Protagonist With Purpose
Your protagonist doesn’t need to be fully understood in the first scene, but they do need to leave an impression. Show us who they are by placing them in a situation that reveals their personality, values, or desires.
What to Avoid:
- Long descriptions of their appearance. Let actions define them.
- Cliché introductions, like waking up or looking in the mirror.
- Making them passive. Show your protagonist doing something.
Example: In Raiders of the Lost Ark, we meet Indiana Jones as he expertly navigates traps in a jungle to recover an ancient artifact. Without a single line of exposition, we know he’s resourceful, brave, and knowledgeable.
3. Set the Tone for the Entire Script
The tone of your first page should match the rest of your script. If it’s a comedy, the humor should start immediately. If it’s a horror film, we need to feel the dread from line one.
How to Do It:
- Use action lines to create atmosphere. Short, punchy descriptions create urgency, while longer, more descriptive lines can build suspense.
- Establish genre-specific expectations. A rom-com might open with a quirky meet-cute, while a thriller might start with a mysterious disappearance.
Example: Scream opens with a playful, self-aware horror tone as Drew Barrymore’s character flirts with a creepy phone caller. Within minutes, the tone shifts to terrifying, making it clear that no one is safe.
Pro Tip: Use formatting to emphasize tone. For instance, spacing out single words or lines can heighten suspense.
4. Leave the Reader With Questions
A great first page teases more than it tells. The goal is to spark curiosity and keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens next.
Strategies to Build Intrigue:
- Start Mid-Conflict: Drop readers into the middle of a heated argument, a high-stakes situation, or an unexplained event.
- Create Visual Clues: Show something unusual, like a mysterious object or a cryptic message, that hints at a larger story.
- Raise Emotional Stakes: Make readers care about what happens next by showing someone in danger, pain, or conflict.
Example: In Breaking Bad, the opening scene shows Walter White in a frantic state, driving an RV full of chemicals through the desert. We have no idea what’s going on, but we’re hooked.
5. Avoid the Most Common First-Page Mistakes
Sometimes, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what works. Avoid these pitfalls at all costs:
- Overloading With Exposition: Don’t explain everything upfront. Let your audience piece it together as they go.
- Too Many Characters: Introducing more than 2-3 characters on page one can overwhelm the reader.
- Cliché Openings: “It was a dark and stormy night” isn’t going to cut it. Neither is someone waking up to an alarm clock.
Real-Life Example: When Pulp Fiction was making the rounds in Hollywood, its opening diner robbery scene caught everyone’s attention. Why? It was tense, unpredictable, and completely non-traditional.
Behind-the-Scenes Hollywood Tip: What Producers Look For
Producers often judge a script’s potential by the first page. Many have shared that they look for:
- Clear Voice: They want to know the writer’s unique style from the very first lines.
- Pacing: Does the story feel like it’s moving, or are we bogged down in unnecessary details?
- Visual Writing: Film is a visual medium, so they want to see the story unfold, not read a novel.
Insider Story: Shonda Rhimes once revealed in an interview that she reads the first page of every script her production company receives. If it doesn’t hook her immediately, she moves on. “You have to write as if someone’s going to stop after page one,” she says.
FAQs About Writing a Killer First Page
Q: How long should the first scene be?
A: Keep it short and impactful—no more than 1-2 pages. The first scene’s job is to hook the reader, not explain everything.
Q: Should I include backstory on the first page?
A: No. Backstory can be revealed gradually. Focus on the immediate action or conflict.
Q: Can I open with a flashback or dream sequence?
A: Generally, no. Flashbacks and dream sequences can feel like a cheat unless done exceptionally well.
Final Thoughts: Make Them Want More
The first page of your script isn’t just an opening—it’s your audition. It’s your chance to prove to producers, agents, and directors that your story is worth their time. Start with action or tension, reveal your protagonist’s essence, and leave the reader with just enough questions to keep them flipping pages.
Further Resources:
- Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder (a must-read on story structure and hooks).
- The Black List for professional feedback on your script’s opening pages.
- On Writing by Stephen King (great insights on hooking readers).
