Ah, the first page of a screenplay; the opening scene of a film. It sets the tone, introduces the world, and gives the reader a taste of what’s to come.
What makes an excellent ‘page one’?
A Strong Opening Image: The first image is the audience’s introduction to the world of your story. It should be visually striking and emotionally engaging, setting the tone for the rest of the screenplay. It could be a sweeping landscape, a close-up of a character’s face, or a symbolic object – whatever best encapsulates the essence of your story.
Introduction of the Protagonist: The first page is often where we meet the main character. This introduction should give us a sense of who they are and what they want – their desires, fears, and conflicts. It’s not just about what they do, but how they do it. Their actions and reactions can tell us a lot about their personality and motivations.
Establishing the World: The setting of your story is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The first page should give us a sense of the world your characters inhabit – its rules, its atmosphere, its culture. This could be done through description, dialogue, or action.
Setting the Tone: The tone of your screenplay – whether it’s a comedy, a drama, a thriller, or a mix – should be clear from the first page. The language, the pacing, the level of detail – all these elements contribute to the overall tone.
Intriguing Conflict: Conflict is the engine of drama. Introducing a conflict, even a small one, on the first page hooks the reader/viewer and makes them want to find out what happens next. This could be a conflict between characters, or an internal conflict within the protagonist.
Unique Voice: Every writer has a unique voice, and this should shine through on the first page. This could be in the rhythm of the dialogue, the choice of words in the descriptions, or the way the characters interact. Your voice is what sets your screenplay apart from others.
Promise of the Premise: The first page should hint at the premise of your story – the unique concept that makes your screenplay stand out. This doesn’t mean you have to give everything away, but there should be a sense of what’s to come.
Remember, the first page is your first impression. It’s your chance to captivate the reader and draw them into the world of your story. So make it count!
Use THIS WORKSHEET to evaluate your page one!
