Photo by Avelino Maestas

The initial few pages of a screenplay are crucial as they often determine whether executives or readers become interested in the story. That’s why it’s important for your screenplay to have a strong and captivating beginning. Here are some proven screenwriting techniques to start your story effectively:

ACTION, ACTION, ACTION – Take inspiration from James Bond films and begin with an action-packed sequence that may or may not be directly related to the main story. For example, a police detective attempts to arrest drug dealers, leading to a gunfight and a thrilling chase scene.

A REAL BEGINNING – Introduce your hero or heroine as they arrive in a new city at an airport or train station. They may start their first day at a new job in a hot company, and a peculiar and creepy individual moves in next door. The hero might also meet someone influential, such as a love interest, mentor, or nemesis.

A DAY IN THE LIFE – Show us the protagonist going about their daily routine. For instance, a single mother prepares breakfast for her kids, sends them off to school, and then heads to work. A lawyer could be seen arguing a case before a judge.

A doctor in an emergency room saves the life of a victim from a traffic accident. However, the main story might revolve around stopping an epidemic. In this case, you could begin with the same doctor treating a patient with a mysterious and unknown illness that turns out to be related to the epidemic.

An inner-city teacher helps a disadvantaged child learn how to read. This could lead to a story where she fights against an uncaring bureaucracy that wants to close down a youth center in order to build a shopping center. Alternatively, her personal life might face challenges as her marriage falls apart due to her having a learning-disabled child.

The key to creating a compelling beginning is to avoid letting it become boring. Give the reader a reason to immediately root for the main character. Show them as an underdog or introduce some conflict in their life, whether it directly relates to the main story or not. Quickly provide a reason for the reader to care about what happens to the protagonist.

These screenwriting techniques can help you start your film with a strong impact. Consider incorporating them when you begin your next screenplay or when rewriting an existing one to give it a more engaging and powerful start.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME

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