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As a screenwriting teacher and script consultant I've read a ton of scripts. The ones that hook me the fastest are those that get me involved by the bottom of page one.
Really. Some do it in the first line of dialogue. Maybe even the first stage direction. But on the best scripts there's something on that first page that I latch on to. When that happens I'm already predisposed to like the script. This is especially true with comedies. If I'm laughing on page one, and page two, and page three I feel confident that I'm in store for a good ride. Same with a thriller. If a line, an image or a mood gives me the creeps I'm already into it.
The value of a compelling first page is incalculable. Make sure that yours has something special to make a reader, development person or agent WANT to turn the page with a smile instead of a sigh. |
