The opening scene can make or break a script from many points of view. Will the audience in a theatre stick around or feel engaged if the first few minutes aren't enticing? What about the home viewer with an endless supply of shows and movies at their disposal? Most importantly, how will an agent or studio executive react if the opening page isn't up to their standard?
Many writers feel the first bit of their script is the most daunting task since beginning a writing journey is the most challenging. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make your opening scene unforgettable and, as a result, create a higher likelihood for you to see success in the screenwriting world.
Opening scene of 'The Hateful Eight' (2015).
1. Try Writing Other Portions First
Most of the time, your opening scene won't be the first scene you write. You might start with a moment you think is perfect for the opening, only to realize that it doesn't feel right a few pages in. So, you move it up, push it back, or even set it aside. Many writers obsessively polish a scene until it feels perfect.
Writing the opening scene without pressure—letting it simply happen—transformed the process. When you're truly in tune with your story, the right opening will naturally fall into place. Often, we're too detached from the story early on and force polish onto something that's not ready. Instead, focus on immersing yourself in the story, pouring your heart into it, and the ideal entry point will reveal itself over time. Don't stress about finding the perfect first scene right from the start.
2. Introduce Your story
You must introduce the world and at least one character (not always the protagonist) without overwhelming the reader with details. If it reads like an encyclopedia, you risk losing their interest. Instead, weave in action, dialogue, and tension to bring the scene to life.
Some writers jump around from another portion of the story, allowing you to bounce back and forth within the story’s timeline. This method will enable you to introduce the protagonist and an antagonist (or at least someone the reader will perceive as one). This allows for a gentle introduction to the world without giving everything away.
However, flashforward is tricky since you want to reveal just enough to spark curiosity without giving away too much. Opening a scene is a mix of action, setting, and, to some extent, character.
It could signify a search for information, fitting for a moment when the protagonist is on a quest to uncover something crucial to the plot. But it can also imply an invitation, a delivery, or even the start of a confrontation. It all depends on the context and how it serves the story.
3. Understand Momentum
Remember to keep the story even from the story. Most agents and readers are drawn to a strong sense of momentum, no matter how beautiful your writing is. They're looking for a story where characters, settings, and events combine seamlessly to push the plot forward.
Suppose your first pages are packed with background information or scenes that feel disconnected from the main story arc. Readers may worry that the narrative needs direction or won't deliver a satisfying journey. They usually expect an inciting incident—the pivotal moment often hinted at in the story's blurb—to feel like an inevitable progression rather than a distant destination.
Start by building toward that inciting incident. Introduce the key elements that will matter, leaving subtle clues. Ground the reader in your main character's goals, needs, and stakes. These early glimpses give readers a reason to keep turning pages and a solid foundation for what's to come.
4. Know Your Mood
Your opening scene sets the tone and mood for your story, giving readers a taste of what's to come—whether it's a suspenseful thriller, a lighthearted romance, or a gritty dystopia. Select the language that reflects the atmosphere you want to create. If it's a dark mystery, for example, you might use words like "shadow," "cold," or "silent" to convey a sense of unease.
Decide on the pace that matches your story. A slow, descriptive opening can build a thoughtful or eerie mood, while a fast-paced start creates urgency. Finally, use vivid, specific imagery to spark an emotional connection, drawing readers in from the very first lines.
5. Plant Seeds
Your opening scene shouldn't be bogged down by heavy exposition, but it can subtly introduce the core theme of your story–whether it's passion, love, loss, redemption, revenge, etc. There's plenty to pick; if you're unsure what to pick story-wise, try analyzing similar stories to see what they convey.
Consider using symbolism or motifs to hint at more profound ideas. A recurring object, phrase, or image can quietly reinforce the central theme throughout the plot. Let the theme emerge organically through your characters' actions or dialogue, offering subtle clues to the broader questions the story will explore.