How to start a movie script?

Crafting a movie script from scratch can be both an exciting and daunting task. The opening scenes of your script are crucial—they set the tone, introduce key characters, and grab the audience’s attention. Whether you’re a beginner screenwriter or looking to refine your skills, here’s a step-by-step guide to starting a movie script that hooks viewers and keeps them engaged.

Understand Your Genre and Audience
Before you start writing, decide on the genre of your film—comedy, drama, thriller, sci-fi, or a combination. Knowing the genre helps shape the tone, pacing, and style of your opening. Also, consider your target audience. A family-friendly movie script will differ significantly from an action-packed thriller targeted at adults.

Start with a Strong Concept
Every great movie begins with a compelling idea. Your concept should be clear, concise, and intriguing. It’s often summed up in a logline—a one- or two-sentence pitch of your story. For example:

“A young farm boy discovers he’s the key to saving a galaxy from an evil empire” (Star Wars).
“Two strangers form a deep connection by exchanging letters left in a shared lake house mailbox, despite living two years apart” (The Lake House).
A strong concept sets the foundation for your entire script.

Establish the Hook
The first 10 pages of your script are critical. This is where you need to “hook” your audience by presenting an intriguing scenario, shocking event, or a thought-provoking mystery. Start with an attention-grabbing moment that sets the stakes or hints at the conflict.

Examples of strong hooks:
A bank robbery gone wrong (The Dark Knight).
A mysterious disappearance (Gone Girl).
A giant spaceship arriving on Earth (Arrival).
Introduce Your Main Characters
Within the first few scenes, introduce your protagonist(s) and establish their goals, personality, and motivations. Make the audience care about your characters by showing their struggles, desires, or unique traits. A strong character introduction can leave a lasting impression.

Tips for character introductions:
Use actions instead of exposition to show who they are.
Place them in a scenario that reveals their values or flaws.
Give them dialogue that reflects their personality.
Set the Scene with a Strong Setting
Your opening scenes should transport readers into the world of your story. Whether it’s a bustling city, a quiet rural town, or a distant planet, the setting should be vivid and immersive. Use action lines to describe the location, mood, and atmosphere without being overly descriptive.

Example of a setting description:
“The sun sets over a dusty desert town. Wind howls through empty streets. A tumbleweed rolls past as a lone figure walks into view.”
Introduce the Conflict or Inciting Incident
The inciting incident is the event that sets your story into motion. It disrupts the protagonist’s normal life and introduces the central conflict. The earlier you introduce this moment, the sooner your story gains momentum.

Examples of inciting incidents:
A character loses their job and is forced to reinvent themselves.
A mysterious letter arrives, pulling the protagonist into a dangerous conspiracy.
A chance meeting sparks a love story.
Write Visually
Movies are a visual medium, so your script should “show” rather than “tell.” Avoid lengthy descriptions or inner monologues and instead focus on actions, visuals, and dialogue that convey the story. Think about how each scene will look on screen.

Example of visual writing:
“John tosses the empty suitcase onto the bed. He opens the closet, grabs a stack of cash hidden under old sweaters, and shoves it inside.”
Start with Simplicity and Clarity
Keep your opening scenes straightforward and easy to follow. Avoid overwhelming the audience with too many characters or complex backstory at the start. Let the story unfold naturally, and focus on creating intrigue.

End with a Cliffhanger or Question
Your opening should leave the audience wanting more. End the first sequence with a question or challenge that pushes the story forward. This ensures viewers are eager to see what happens next.

Example of a cliffhanger:
A phone rings, and the protagonist picks it up to hear: “We’re watching you.”
A character opens a mysterious box, their face frozen in shock—but we don’t see what’s inside.
Revise, Revise, Revise
Your first draft is unlikely to be perfect, and that’s okay. Revisit your opening scenes multiple times, refining the dialogue, pacing, and tone. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors and make adjustments accordingly.

Starting a movie script requires creativity, planning, and a clear understanding of your story’s purpose. By crafting a strong hook, introducing memorable characters, and setting up the central conflict, you can lay the groundwork for an engaging screenplay. Remember, the beginning of your script is your chance to captivate your audience—so make it count!