Transport the readers from the world they occupy into the world you

Have created.

Types Of Opening

Broad to Narrow: Common style for the opening shot of the film ,begin with

A broad shot or series of shots then gradually to move into the specific location

For the first scene.

Shot of city skyline ,then cut to a shot of specific skycraper,then a singlewindow in

The skyscraper,then finally inside that room,where the initial action occurs

Example : Pyscho ,American Beauty , Star wars,I am Legend.

Narrow To Broad : Here you do opposite .Begin with a close up or shot with a limited view

Then pull back to reveal the bigger setting in which this object or action occurs

This creats the curiosity ,focusing our attention and providing variety from the standard

Big to small opening.

Example : Dangerous Liaisons.

Black screen :Revealing the sounds of the scene before the sights.

Example : slumdog millionare ,about a boy

Narration : This device can be used in combination with any of the others.

Narration Helps seduce the reader by recreating the effect of the words ..such as

“Once upon a time “

Title Cards :

If you want the audience to know the specific time ,location

Introduce your hero : Hero should appear in the opening ten pages of your screenplay.

Create Empathy with your hero .

Show the hero living his everyday life : Before picture of the hero ,This is who my hero who was
yesterday .

Begin revealing the hero’s inner conflict :

How he is emotionally stuck in some way ,living in some uncoscious fear ,even if we don’t yet know what
that fear is .

Example : The bridges of madison county

Present the hero with some oppurtunity by page 10 :

Some thing must happen to your hero that has never happened to him before .some new

Event must occur that will take him into new situation ,out of which will emerge his specific

Outer motivation ,this is the oppurtunity that will begin the heros journey ,which will shift the

Story into first gear.

Example : Get shorty ,The firm,while you were sleeping