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Every script has key elements that need to be presented at key times. This not only helps make for a great story but also helps grab the attention of the reader and audience.
Understanding how timing impacts interest, can better help us understand why some movies appear better than others even when the plots are similar.
(Once you learn this format, you’ll find yourself looking for it in everything you watch.)
Must haves by Page
Think of every page as a minute of filming.
Many sites will say to make sure you have the reader hooked within the first 10 pages; however, modern times call for writers to understand modern attention spans.
The reality is that if you can’t hook your viewer within the first 5 minutes, they’ll search for something else to watch.
The First 5 Pages
- Establish the world your story takes place in.
- Introduce the Protagonist.
- Hook your audience.
The First 10 Pages
- Introduce the Antagonist.
- Establish the tone/genre.
- Introduce the inciting incident.
- Reveal the plot.
The First 20 Pages
- Introduce the plan (how the characters plan to overcome the inciting incident.)
- Allude to the message or theme of story.
- Solidify the Antagonist’s motivation.
- Plan is set in motion and under weigh.
Elements not subjective to page numbers:
- Solidified plot.
- Conflict and resolution.
- Differentiating dialogue.
- Character Arc.
- Story arc.
- Story momentum.
- Structure.
- Theme or message.
- Believability.
- Relatability.
- Logline.
If you follow these rules, it will not only make your film better, but make you a better writer as a result.
Spec Central Films 