We’ve all heard that the first ten pages of a script are crucial in terms of persuading the reader to keep reading. Each one of these screenplays achieve that in different ways, but they all have a very important point in common; they introduce us to the main character and they set up the world (and genre) in which that character lives. Each one also manages to introduce additional information that will be important going forward.
The film and video industry is infamous for their disrespect, indifference and neglect of the craft of screenwriting, which is why it’s ironic that the Oscars have two screenwriting categories; Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay.
For the audience to care about a character, they need to feel what the character feels and vicariously experience the emotions they experience. The quickest way to get them to do this is to provide them with insight into the way the characters interact with their world, before they see them making important decisions.
Learn how to create a story and where best to locate it. Acquire the skill to create leading characters that have purpose. Discover the difference between obstacles and complications, and procure the ability to recognise and construct crucial structural beats.
Scary movies are hard to write. The Horror genre is sometimes looked down upon by audiences and screenwriters because of their low budgets, exploitative cheap thrills and over-use of blood & gore.