11 Screenwriting Techniques to Hook a Reader on Page 1

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Seven Screenwriting Mistakes Stopping You Getting an Agent

100% of agents and execs who fail to finish your script will pass. Join this free masterclass with WGA Screenwriter Dominic Morgan, where he will teach you how to eliminate the 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES that cause Hollywood agents and managers to stop reading your script. Spoiler alert: This isn’t about your plot, characters, logline, or story circles. And the first mistake is an absolute dealbreaker…

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How do you hook a reader on page one and keep them reading:

1. OPTIMISE YOUR PAGE DESIGN
2. UPGRADE YOUR FIRST LINE OF DIALOGUE
3. WRITE SOMETHING VISUAL THEY WANT TO SHOOT
4. DON’T WRITE AN INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL
5. MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT
6. INTRO YOUR HERO ASAP
7. DON’T WRITE SKIM
8. HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
9. BUILD UP YOUR LINE-OF-CREDIT WITH THE READER
10. SHOW THEM SOMETHING THEY’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE
11. GROUND YOUR LEAD CHARACTER

WHO IS SCRIPTFELLA?
I'm a seasoned WGA screenwriter & story consultant. I've been optioned or commissioned by over 30 US and UK studios and production companies including: Universal Studios, Working Title, Bold Films, Scott Free, BBC and ITV. Recent produced credits include the award-winning motion picture An Act of Defiance (2017) and the not-so-award winning Hard Target 2 (2016).

[Scriptfella]

🎥 FREE MASTERCLASS
Seven Screenwriting Mistakes Stopping You Getting an Agent

100% of agents and execs who fail to finish your script will pass. Join this free masterclass with WGA Screenwriter Dominic Morgan, where he will teach you how to eliminate the 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES that cause Hollywood agents and managers to stop reading your script. Spoiler alert: This isn’t about your plot, characters, logline, or story circles. And the first mistake is an absolute dealbreaker…

[siskavard]

One thing that I don't understand about all of this is, why is it that there is so much emphasis on making screenplays so "AMAZING!" "UNIQUE!" "EXCITING!" and yet 90% of the movies being made now are anything BUT all of that?

[storytellingdeconstructed]

Yes, love #5. We talk about this a lot. The key to great dialogue is to make every line do as many jobs as possible.
1. Move the plot along
2. Develop character
3. Be funny or interesting
4. Do exposition on backstory or worldbuilding
5. Establish tone and voice
It's impossible to have every line do all of these of course, but the more you can make each line do, the better. No line should just be accomplishing one thing.

[karellt]

Damn. Received permission to submit an action spec to an agent and came here. I sorta knew this info but it's good the way it was presented! 1st Page is crucial! Subscribed.

[viviensfilms]

Brilliant video. Every non professional writer needs to watch this clip to understand how important the first page is. You are a brilliant mentor, Dominic.

[mroctober]

Guess who's back. Back again. Scriptfellas back. Tell a friend.

[lanks]

You provide immense value. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[alangeorge]

I watched this video twice. This is probably the primary problem most scripts have, min, e included. Thanks for the inspirational insight<

[isaacruddell]

He's back he's back he's back and here to stay. For every hour of every minute of every day!!!

[tawdryhepburn]

Gotta admit… I have never heard that tidbit about the opening line of dialogue. Very obvious in retrospect, but somehow I have never heard it verbalized. Good shit!

[isabeldrean]

Wow! This is gold! Peter Lydon knows his stuff. This one should be watched a few times over. Thank you both for this.

[lucifitzpatrick]

It dropped early! 😄 Looking forward to watching this!

[saradinga]

Love this video... so good! Thank you, Dominic, for always providing your viewers with the best of the best screenwriting advice. And thank you, Peter Lydon, for taking time out of your schedule to provide insight on what gets you/directors hooked when reading a script. Much appreciated!

[craigwarren]

This video is a brilliant summary of what Dom's taught us over the past year. I'd recommend his consultancy to everyone.

[bazmurphy]

Welcome back sir. Really enjoy your content on here. It always gives me inspiration to sit back down and continue with my script.

[SecretAgent]

Great tips, as usual. Thank you, Scriptfella.

[MadKatBoss]

Scriptfella's videos are the kind I like before watching

[jamesparkes]

Such a great video. Please keep them coming!

[darthgamer]

Great Interview and insights, thanks for this material.

[geminijeff]

I wish you uploaded with more consistancy cause your content is absolutely amazing and I find your videos so inspirational, helpful, and honest. I just wish there was more lol.