Do you remember? We used to select the book for reading during our library lecture; yes, you got it correct, we would look for the most beautiful book on the shelf and decide that for our library reading class. Similarly, studio executives, producers, and managers have read hundreds of screenplays yearly. So, what trick will let your screenplay pass this screening test? A secret within the first ten magical and vital pages of your script or screenplay decides whether the play will get into the actions or the rejection pile.
The secret of first 10 pages of screenplay :
The secret to the first ten pages starts with the identification process of CDQ (CENTRAL DRAMATIC QUESTION). Here is a set of questions with answers that will redirect the reader to the heart and soul of the script. In fact, including these questions keeps the reader interested and engaged for a little longer as the questions are answered here in a proper format, which helps them save their decision-making time.
What is central Dramatic Question in screenplay
The Central Dramatic Question is designed or set up, so they are understood well within the 3 acts. The third act answers everything, the second act explores things, and the first act includes the detailed setup and the pose. The film which answers these questions and is narrated properly surely grabs the audience’s attention and doesn’t let it fade away even for a moment. The moment all the central dramatic questions are answered, it’s time that one needs to wrap up their narration, and the audience is set free.
Why central Dramatic Question Important
Until we reach the 10th page of the screenplay, the Central dramatic questions have to be posed interestingly; now, why in an exciting way? Because if you fail to do so and the reader feels bored, as if the questions are still left unresolved, there are high chances that they won’t continue. The same level of interestingness, and most importantly, keeping the reader interested and ensuring that the questions are resolved in all the acts. If the question remains unresolved and is not under the first ten pages, then, in even any one Act, it doesn’t matter how well you have narrated or scripted the most beautiful scenes between two-act; it won’t be considered. But here is another side too, if the audience is interested they will read your entire play.
What can be done to make Central Dramatic Question interesting?
So what can be done within the first ten pages that won’t make our reader get bored that easily? The writer can load the first ten pages with many actions and amazing and unique starting events, which could be the best way to keep a reader interested. But this is very common practice, and if the readers are well aware of the same, they will prefer to give it a second thought before reading. Whenever we talk about some movies, let’s take Harry Potter, for example, people are still interested in knowing some of its unknown facts; why? The reason is that the people have formed great emotional bonding with that character, which can turn out to be the most powerful tool for keeping our readers interested in the story for a longer time.
Yeah! That’s the secret to the first ten pages forming a homily, emotional, caring bonding with the character of the screenplay or the script and the reader. Making a screenplay that readers can easily relate to can be much closer to them than any fictional action movie.
We can create certain situations wherein the character is in some problem that will be easily relatable to the user, and this will help develop a great bond of life, care, and emotion.
By following all the above tips and tricks, you will level up your screenplay and be selected too.
Tool to crack the first 10 pages of screenplay
To have an amazing screenplay with everything just being normal yet perfect needs an amazing tool like StudioVity.
Having a well-constructed script with its screenplay is essential, but so is having perfect software is much more important. It makes it easier for the director, and crew members to read and short. Finding good Screenplay writing software can be a hassle. However, you can now enjoy an easy scriptwriting experience devoid of syntax or financial hassle only on StudioVity, a web, mobile-based, cross-platform screenwriting application.
One of the most exciting features is Beat Board, index card, and quick notes on the go. You can write your script by just adding a document. As an added bonus, you may import a screenplay written in another programme and have it automatically condense the scene, dialogue, and character names. You can (download pdf, fountain, txt)add your cast and crew, call sheets, payment breakdown, standard report (PDF format), and shareable links to your production team—some great articles and blogs about movies, production, screenplay, and many more. Besides the app being safe, importing and exporting files is much easier. You can also chat through the app and get recommendations and share ideas with others.
