Screenplay Structure: Sequence One

The first sequence of your screenplay is the most important part of the written script. Remember, the reader is looking for any excuse NOT TO READ, so you must grab their attention full throttle and get them turning pages quick. There are a few exceptions, but for the great majority of screenplays you only have about 12 to 15 pages to do this, depending on the genre, and there is a lot to accomplish in those precious beginning pages:
(1) Establish TONE, do it quick and early. Be consistent. (2) Establish your PROTAGONIST, and he/she must be interesting and empathetic, with clearly defined flaws. It is not essential for the main character to be likable or sympathetic, but it always helps. (3) Establish the WORLD OF THE STORY (and any World RULES that go along with it). (4) Establish the STATUS QUO of your central character's life. (5) Set up the DRAMATIC PREMISE of the story. (5) Usually ending with the INCITING INCIDENT, although this first major plot point can sometimes appear earlier in the sequence.
The Script Lab
thescriptlab.com
Sequences
tsl.cm/8sequences
Hosted by Michael Schilf

[@notneverfilms8734]

Thanks for these videos. I'm shocked they don't have 1,000s of comments

[@funtertainment2128]

The Script lab is the space for the Intellectuals, So cherish that we aren't surrounded by unnecessary words of wisdom.

[@Michaelmuq]

Great videos, you are a great teacher. Blessings 🙌

[@bunnycolumbus]

Amazing is a very low word to describe your work. This comment is for all the script videos. I keep watching them multiple times and they teach a new point everytime.

[@shrikunplugged413]

Thanks a lot team for doing such a commendable work..keep up the good work

[@gRosh08]

Again, thanks for sharing.

[@RakeshKumar-fc5ue]

Where is other 6 sequences

[@neilamadhava]

Thanks for these videos - they are really clear with great examples.
I've just finished my first feature script - but it's weird as the genre pretty much changes half way through from Kitchen Sink drama to balls-to-the-wall action thriller. Is there a reason this doesn't normally happen - and will it detract audiences/funders if I sell it on both genres rather than one?

[@howardkoor2796]

Great insight

[@joeygonzo]

This is why writing non-linear scripts is the norm now. I think. Take Michael Clayton for example. Or American Sniper.

[@cocoytv1]

Wondering if it´s a good idea to insert a non related scene in between a sequence. For instance a guy who´s situation has already been set up, the conflict presented but instead on going directly into the sequence resolution, to insert a subplot scene or something not directly related to the sequence structure ?.

[@joannkelly7994]

Thank you.

[@gauravpatil9652]

Sequence 1
Tone
Genre
Intros
Status Quo
World
Situation
Inciting
Out of Order

[@jamieitzy]

Great Advice, but its super annoying and I find myself pausing the video every few seconds to read the text on the screen which does not carry the same message as the voice ?? is this proper?

[@sydneywellington22]

you have to read faster.

[@bunnycolumbus]

True. I did the same. But where is the fun in not working hard for what we want.

[@ArnavRanadeKingOfArnavlandia]

ok, is it a good idea to have my first sequence with none of my main characters, but just good guys fighting my main antagonist and the main plot point of my movie?

[@suiito-kun5222]

no

[@bunnycolumbus]

@@suiito-kun5222 No seems fair as the idea didn't seem to introduce anything. But i want to know if my explaination is wrong. Could you please explain your point of view?

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@suiito-kun5222 please explain your point of view.