Only Time You Get To Read A Screenplay Is The First Time

Harsh Truths and Tips for Black Filmmakers on Making an Impact from Page One

In the world of screenwriting, there’s a phrase that resonates deeply: “The only time you get to read a screenplay is the first time.” For Black filmmakers, this truth is amplified by the challenges we face in breaking into an industry that often overlooks our stories and voices. The reality is simple but harsh: you only get one chance to make that first impression count. When your screenplay lands on someone’s desk, especially as a Black creative, those initial pages are your only shot to capture attention and prove your worth.

Let’s dive into how you can make the most of that first read, focusing on the crucial benchmarks of page one, page five, and the all-important page ten. But first, it’s essential to understand why these moments matter.

The Harsh Reality of Being a Black Filmmaker

Breaking into the film industry is difficult for anyone, but Black creatives often face an added layer of scrutiny. There’s an unspoken expectation that we need to be twice as good to even get half as far. This reality is not just a cliché but a lived experience for many filmmakers of color. The first few pages of a screenplay often determine whether a script gets passed around the office or tossed aside. It’s not just about a strong start; it’s about proving from the outset that your voice deserves to be heard, your story deserves to be told, and you have the talent to back it up.

Page One: Make It Impossible to Look Away

The first page of your screenplay is your handshake. It sets the tone, reveals your style, and promises what’s to come. For Black filmmakers, page one should be impactful, unique, and loaded with a voice that cannot be ignored.

Tip for Page One: Start with a Bang Your first line should be intriguing, creating immediate questions in the reader’s mind. Whether it’s a captivating piece of dialogue, a bold image, or a provocative action, the first words on the page should make the reader lean in. Don’t waste precious space on unnecessary descriptions or backstory. Show the world of your story through action and subtext from the first sentence.

Page Five: Cement the Interest

By the time a reader reaches page five, they’ve formed an initial opinion. The fifth page is where you solidify their interest. This is where your protagonist should be introduced in a way that is memorable and relatable. For Black filmmakers, ensuring that your characters are vivid and real is crucial. Representation matters, and this is your chance to show layered, complex characters that defy stereotypes.

Tip for Page Five: Establish Stakes and Character Introduce what’s at stake for your main character by page five. It doesn’t have to be the full plot, but there should be enough for the reader to understand why they should care about this person’s journey. Use this page to hint at the protagonist’s drive or vulnerability—something that makes them unforgettable.

Page Ten: Seal the Deal

Page ten is the threshold where many readers decide whether to keep going or set your script aside. This is where your inciting incident should occur, propelling the story forward and making the reader commit to the ride. It’s not just about what happens but how it happens. The voice, dialogue, and pacing should sing on page ten. For Black filmmakers, this page should showcase your unique storytelling perspective and prove that your script is more than just another read—it’s an experience.

Tip for Page Ten: Deliver the Inciting Incident By page ten, the reader should know what sets the story in motion. This is where you upend the protagonist’s world and set them on their journey. Make sure this moment is powerful and clear, leaving no doubt that the real story begins now.

My Honest Message: We, the Creatives, Always Survive

It’s not easy out there. The future for Black filmmakers is filled with barriers, biases, and setbacks. But despite the odds, we continue to create, inspire, and push forward. The path may be steep, but remember: the world needs our stories, our perspectives, and our voices.

The harsh truth is that you only get one read, one chance to impress. But with a strong opening, an engaging first act, and an unwavering belief in your vision, you can make that read count. We, the Black creatives, have always survived. We take our one shot and turn it into a legacy.

Keep pushing, keep writing, and know that your voice is not just valuable—it’s necessary. The future is tough, but we are tougher. We got this.