A cold open is an introductory scene that precedes a film or show's opening credits. Often, it's used to set up the general story arc, or theme of a particular episode.

A cold open can be an effective way of establishing story, character or theme and is a surefire way to keep an audience hooked. It can bring the audience directly into a story world, whilst ensuring they want to keep exploring this story world.

Should You Use a Cold Open?

Avoid using a cold open if its only function is to add excitement to the first ten pages of your screenplay. The best cold opens are essential to the telling of the overall story, both in terms of form and content.

The Cold Open: Starting Your Screenplay With a Bang

Whether you write for film or TV, a cold open can provide a vital and dynamic way into your screenplay. They say that in the business, nobody will read past the first ten pages if they aren’t interested in what they see. Much in the same way, the first five to ten minutes of runtime can mean the difference between a viewer sticking through to the end or going back to the Netflix homepage. Those five to ten pages or

Members only

This article continues in our Members Area

Join SCREENWRITING: EVOLVED for full access to 700+ guides, whitepapers, the script library, industry interviews and much more.

Join SCREENWRITING: EVOLVED — just $9.99/month

Cancel any time · No commitment