Get them to turn the page.

Damien "La La Land" Chazelle's mantra is worth bearing in mind while you're writing your screenplay.

“Get them to turn the page, get them to turn the page, get them to turn the page.”

It's vital you tell your story through scenes that intrigue and entice the script reader onwards from page one to page two and so on. Hook us, grip us from the very first line, if you can. Readers are not obligated to like your script; you need to compel us to love it.

See how Chazelle opens Whiplash with the short scene between Andrew and Fletcher. Or the dance number in La La Land. They are intentional attention-grabbers.

I find many of my clients lose sight of the plain and simple fact that a story must entertain. If you don't entertain your first-line audience - the script reader - then your spec is not going to move its way up the chain.

And if you don't believe this, then YOU are living in La La Land!

It can be hard for the writer to judge their own writing with any real objectivity, which is one of the many reasons why script readers, script consultants and the like can be invaluable.

So if you'd like to benefit from my industry experience, craft insight and dedication to writer development, then please do get in touch anytime.