The first 10 pages of a script must not only grab
our interest — and a studio reader’s — but
literally “set the table” for your story. The first 10
pages is where we meet your hero and show his world. In addition to
setting up “where we are and who we’re rooting
for,” this is the part of the script where you set up
‘the problem.” Every story has to have a problem
— this is where you introduce yours.
During the Set-Up, consider setting up your hero
“at Home, at Work, and at Play.” Even though not every
story has these scenes exactly, it must in some form. Think about
the Set-Up for Russell Crowe in Gladiator: At work, he’s a
great Roman General; at home, his wife is waiting; at play, the
after-party of his troops’ Teutonic victory reveals the depth
of friendship for him in the ranks. These “at’s”
show a hero’s life.
