Page One: ‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

Written by Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Here is the opening scene in the movie:

Note how this script includes camera shots and TITLES BEGIN. Notice, too, the scene numbers. That means this is a production draft. If you get to the point where your script is a production draft, you, too, can work with the director and include whatever camera shots and TITLE inserts the production team settles upon.

But not in your spec script. Avoid camera shots. Don’t include your idea for a credit sequence. Or do so knowing script readers and development executives will ding you as an amateur.

Page One is a daily Go Into The Story series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from the classic era to contemporary times. Comparing them is an excellent way to study a variety of writing styles and see how professional writers start a story.

For more Page One posts, go here.

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