The first 10 pages of your screenplay are key in keeping your reader engaged. Here are five key elements that need to be included and well executed within your first 10 pages.

A screenplay is only as good as its characters. A great character can breath life into your words, but building that character takes time and a keen attention to detail.

A logline is the essence of your screenplay (character, want, and obstacle) written in a clear, concise and creative way, ideally between 20—30 words.

A sequence is a self-contained portion of the story, usually about 10 to 15 minutes (pages) in length. It has its own tension (not the main tension, but related in some way) and it has its own beginning, middle, and end.

The first sequence is the most important part of the written script. Remember, readers are looking for any excuse NOT TO READ, so you must grab their attention full throttle and get them turning pages quick.

The second sequence revealing new layers within the Protagonist, clarifies more Rules of the World, and continues the Status Quo. Additional characters are also introduced: both friends and rivals.

Scene headings, also called "slug lines", should paint a specific and concise picture of the scene at hand.

Action refers to descriptions of what happens visually, including physical and psychological movement.