I know I want a gripping opening scene and have written one but it is very short (1 page). Should I add more to it? Is it possible for a scene to really be “gripping” when it’s that short?

I think short opening scenes can sometimes hit the nail harder than extended ones. The below is Goodfella's, just over a minute, and it bangs!

Trigger warning - it's violent, if you haven't seen it.

https://youtu.be/84N3lqaNXTE        

One page is fine

Well my wife is always trying to reassure me that it’s not the size but how you use it.

Conversely, my hairdresser Carlos always says bigger is better but don’t rush to climax. He likes them dark too apparently.

I hope that helps.

Well, there's a flip side to it as well. When scripts are only a page long, they may lack the necessary context to understand why something is happening or what's really going on. This can lead to expressing just an event with no real substance to it.

I'd say it would depend on the genre. And, a one-page would not so much have a plot - as what the story would carry itself and conclude with such.

The OP, from what I gather, was talking about about an opening scene of a page long, not a one page script.

A gripping opening scene is crucial for capturing the audience's attention, and the length of the scene isn't the sole determinant of its impact. While a one-page scene can indeed be gripping, it's essential to evaluate whether it accomplishes what you intend for the opening.

Here are some considerations:

Purpose and Impact:
Assess whether the scene effectively achieves its purpose. Does it establish a compelling tone, introduce a central conflict or mystery, or create intrigue?
A gripping scene should make the audience eager to learn more or invest emotionally in the story.

Balancing Conciseness and Detail:
A short scene can be powerful if it conveys a lot in a concise manner. However, ensure that there's enough detail to set the stage and engage the audience.
Consider whether adding a bit more detail, without sacrificing pace, could enhance the scene.

Setting the Tone:
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire script. Ensure that the tone aligns with the genre and overall mood you want to convey.
If your scene is suspenseful or action-packed, make sure it effectively communicates that to the audience.

Engagement and Questions:
A gripping scene often raises questions in the audience's mind, encouraging them to keep reading or watching to find answers.
Evaluate whether your scene sparks curiosity and a desire to know what happens next.

Consideration of Story Structure:
Think about how the opening scene fits into the broader story structure. It should smoothly transition into the next scenes and acts, creating a cohesive narrative.

Reader/Viewer Experience:
Put yourself in the shoes of your audience. Does the scene draw you in? Does it make you want to continue reading or watching?

If possible, get feedback from others to gauge their reactions.
If, after considering these points, you feel that your one-page scene achieves its goals and effectively grips the audience, there might be no need to add more simply for the sake of length. Quality and impact are often more important than quantity. However, always be open to refining and enhancing your work based on feedback and your own creative instincts.

Learn more here:  https://www.twelvept.com.