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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  My Work In Progress  /  Thoughts on the opening of my pilot?
Posted by: CoastalMainer, May 3rd, 2023, 8:31am
Hey scrawlx101,

An interesting read so far. I think the prospect of a young woman falling from the Heaven's is a fun way to get the reader to turn the pages. You might want to describe the woman now that you've introduced her. With a name like Sheba, I'm imagining her to be very alluring. Don't miss that opportunity to hook  the reader.

The action needs some work, but that's usually where we all need to shine. That said, there are some simple things you could clean up to make it an easier read.  I'm no expert, but redundancy is distracting and needs to be avoided for a smoother read. A few examples below that you might want to consider during your next revision.

The fireball erupts and hits the car.
An explosion erupts from behind the young man.


could be:
The fireball COLLIDES with a parked car and the FIERY EXPLOSION scorches John's skin. He SCREAMS in agony.     

John opens his eyes, he rubs his eyes as clambers to his
feet.


could be:
John opens, and then rubs his eyes as he clambers to his feet.


EXT. COUNCIL ESTATE - HOUSE - DAY
Tremont pushes open the gate and steps into the gate.


could be:
Tremont pushes open the gate and steps inside.


That said, I'd read more, once you have it. I'm wondering where she's from and how she speaks English, (then again, if she's sent here on a mission, that might have been part of her training).
Posted by: AlsoBen, May 6th, 2023, 6:07pm; Reply: 1
Agree with CoastalMainer's suggestions re: some of the awkward action descriptions.

I laughed out loud at your first dialogue line - "Come back here pussyhole!" - which I don't know was your intention? It's just such a childish and bowlderised word, and unless it's meant to be funny or strange on purpose, it's probably too distracting to be an opening line.

Hard to have much to say so early on in the plot - I think once you've broken in to the later acts might have more feedback re: the narrative. At the moment it's cleanly written for the most part, especially for a first draft.
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