Opening Scene

[arrodiii]

Good evening all,

I am wondering if you all have any idea if there is a "rule" or a standard amount of time for the opening scene to be prior to the Title/Opening Credit Sequence? The reason why I am wondering is the initial part where I want to have the opening credits appear is pretty far along and the next logical place I could think of putting it is around page nine - is this still too far along in the story?

I know Trainspotting takes a bit of time (approximately 5 minutes) before the Title Sequence appears, but other than that I can't think of any other movies that takes this long to get there.

I'll appreciate any thoughts or advice that you can provide.


Thanks, Adam.

 

[cameramonkey]

I'm just gunna throw this out there...

It's your movie, what's the fun in making it if you can't do what you want with it, even if that means bending a rule or two?

 

[Cracker Funk]

If you're writing it and directing it, put it wherever the heck you want. If you're just writing it, I don't think that's your decision to make.

 

[arrodiii]

@CM - Good point, though I want to have credits in at some point that doesn't mess with the flow of the story and I don't want to go old school (or like in Irreversible) and show all the credits at the beginning.

@CF - I would love to direct it and am writing it with notes how I would though this is my first attempt at writing a screenplay and I'm still just trying to figure things out so I'd like to see if I were to sell it, if there is a set page number where they would go before it being thrown in the trash

 

[directorik]

Both are correct.

If you are writing this script to send out as a sample of your
writing or to sell then do not write in a credit sequence. If you
are going to be making this film yourself, then you can place the
credit sequence anywhere you want. There is no rule or standard.
Place it where it fits for you.

 

[Papertwinproductions]

Riks got it.


"Pulp fiction" is another, beginning with introducing the thieves in the restaurant discussing their next move, and simultaneously showing again the depth of the characters from Tarrantino .

 

[barnaclelapse]

Anywhere except right after the end credits should be fine.

 

[arrodiii]

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the feedback, as I said before this is all brand new to me. It seems that I should just move my title/opening credits sequence back to my outline, though at some point before the end credits.