How To Hook Your Reader In The First 5 Pages

Taught by Regina Lee

$199 $249

On Demand Class - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.

Rating   | Read reviews

Start Learning

Please make sure you use the same email address as the one you use to sign in to Stage 32, otherwise you won't have access to your webinar.
apply Your coupon will be applied after you agree to terms below.

- or -

$199.00
TOTAL PRICE:
Overlay Icon

Who Should Attend:

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to write a compelling first five pages of your screenplay to hook readers.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn what elements make the first five pages of a screenplay stand out.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the craft of screenwriting.

Producers who want to better understand how to engage audiences in the first five pages of a screenplay.

Actors who want to take control of their careers by writing a screenplay with an engaging first five pages.

This Next Level Education class has a 91% user satisfaction rate.

Class hosted by: Regina Lee

Producer - HBO, CBS, CW, FOX, Starz, CBS, BET

Regina Lee is a film and TV series producer and former studio executive who has worked with writers and talent of all levels to get their projects sold to studios and networks like HBO, FOX, BET, Lifetime, Starz, Universal Pictures, The CW, CBS and more.  he began her executive career at Universal Pictures, where she was the primary executive in charge of movies like THE FAST & THE FURIOUS 3, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, AMERICAN WEDDING, SEABISCUIT and more. Regina has a deep and accomplished history of elevating projects and helping them find success and understands what it takes for scripts to break through. Full Bio »

Summary

Learn what executives look for in the first five pages of your script from a producer whose worked with HBO, Universal, Fox, CBS and more!

 

The first five pages of your script are perhaps the most important of your entire story. Those initial pages must hook your reader from the very first word and entice them to follow you into the world your story has created. No matter the genre, those first five pages are key.  Whether you’re submitting your script to a screenwriting contest, a manager, an agent, a producer, or director, your job as a writer it to craft those pages in such a way that the reader is compelled to keep reading.  Whether you are writing your first script or your fiftieth, learning to make those first five pages sing is a critical skill.

Your instructor teaching you how to make your first 5 pages really pop is Regina Lee. Regina is a film and TV series producer and former studio executive who has worked with writers and talent of all levels to get their projects sold to studios and networks like HBO, FOX, BET, Lifetime, Starz, Universal Pictures, The CW, CBS and more. She began her executive career at Universal Pictures, where she was the primary executive in charge of movies like X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, THE FAST & THE FURIOUS 3, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, AMERICAN WEDDING, SEABISCUIT and more. Regina has a deep and accomplished history of elevating projects and helping writer's find success; because she's been both a producer and a studio executive, she understands what it takes for scripts to break through.

Over the course of three jam-packed sessions, Regina goes in depth on what NEEDS to happen in your script’s first five pages, what executives are looking for, the typical paradigms for a script’s opening, and how you can give executives what they want to see.

You will leave this class with a solid understanding of how to get your reader hooked in only 5 pages or less!

Purchasing gives you access to the previously-recorded live class. Although Regina is no longer reviewing the assignments, we still encourage all listeners to participate.


Praise for Regina’s Stage 32 Class

"Regina offers great insight. This class instantly made me a better writer.” -- David L.

"Thanks for a wonderful class! Your efforts have been amazing." --Heather F.

"Great class, very helpful and useful information."  --John R.

"I just re-wrote my first five pages based on this class and Regina's incredibly insightful feedback, and wow! What a difference it made. This class is a "must take" Stage 32'ers!" -- Shari F.

What You'll Learn

Part 1 - Introduction: Who is Your Reader & What Are They Thinking

Regina covers what readers are looking for when they read your material and what their considerations/criteria are as they evaluate the market viability of your project.

  • Regina will introduce herself to the class and talk about her experience in Film and TV.
  • She will go over who will be reading your script as you make your way into the major LA/NY studio and indie film systems and the Hollywood TV system.
  • The discussion will range from screenwriting contest readers, to managers and agents, to producers to financiers, to the actors and directors who bring value to a project.
  • You will learn what it’s like to sit on the other side of the table, which will help your own presentation and strategy.
  • Q&A with Regina

Part 2 - Effective Paradigms of a Script’s Opening

Regina goes over effective paradigms typically used to open scripts, including teaser openings, openings which set up the protagonist, openings which convey the backstory and mythology of a new world, and openings which are set-pieces unto themselves.

  • Regina will explain these paradigms by referencing popular movies and TV shows for clarity.
  • She will discuss genre expectations, using the opening to fully set-up the protagonist, and using the opening to establish tone.
  • She will also cover how to use the opening to set up protagonists that audiences can relate to and root for.
  • Then she will offer tips on how to better execute the elements that have been discussed.
  • Regina will also go over the previous week’s homework in class and analyze some projects that volunteers put forward for discussion.
  • Q&A with Regina

Part 3 - Analyzing Well-Executed Openings

Regina leads the class in analyzing several well-executed openings in both Film and TV, ranging in genre and tone.

  • Students will be given sample scripts of the first 5 pages of successful movies such as The 40 Year-Old Virgin, American Pie, American Beauty, and hit TV show pilots such as The Strain and Grey’s Anatomy.
  • The class will discuss the first 5-10 minutes of movies/shows like Jaws, Jerry Maguire, and Friends.
  • Students will also be given the first 5 pages of a few well-written scripts that have sold to studios, but have not yet been produced.
  • Regina will go over the previous week’s homework in class, which will involve class members writing their own 5-page openings. 
  • Q&A with Regina

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is available on-demand. The opportunity to learn from an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. 

  • This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn how to hook your reader in the first 5 pages of your screenplay. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
  • This class consists of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration. In addition to the presentation-style lessons, you will have the opportunity to listen to the original Q&A.

 

About Your Instructor

Regina Lee is a film and TV series producer and former studio executive who has worked with writers and talent of all levels to get their projects sold to studios and networks like HBO, FOX, BET, Lifetime, Starz, Universal Pictures, The CW, CBS and more.  he began her executive career at Universal Pictures, where she was the primary executive in charge of movies like THE FAST & THE FURIOUS 3, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, AMERICAN WEDDING, SEABISCUIT and more. Regina has a deep and accomplished history of elevating projects and helping them find success and understands what it takes for scripts to break through.

FAQs

Q: What is the format of a class?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 2 to 4 week ongoing broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the class software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The class software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer 

Q: What if I cannot attend the live class?
A: If you cannot attend a live class and purchase an On-Demand class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the class afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of a live or On-Demand class, you will have on-demand access to the audio recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like for a whole year!

Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.
 

Reviews Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Other education that may be of interest to you:

How To Build Your Pitch Deck For Success At AFM & MIPCOM

A NEW EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR Early Bird Sale - Take 20% Off Learn what it takes to build a pitch deck that lands financing and distribution at the major markets from an executive producer who has successfully produced and sold 25 films with this process. Your pitch deck is the business plan for your creative endeavors and it’s one of the most critical tools for accessing partnerships and financing for your film or television project at AFM, MIPCOM and all the film and television markets.  With the American Film Market (AFM) and International Market of Communications (MIPCOM) fast approaching, you’ll need your pitch deck perfected before approaching the countless production, financing, and distribution companies you’ll be meeting at these events. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn how to build a pitch deck that will tell the industry players your story, why they should invest in it, and why it has incredible financial potential. Winning over any company and investor requires you to get them to fall in love with your story while showing them a realistic overview of the potential return on their investment. Taking you through this vital information is Light Year Pictures Executive Producer and Head of Distribution, Michelle Alexandria. Michelle has over 20 years of working in sales and distribution, with 25 features produced for $6 million and under. Previously, she was the Head of International Sales and Acquisitions for Glasshouse Distribution. She knows what producers and investors at festivals and markets are looking for, having regularly attended and spoken at festivals around the world, including AFM, MIPCOM, Berlin, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and Cannes. This webinar will show you everything you must include in your pitch deck and how to build it so that the people reading stay engaged with the material and you. Michelle is exclusively sharing with you professional pitch decks that helped her secure financing to make her films and successfully sell them by featuring engaging stories and realistic expectations. Don’t wait to learn from an industry veteran with proven success and build your pitch deck today.

Stage 32’s Women In The Room - Breaking In As TV Writer!

Stage 32 is dedicated to diversity and toward seeing that the imbalance of female creatives finding work changes permanently. That is why we are proud to present our Women In The Room series and the first installment Breaking In As a TV Writer! You can join this live webinar for FREE! It continues to be Stage 32's mission to give you access to this incredible information and talent working in the industry. Hosted by the Script Coordinator for FOX's Shots Fired, Courtney Smith, Women In The Room - is designed to show you how to break in and get paid as a television writer. Joining Courtney will be Sonia Kharkar, Showrunner's Assistant of such acclaimed programs as FOX's The Mindy Project and NBC's The Blacklist, Nicole Ranadive, Staff Writer for TNT's The Librarians and Script Coordinator for FOX's Sleepy Hollow, Solange Morales, a Writer's Assistant on FOX's Shots Fired, and Nicole Brides Ockman, a Script Coordinator for FOX's Blindspot If you’re interested in taking the first step toward landing a job in a TV writer’s room these ladies will give you advice on breaking in, breaking story and navigating the politics and personalities. We’ll go over what to expect once you’re in an assistant or script coordinator role – the good, the bad and the sleepless – straight from the dynamic ladies who help keep the train on the tracks. Plus, we’ll open up the floor so you can ask questions during a Q&A session at the end. With more television being created just about everywhere, this is actionable information for everyone, no matter where you live in the world! Your accomplished instructors are: Sonia Kharkar - Showrunner's Assistant - FOX's The Mindy Project - NBC's The Blacklist Sonia began her career at WME and moved on to be a showrunner's assistant for ABC's The Blacklist and now is a showrunner's assistant for Mindy Kalig on The Mindy Project. Nicole Ranadive - Staff Writer - TNT's The Librarians, Script Coordinator - FOX's Sleepy Hollow Nicole has been active in the TV industry for years having worked in various writing positions on 24, Everybody Loves Raymond, Hawaii Five-O, Smallville and Dawson's Creek. Solange Morales - Writer's Assistant - FOX's Shots Fired Solange is currently a writer's assistant on FOX's Shots Fired. She started at Fox Searchlight Pictures as an assistant to screenwriters, producers and directors for the feature films Notorious and The Secret Life of Bees. Her next stop was the world of documentaries, casting her as associate producer of ESPN’s One Night in Vegas, a doc chronicling the parallel lives of undisputed heavyweight boxing champ, Mike Tyson and iconic rapper, Tupac Shakur.    Melissa Brides Ockman - Script Coordinator - NBC's Blindspot Melissa is currently the Script Coordinator for NBC's Blindspot. From New York, Melissa graduated from City University of New York-Hunter College with a Bachelor's degree in Film, Cinema and Video Studies.   

NYC: Stage 32 + Raindance Saturday Film School - In Person Class

We all know that America is bursting with talented filmmakers. Are you an independent filmmaker, cinema or digital media student, D-I-Y filmmaker or videographer? Do you have great ideas, a few skills and few filmmaking friends? Maybe you can shoot a short movie, but can you finance one, find an audience to watch it, or promote and sell it? Raindance Film Festival Founder and social media maverick Elliot Grove comes to New York to bring a fresh look at breaking into the film industry to get your movie made and seen by others. Elliot has produced over 700 short films, 6 features and trained thousands of new and emerging filmmakers around the world. Discover how to use the Raindance method and social media to build audiences, source financing and screen films. CHARGE YOUR SMARTPHONES! Join @stage32 and @RaindanceNYC and #IndieFilmNYC for this information-packed one-day seminar. DOORS OPEN at 9:15 am.

The Key Materials You Need To Gain An Investor's Trust

Learn directly from Sara Elizabeth Timmins, who was on the producing team of HBO's McMillions with Mark Wahlberg Do you ever feel worried that you don’t have the experience or credits to close on financing with an investor for your projects? Do you stop yourself from reaching out to dream partners because you don’t think they would want to work with you? The truth is Hollywood is filled with people who started without contacts or credits but managed to sell themselves and their projects as worthwhile, and you can too. The key to hooking an investor and making them comfortable working with you is establishing trust and credibility in a meeting or pitch. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, producer Sara Elizabeth Timmins will show you how she uses her ability to exude confidence and establish strong relationships to attract millions of dollars from investors to make her projects go. You will learn how to build credibility in meetings, you will learn the seven things you can do to stand out and impress investors, and be given proven tips and tricks to gain trust, even if this is your first film. Sara Elizabeth will also give you her favorite hack to establish clout and confidence and show you the value of being honest without losing investors. Sara Elizabeth is a top producer and founder of Live Life Out Loud Films, where she creates quality, inspiring films that champion women. Her films have been seen theatrically, internationally, and on HBO, Hallmark Channel, Starz, and Showtime. She has worked with talented actors, including Academy Award winners Ellen Burstyn and Chris Cooper, Jane Seymour, Josh Lucas, and Mackenzie Foy, among others. She recently produced MCMILLIONS, an HBO docu-series, for Mark Wahlberg’s company which premiered at Sundance in 2020 and is currently in development on several feature films and series. By the end of this webinar, you’ll have the know-how to establish an environment that makes your investor feel like your project is the one they can’t pass up. From mindset to preparation to knowing what to say and how to behave, you will have proven techniques to gain investors trust and attention to set your films up for success.

Introduction to Drone Cinematography: Everything You Need to Know To Get Started

Aerial images go back to when hot air balloons first went up in the 1700s, but the use of aerial images has exploded in the 21st century with the now ubiquitous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, better known as drones. In very little time, drone photography has become widely—perhaps too widely—used in countless films, television shows, commercials, and other media projects. And along with this wide adoption of drones has come a demand for those who can successfully and artfully operate them. This presents a potentially lucrative and rewarding opportunity for cinematographers looking to expand their reach and build their skill set. Yet with the clear overuse of drone photography in media today, each to varying effects, it’s evident that not all drone shots are created equal, and standing out requires a deeper level of skills. Adding drone cinematography to your film, tv or new media project can breathe new life into shots that may, in the past, have cost your budget heavily to rent the necessary equipment to get. In the same way, finding success with drones requires more than knowing simply how to pilot one; a cinematographer needs to have the eye and well-developed instincts and they need to understand how to work with clients and artists to get those perfect shots. It's important to know that the term ‘drone operator’ is often used for those that use these vehicles to capture video or images, but just as cinematographers are never simply referred to as ‘tripod operators’, neither should anyone simply be seen as a ‘drone operator’. A drone is just a new way to place the camera in incredibly exciting places, a tool in a tool belt. Better understanding the steps that can take you to this point can prove exciting and promising for a cinematographer’s career. Chris Tangey is one of the most sought after drone cinematographers in the world. His impressive career as a cinematographer has him working for Netflix, Warner Bros. Columbia Tristar, BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, Lonely Plant and more. He recently won "Best Aerial Cinematography" in the European Cinematography Awards, and both "Best Drone" and "Best Scenography" In the New York International Film Awards. He was also awarded a Jury Commendation in the World Drone Awards in Siena Italy. He has 2 Gold and 4 silver awards from the Australian Cinematographers Society. Chris has quickly become a leader in the field of aerial imagery and is ready to share what he knows exclusively with the Stage 32 community. Chris will give you the knowledge and tools to get you started to becoming a successful aerial cinematographer. He’ll begin by giving a brief introduction on drone photography, offering a history and understanding of what exactly drones, as well as how they have affected the current state of helicopter-based cinematography. He’ll explain the benefits and exciting potential of drone cinematography and how that has come into play in media today. He’ll lay out how drones and drone photographers work within small and large productions and their crews. Next Chris will give a rundown of how drones work, what the main types of drones are, what the main drone manufacturers are, and what the notable parts of a drone are. He’ll explain what features are offered for different drones and what features are needed for different types of projects. He’ll also give tips on where to buy your own drone as well as how to obtain a licence to legally operate them. Chris will then outline the safety and legal aspects of operating drones. He will teach you the governmental rules and regulations in most countries, including vertical separation rules and how both controlled and uncontrolled aerodromes are treated. He’ll give you tips on how to navigate these rules while still working with your clients and how to understand what your licence gives you the right to do. He’ll also provide strategies to work within the confines and limits to still get the shots you need as well as strategies to keep yourself and your crew safe. Chris will go over how to break into the industry as an aerial cinematographer. He’ll explain the current marketplace and help outline what level of the marketplace you should be targeting. He’ll give you tips on how to build a reel and display your ability to find opportunities and will teach you how to find and stick to your rate, including ways to not undercut the market, manage value-added rates, and offset licence rights against day rates. Chris will even offer case studies from his own career to demonstrate how best to work with clients and get the shots you’re after. Expect to leave with the knowledge and confidence you need to kick start your own aerial cinematography career. "My career as a cinematographer has been “elevated" greatly by incorporating drones and knowing how to use them properly to get the best possible shot. I'm so excited to share my experiences with the Stage 32 community and give everyone the knowledge to use this powerful tool to their creative and financial advantage" -Chris Tangey

Fix the Script: Rewrite Your Half Hour TV Pilot with SILICON VALLEY writer Meghan Pleticha

**Only 5 Spots Left**   Get Guidance in Rewriting and Improving Your Half Hour Pilot Script with Experienced TV Writer Meghan Pleticha (SILICON VALLEY) Support Your Fellow Writers As You All Work Together To Hone Your Scripts   Before you send your half-hour TV pilot to that representative or exec, is the story in the very best place it can be? Rewrites are truly where a good script becomes exceptional. Yet too often, writers neglect to review their scripts because they don’t want to kill their darlings or reshape their scenes. If you’re truly serious about getting your own series and vision off the ground, though, it won’t happen until you invest in rewriting your work. Meghan Pleticha is television writer with ten years of entertainment industry experience who has most recently worked as a staff writer on HBO’s Emmy nominated comedy series SILICON VALLEY. Her work has also appeared on Cartoon Network’s POWER PLAYERS, and in Escala, AeroMéxico’s official in-flight magazine. Previous to being staffed on television shows, she worked as a writer’s assistant and script coordinator for shows like FX’s MARRIED, ABC’s CHARITY CASE, and VH1’s HIT THE FLOOR. Over 8 weeks, Meghan will help you rewrite your own half hour pilot script by walking you through the entire process and offering support and mentoring throughout. Using her own unique and tested rewrite process as well as a series of thought through and tested homework assignments and exercises, she will help you tackle your own project the right way and leave with a stronger pilot script than what you started with.

register for stage 32 Register / Log In