What are your guys' thoughts on cold opens vs having a teaser?
Screenwriting : Cold open or Teaser for 1hr drama by Byron Q.
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Byron, that would depend on what vision you have but both are good.
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In the US, a Cold Open is just another name for a Teaser.
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if you don't believe me: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheTeaser?from=Main.ColdOpen
Regina, have an idea if it's different in other places?
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These are English-language terms, which I used in a US market context. I do not know how other countries with their own languages/jargon define these terms in a non-US context. I made it clear that I was only speaking in a US context: "In the US, a Cold Open is just another name for a Teaser."
Conrad and Byron, for you both, a Cold Open is not the same thing as a Teaser. If you have time, please let us know how they are defined in your countries. I enjoy learning about non-US markets.
Well, Regina, my country is not so much into films and I really don't like watching most of the Nigerian films they produce. I just read from articles and blogs and by definition, I don't see any difference so far. That's why I asked if they were different.
Regina, an established writer, from the US, used that term, so now I'm a bit confused. What would be the term to use for "no teaser"?
Sorry to hear you're confused. No Teaser = start with Act 1.
Wikipedia says: A cold open (also called a teaser) in a television program or movie is the technique of jumping directly into a story at the beginning or opening of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.
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Here's an example of "No Teaser." Please note that I haven't checked the example at all, and I can't vouch for the accuracy of this webpage. I'm just using this link to show that No Teaser means you start with Act 1. http://resources.screenwritersuniversity.com/resources/the-five-act-60-m...
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In fact, I think the info on CASTLE from that link is now out-dated or simply incorrect. They break down CASTLE as 5 acts, but I'm pretty sure ABC has moved CASTLE to a 6-act structure. Again, please only use that link to see that shows with No Teaser start with Act 1.