Meet & Greet
Compelling introductions for characters are a chance to make a lasting impression and set the tone for a character's journey throughout the story.
Take the time to think about how best to introduce your characters to the audience.
You might visually represent your character in a memorable way. Maybe through clothing, a distinctive prop, or a physical characteristic.
Actions can be a powerful way to convey personality and motivations. Consider what your character is doing and how it reflects who they are.
Dialogue can be a great way to reveal personality, motivations, and beliefs. Consider what your character says and how they say it.
Establishing your character in the context of their relationships can provide insight into your character and their place in the story.
Creating a sense of mystery can be a great way to hook your audience and make them want to learn more about the character.
Consider using some of these for that moment when the audience first meets not just your screenplay’s main character, but everyone else in the ensemble. You never get a second chance to make a first impression
MORE THAN A FEW EXAMPLES OF MEMORABLE MEET AND GREETS:
Mad Max: Fury Road - Furiosa is first introduced with a tight close-up of her eyes, surrounded by black grease paint, looking directly at the camera. This not only creates an immediate connection between her and the audience but also establishes her as a strong and determined character.
The Silence of the Lambs - Clarice Starling is first shown running through the FBI training course, establishing her as a capable and driven agent. The camera then focuses on her face, showing her determination and resolve as she begins her investigation into Buffalo Bill.
No Country for Old Men - Anton Chigurh is first introduced as he strangles a deputy with his own handcuffs, establishing him as a ruthless and dangerous character. The camera then pans up to show his face, revealing his cold and emotionless demeanor.
The Devil Wears Prada - Miranda Priestly is first shown in slow motion, walking down the hall with her coat flowing behind her, establishing her as a powerful and confident fashion editor. The camera then focuses on her face, revealing her commanding presence and sharp wit.
Inglourious Basterds - Hans Landa is first introduced sitting at a farmer's table, casually enjoying a glass of milk. The camera then zooms in on his face as he begins to interrogate the farmer, revealing his manipulative and sadistic nature.
Rebel Without a Cause - Jim Stark is first introduced in a police station, covered in dirt and bruises. The camera then shows a close-up of his face, revealing his vulnerability and inner turmoil.
Alien - Ellen Ripley is first introduced as she wakes from hypersleep, establishing her as a survivor and a strong-willed character. The camera then follows her as she goes through the ship, revealing her determination and resourcefulness.
Fight Club - Tyler Durden is first introduced in a brief flash, standing naked in front of a projection screen. The camera then shows a close-up of his face, revealing his enigmatic and charismatic personality.
Mad Men - Don Draper is first introduced as he is typing in his office, revealing his attention to detail and meticulous nature. The camera then shows him smoking a cigarette and looking out the window, establishing his cool and confident demeanor.
American Beauty - Lester Burnham is first introduced as he begins to narrate the film, revealing his disillusionment with his life and his desire for change. The camera then shows him in his office, surrounded by bland and soulless decorations, further emphasizing his dissatisfaction.
Back to the Future - The first time we see Marty McFly, he's playing his guitar at full volume in his bedroom, and we get a sense of his rebellious spirit right away.
The Silence of the Lambs - When we first meet Hannibal Lecter, he's confined to a prison cell, but his calm and collected demeanor, combined with his creepy stare, immediately make him an unforgettable character.
Breaking Bad - Jesse Pinkman’s first appearance in the show is as a drug dealer, but his snarky personality and streetwise charm instantly make him a fan favorite.
The Social Network - The opening scene of the movie shows Mark Zuckerberg in a crowded bar, obsessively trying to impress his ex-girlfriend with his intellectual prowess, setting the tone for his brilliant but socially awkward character.
Iron Man - Tony Stark’s introduction in the first Iron Man movie shows him as a cocky, self-assured billionaire, but his charm and wit make him instantly likable.
The Wire - Omar Little's first appearance on the show is as a feared stick-up man, but his unique moral code and Robin Hood-like approach to crime make him one of the most memorable characters on the series.
Pirates of the Caribbean - The first time we see Captain Jack Sparrow, he's sailing into port on a sinking ship, and his drunken swagger and offbeat charm immediately make him an iconic character.
Sex and the City - The opening sequence of the show shows Carrie Bradshaw walking down the streets of New York City in a tutu and high heels, setting the stage for her eccentric and fashion-forward personality.
True Detective - When we first meet Rust Cohle, he's a deeply troubled and brooding detective, but his philosophical musings and haunted past make him an unforgettable character.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Lisbeth Salander is first introduced in her apartment, surrounded by computers and hacking into a man's bank account, revealing her skills as a hacker.
The Godfather - Michael Corleone is first introduced at his sister's wedding, as the clean-cut and respectful son of a powerful mafia family, before revealing his dark side as he commits his first murder.
Mary Poppins - Mary Poppins descends from the sky, using her umbrella as a parachute, and lands perfectly in front of the Banks family.
Rocky - Rocky Balboa is first introduced as a small-time boxer, fighting in a dingy gym, and punching a bag so hard it breaks.
