Portfolio Project: Film Opening Script

Scripts are essential in filmmaking and are the foundation of every movie. They are the blueprint that tell the cast and crew what the storyline, dialogue, and action is supposed to look like. They ensure that the production of the film runs smoothly and adds specific instructions for shots, scenes, lighting, etc. They also help the entire crew to understand the vision and intention behind a film, ensuring that the final product fits what was intended in its creation.

When creating the script for our film opening, my partner and I made sure that we included all details that will help us when we are filming. This included character actions and feelings, angles/shots, filming techniques, transitions, etc.

Below is the finished script for our thriller film opening: The Seventh Lie

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

The sun is setting on the front porch of the house, as the moon settles in the sky. The neighborhood is quiet, with crickets and other natural sounds coming to life.

INT. HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Close-up of mom walking towards the record player, as she turns it on and begins playing classical music. Cut to Verena walking down a dark upstairs hallway, faint sounds of classical music heard from downstairs, and notices a soft glow from inside the bathroom. She steps closer and looks through the crack of the slightly open door, and watches as ‘Janus’ stands before the mirror, drawing a birthmark on his cheek. Confused, she steps back and walks down the hallway for dinner. The camera unfocuses from her frame and zooms in for a close-up on a family picture hanging on the wall, focusing on the original brother. The credit scene begins.

CREDIT SCENE

A sequence of quick shots of different picture frames around the house with family photos including the real Janus. Abrupt switches of family photos to uncanny photos of the replacement Janus. Classical music plays in the back. Switching back and forth from dinner with original Janus to replacement Janus, slowly getting quicker, until it stops abruptly on a wide shot of the dinner with replacement Janus. The title appears on screen simultaneously (The Seventh Lie).

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT - DINING ROOM

Credit scene cuts to wide shot at end of table, showing "Janus” at opposite end, staring forward.

Slowly zoom down the table into Janus’s face, as the mom serves food before him. As the camera zooms in on Janus, chatter begins.

Mom (O.S.)

I made your favorite, Mac and Cheese!

Janus looks slightly disgusted by the food on his plate and doesn’t say anything.

Mom (O.S)

How was school today?

Verena

I mean, it was the same as always for me…

Verena looks over at Janus, waiting for him to speak.

Mom (O.S)

Janus… did something happen at school today?

Janus

No… I don’t know why she’s acting like that.

Verena

Why are you lying, Janus?

Mom (O.S)

Oh sweetie, Janus would never lie, eat your dinner!

Mom (O.S)

Oh Honey, I finally found time to plant my hydrangeas in the garden today!

Dad (O.S)

That’s wonderful! I’ll take time to admire them on my way to work tomorrow.

Zoom in on Verena’s unsettled and worried face, as she looks around the dinner table, finally settling her eyes on Janus. The classical music abruptly stops as the scene cuts to an over-the-shoulder shot of Verena staring straight at Janus.

INT. HOUSE. NIGHT. UPSTAIRS IN VERENA'S ROOM

Long shot of Verena laying on her bed, through the door frame. On the phone with a friend, she is concerned.

Verena

I don’t know what’s wrong with Janus recently. He seems like he’s somebody else…