Description

A cold open is a storytelling technique that starts a show, film, or even literature with an immediate scene, grabbing the audience's attention before any introductions. This technique, often used in TV series, is designed to engage viewers instantly and establish the mood, characters, and themes. Popularized in the 1970s and 1980s, it can range from quick humorous skits to dramatic cliffhangers that hook the audience into the story. Cold opens can be standalone scenes or connect to the main storyline, creating intrigue and suspense. They utilize surprise and quick character introductions to hold the attention of modern audiences who have shorter attention spans. The effectiveness of a cold open depends on its ability to captivate viewers and make them want to continue watching. Comparable works include Robert McKee's "Story: Substance, Structure, Style" and Syd Field's "Screenplay"

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