Cold Open

Watch as an animation →

In plain words

Show the main scene right away, before the title or opening credits. It grabs viewers from the start and sets the mood and world of the work. It is also called a "teaser."

When to use it

At the start of every episode of a drama or web series, before the intro of a YouTube video, or in an ad when you show the event before the logo.

Example videos

This is how you perfect a Cold Open — Explainer: See the history of the cold open and examples from different shows.
How To Do A Cold Open — Explainer: See why a story jumps into the middle instead of starting at the beginning.
The Iconic Opening Scene | Pilot | Breaking Bad — Real: Watch the first scene that episode 1 of Breaking Bad shows before the title.

In AI video, like this

Separate generation order from edit order. Put the strongest cut from the middle of the story (an event, a question, a result) at the very front, then add the title card or logo, and then continue from the beginning. Don't ask the AI to draw the title text; add it in editing. The first scene sets the impression of the work, so spend more of your regeneration budget on this cut.

One-click prompt

Handheld medium shot opening with no titles: a breathless delivery rider in a yellow rain jacket sprints out of a flooded subway exit at night, clutching a sealed metal case and glancing back in fear, the camera running alongside her through the rain, a cold open that starts in the middle of the action.

Example films

Breaking Bad, Episode 1 "Pilot" (2008) — A cold open that grabs viewers from the first scene and carries the whole episode (StudioBinder) · Stranger Things, Episode 1 (2016) — An opening that hints at the threat first and then introduces the main characters (StudioBinder)

See it in real films and ads

StudioBinder — What is a Cold Open in TV

AI-made examples

Not verified

Recommended for scenes like these

Techniques that pair well

← PacingTitle Sequence →