The dynamics of a screenplay aren't anything like those of a novel. There are other cues to set the scene, whereas in a novel, all you've got are the words on paper.
Bolding mine.
No. The dynamics of a screenplay are not that different to those of a novel. The way you convey the information varies, but no agent will take on a screenwriter with poor visuals, or one that assumes that the director will do their job for them.
A screenplay needs to contain as many visuals as humanely possible.
A screenplay and a play are
not the same thing, and I have come across many a post that seem to support the idea that this is so.
Guys, not to be snarky or anything, but I've seen wrong advice given on screenwriting from non-screenwriters many a item here. The wrong information can really be misleading (someone said for example that screenplays should not contain reactions or descriptions, which is really bad advice. Professional coverage, from studio readers or top agencies comment and rate visuals and action as separate categories. Check a WM coverage if you're in doubt, or just read any shooting script you'll find out there).
I'm not trying to be a wise-arse, I'm just saying that I've come across completely wrong information given with extreme certainty, and this could really waste someone's time, and cost them representation. Because spec screenwriters are primarily after representation (from a manager or agent, although getting the second is extremely difficult), exactly like novelists are.
Apologies for the derail.
Oh. And personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with starting your novel with a piece of dialogue, although I would recommend it's not too long. A couple of lines, dispersed narrative, movement, some more lines, yeah, I can see that work.