Movie Ideas – Creating Concepts That Sell

If the Producer of a hit movie filters its story down to the bare essence of what gave him confidence to buy it, he would say; The circumstances of the characters and situation created in the core concept and story triggered his ability to see the probable storyline and content for the film, and that content being entertaining and unique. Having an acute sense for what is interesting in life and film is key and crucial for both the Writer/Creator and Producer.

“Based On A True Story” Movie Concepts

This is perhaps the most fertile area of development simply because we assume there is already a measure of relevance or notoriety in the social conscience for a true story, and Producers gain more confidence when a project is derived from something tangible, such as an amazing true story, news article, current event or life story.

Truth is often stranger than fiction, and irony can often be so incredible in the real world that if it were fictionalized it wouldn’t be believed by an audience. True life holds an endless amount of subjects and stories, and the unwavering fascination of audiences. Communicating your movie idea to potential buyers is an important step in the development process, because you’re hopefully delivering the potential impact of the story, and formulating a narrative that works.

Just as a screenwriter conceives a storyline that involves three acts with a beginning, middle, and end, the concept creator needs to keep this in mind as well. There are a variety of techniques and formats for telling a story on screen, but with projects based on true events or stories, its important at early stages of development to keep it simple. You may be pitching.

Fictionalized “High Concept” Movie Ideas

Movie Producers and Agents will seek out highly marketable movie concepts because they are easier to package with star writers, actors, and directors.

The “high concept” movie pitch is where the imaginary “what if” comes into play, creating extraordinary circumstances and outcomes for the characters in these highly marketable movie ideas. “Liar, Liar”, “E.T.”, “Jaws”, “Star Wars”, “Snakes On A Plane”, are all considered high concept movies. These movies have premises with a hook that propels the main character’s storyline and plot to unfold in a highly unique progression as a result of the elements created by the writer. These elements may be character traits (supernatural or peculiar) or circumstances (lifestyle, situation, or events) that are so original and unusual that the resulting events and story are entertaining.

Required Steps When Formulating and Pitching Your Movie Idea

Write a detailed synopsis illustrating the storyline. This includes a beginning, middle, and end, typically focusing on the major plot points for the main character. Write what we are actually watching unfold, and don’t get caught up in too many detailed descriptives. You’re writing for professionals who read for a living, so expect them to want an efficient synopsis that hits clear beats so they may determine quickly if its the type of project they’re interested in developing and producing. A typical movie idea synopsis may be 3 to 7 pages, although some terrific high concept movies, or movies based on true stories have been sold in one or two sentence pitches. Its all about impact.

Protect your original movie idea by archiving it with a registry service to establish “proof of creation” prior to exposing to any third party entity (Producer, Agent, OR friend). The Creators Vault provides online archival service and third party proof-of-creation for any written materials, in any genre.

Pitch Your Movie Idea in a secured marketplace such as the TVFilmRights.com Database. Producers, Executives and Agents are capable of sourcing new movie ideas by referencing a variety of specific genres, subjects, and themes that may apply to your project. When in discussions with any executives who are interested in pursuing the rights to your project, absorb their feedback, and work to refine your concept in a new direction if required.

Screenwriters, Click Here to pitch your Movie Idea or Screenplay Synopsis