subject: The Next Great American Novel [print this page] Four examples of a screenplay conceptFour examples of a screenplay concept. First, identify a title. Hopefully a catchy title that will draw readers attention.
The Witch of the Thorns
an original screenplay concept
by Elsa Forman
Action: A war hardened soldier teams up with a cute dog named Jake to take on the mafia. In the process they fall in love with a rookie cop. By the end of the movie they run away from nine double agents and end up winning the admiration of their country, living happily ever after.
Think Gone With the Wind meets Servants of Waves.
Next, is the time frame or period of the story. This will determine many of the underlying details of the story, like: Names, Locations, Culture and Society norms or expectations.
Pill Bug Global
an original screenplay concept
by Mark Sasso
Period Piece: A struggling artist teams up with the straightest cop on four continents to investigate dirty cops on the take. In the process they turn state's evidence on his partner. By the end of the movie they run away from four double agents and end up winning the admiration of their country, living happily ever after.
Think sex lies and videotape meets The Person of the Man.
The next concept is the sale. This is where you begin to convince your audience of what the final product will be or impact that it will have... Example: "Think Gone With the Wind meets Servants of Waves". The comparisons draw many preconceived ideas, feelings and even personal reflections as people try and compare your chosen ideas.
Firefly International
an original screenplay concept
by Conrad Loiseau
Action: An antisocial loner teams up with a fellow hostage who happens to have a black belt in karate to discover America. In the process they are locked in a haunted house with a gay interior decorator. By the end of the movie they poison two cable cars and end up winning the admiration of their parents, living happily ever after.
Think It's a Beautiful Life meets Willow in the Theft.
Additional idea: Use a Pen name. This is a created name or person to represent your ideas. This can protect your identity from the obsessed fan or even paparazzi, and you become the next #1 Best Selling author.
The Forgotten Flower
an original screenplay concept
by Kamisha Johnston
Political thriller: A sexy district attorney teams up with an alcoholic ex-CIA agent to find the true meaning of love. In the process they are locked in a haunted house with a kind hearted prostitute. By the end of the movie they poison six washed up ex-SNL cast members and end up winning the admiration of their 3rd grade teacher, living happily ever after.
Think Priscilla, Queen of the Desert meets Snake in the Flame.
