The Big Idea
What is that? The "Big Idea?" I think it's really important. It's the idea within your story that gives you real glee. The one that is going to be the generator of excitement that pushes a wave of energy through your whole script. And for the professional writer, it could be the idea, or "take" that makes the sale. It doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, that would be bad. But it does have to be all encompassing of the story.
These ideas are crucial not just for original story telling, but for adaptations or re-inventions. I think Spielberg's big idea in War of the Worlds was a 9/11 emotional tone: aliens are terrorists who want to kill you. He even captured the look in those initial attacks, stunned people filling the streets, covered with white ash and looking up. Amazingly powerful.
So how do you get the big idea? How do you identify it?
It will feel good.
It will be unexpected.
The statement of the idea will have energy.
It will indicate an entire story.
It will NOT have structure.
It's just - an idea - remember? Keep it simple.
But it should be as radiant as a little sun to YOU.
I'll give you an example of a big idea.
A genius is a schizoprhrenic. His intellect endlessly at war with his interpretation of his world.
Wow - that's so perfect, you know? That was enough to excite that screenwriter (Akiva Goldsman) every day. That's all I'm talking about.
Start writing.
These ideas are crucial not just for original story telling, but for adaptations or re-inventions. I think Spielberg's big idea in War of the Worlds was a 9/11 emotional tone: aliens are terrorists who want to kill you. He even captured the look in those initial attacks, stunned people filling the streets, covered with white ash and looking up. Amazingly powerful.
So how do you get the big idea? How do you identify it?
It will feel good.
It will be unexpected.
The statement of the idea will have energy.
It will indicate an entire story.
It will NOT have structure.
It's just - an idea - remember? Keep it simple.
But it should be as radiant as a little sun to YOU.
I'll give you an example of a big idea.
A genius is a schizoprhrenic. His intellect endlessly at war with his interpretation of his world.
Wow - that's so perfect, you know? That was enough to excite that screenwriter (Akiva Goldsman) every day. That's all I'm talking about.
Start writing.
posted by Phil | 9:40 PM
3 Comments:
it amazes me when some people say they have run out of ideas. I have a Big Idea notebook and in it is sketched out ideas for nine to a dozen screenplays (including a new one I thought up sitting on the throne this morning)
Yikes! Dare I ask one that one is about?
Philip, all I'll say is I see Adam Sandler playing the role...
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