So, You Have An Idea for a Movie

By Don Vasicek

The light popped on when you least expected it. You have a great idea for a movie. Hmm, where to go from there?

Well, the first thing to do is look at the genres that fit your idea. Thrillers. Dramas. Comedies. Action/Adventure. Romantic Comedies. Animation. Read the synopses about them. See what you find that fits your idea. If you find several movies that are similar to your idea, then you should think about how fresh your idea is compared to them.

Is it unique? What kind of twist does it have that is different than what you found that parallel your idea? If you are stumped, it's likely your should cremate your movie idea, and get back to your daily life.

If, however, you're unable to find any movies that are similar to your story idea, then think about what kind of audience would want to see your movie. Adults? Kids? Families? Teens? Guys who wear long overcoats?

Once you determine your audience, then, you have a chance to do something more with your idea. This is the first defining moment regarding your idea for a movie. It can save you a lifetime of agony and pain. As a screenwriter, you must fix the limits of your audience. This is what Hollywood is all about. Unless you know who will come to your movie, you will be writing in the dark, and you don't want to do that unless you don't care if your screenplay goes anywhere.

Knowing who your audience will be before you begin writing helps you determine how popular the movie will be even before you write it. And Hollywood demands that you write movies that will make them millions of dollars. So, think about that before you run down the street going nuts because you have a great idea for movie.

Come back. We1ll take a little trip down the road to what you should do next with your movie idea.

Thank you for stopping by. See you next time.