What is a concept?

TPRFilms

TPRFilms

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Hi all,

I'm currently applying for USC School of Cinematic Arts.
There are several writing samples to be done. One of it is to write a concept for a feature-length movie. During writing, I realized at some point, that I don't really know what a concept is.
What shall be included and what not? How far do I have to go?

Do I actually have to have a plot or is it only necessary to give a basic setting, a basic theme, of which the movie is about? Shall I include my thoughts, like "I want the movie to have hard-hitting, edgy and brutal close combat fights. That way, I want to give the feeling..." or "The movie is driven by atmosphere, therefore the music plays a big part."? For instance, what would have been the concept for a movie like "District 9"?

Please help me out! It's urgent :)

Thank you guys!
 
You first have to figure out what story you're going to tell, that would involve theme:

Love conquers All
Absolute power corrupts absolutely
etc.

Once you've decided on the theme you have to interweave that theme throughout the story.

There are two types of stories (correct me guys if I'm wrong).

Plot driven
Character driven

You will see a lot of action flicks are plot driven, more about what's going on than the 'who' in the story.

Character driven is more invovled with the characters and their lives, etc.

You're hear the term 'high concept' which everyone seems to have an opinion what's that about.

Here's one opinion: "A brief statement of a movie's basic idea that is felt to have tremendous public appeal."

Here is Wikepedia: "High concept, in film or art in general, is a term used to refer to a succinctly stated premise describing the overall idea of production in just a few sentences or less."

Here is a link to screenwriting elements:

http://movies.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Screenplay_Elements

Hope that helps.
 
Hey Charli!

That definitely helps.
So I guess, a concept is a very short written idea of what the film is about. Without a specific story, without specific characters presented.

Therefore, I don't have to outline a whole plotline in a concept?
 
A concept (or 'premise') is just a a one or two sentence description of the story you envision, that includes the protagonist (with a flaw if possible, that must be overcome to accomplish the goal), his/her visible goal to resolve (win or lose) by the end of the story, and if possible the antagonist or antagonistic force. Maybe a couple of examples will help:

A no-name southpaw boxer gets a shot at the world championship. He will need to train hard with the help of a has-been coach, and overcome his low self-esteem if he is to stand a chance. (Rocky)

A sheriff afraid of the ocean must protect a coastal village from a giant shark that is eating the residents. (Jaws)




TPRFilms said:
... So I guess, a concept is a very short written idea of what the film is about. Without a specific story, without specific characters presented.

Therefore, I don't have to outline a whole plotline in a concept?
Click to expand...
 
Pick a good theme, not like "love conquers all." I think a better theme would be "love destroys all." That's interesting, especially because it's true ;)

The only thing that conquers all is Alexander the Great.
 
Then I'm sorry for him. No wonder he died an early death! ;)

I'm just joking. I just don't much like the cliche kind of nonsense, I mean you can make far more interesting stories by being real. Love doesn't conquer anything. It's nice for people to have good relationships, that can be a beneficial part of many peoples' lives, well ok most people, haha, but love isn't going to pay the bills, love isn't going to make your life fulfilling or meaningful or successful, so it's a stupid theme. I wrote a romantic comedy, I am going to film it, and I can't wait, but the theme isn't "love conquers all." I think an important theme would be that dishonesty in a relationship can be the source of its undoing, or perhaps that jealousy and frustration lead to no good, or maybe even that a rapid rise to fame can make you forget other important parts of your life, things like that maybe. But certainly not some bullcrap 'love conquers all' nonsense. Save that for corny Disney Channel garbage or romance novels.

"I thought love is what makes the world go around...?"
"It is. Love of gold."

-Heist

Of course there's also another favorite of mine involving gold. "Just remember the Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules!"
 
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