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Movie Concepts

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(@yingchuk)
Posts: 1
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hi

I have to submit a movie concept in order to apply for graduate school at USC. I have good stories on mind, but the problem is that I have never actually written a movie concept. I tried to google some information on how to write movie concepts but was unsuccessful. Please help me understand what exactly is a movie concept and give me tips on how to write one. Things that is/isn't suppose to be on movie concepts. Thank you.

 
Posted : 01/09/2009 10:16 pm
(@certified-instigator)
Posts: 2951
Famed Member
 

The movie concept is the general idea. You will write down your
idea in a form similar to a short story. The treatment isn't a "tease"
so you will write the entire story from beginning to end, leaving
nothing out. The reader should understand the whole concept (or
idea) after reading. You will include all of the major beats of the story
and the major obstacles, reversals, barriers that affect those beats.

It can be short - a few paragraphs - or it can be be several pages.
The more you can demonstrate your talent for weaving a good tale
without resorting to overwriting, the better. It's rare for a treatment
to have any dialogue, so in that aspect it's very different from a short
story. But you want to to be entertaining and engaging.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

 
Posted : 01/09/2009 11:11 pm
(@aspiring-mogul)
Posts: 481
Honorable Member
 

If I may ask, if you're applying for graduate school, that implies you have an undergrad degree. So, if we are to give you better advice, perhaps you can tell us what graduate program you're applying to, and what your undergrad is.

Usually, a grad program requires you to provide a 2-page essay.

 
Posted : 02/09/2009 1:28 am
(@tazman)
Posts: 16
Active Member
 

Read, "Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds" by Michael Hauge. Essentially, a pitch is what you are submitting. Good Luck!

Filmmakers, resources, and equipment for barter.
http://www.bizindie.com
Practical Networking for the Entertainment Industry. Free!

Filmmakers, resources, and equipment for barter.
http://www.bizindie.com
Practical Networking for the Entertainment Industry. Free!

 
Posted : 17/09/2009 8:25 pm
(@vasic)
Posts: 487
Reputable Member
 

I'm not sure I have ever heard of anything called "movie concept". Those who know what it is, how is it different from the "film treatment", and the "film outline"?

 
Posted : 18/09/2009 3:46 pm
(@cjsm4321)
Posts: 9
Active Member
 

I would come up with an idea, then read this book. "Save the cat" will give you everything you need. It was very helpful to me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

"Bullies aren't bulletproof"

"Bullies aren't bulletproof"

 
Posted : 30/01/2010 10:56 pm
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