It happens pretty often, actually: few ideas are really that original. A few years back I was writing a horror movie set in WWI, and then 'Deathwatch' came out, and just recently I was rewriting a script I started about seven years ago and saw an article posted on the web about a movie that had just started shooting which had a similar idea behind it.

I just put them to one side for a while, see how the other movie came out and then change mine around so it won't look like I'm ripping them off. Plus, at least with 'Deathwatch', it wasn't a very good movie so mine will be better :).

quote:

---

Originally posted by kreedman

Hello everyone,

I am a dreamer who started reading alot about screen writing. I have always dreamed of directing a movie.

I started working on this script that I thought was VERY origional. I was thinking about it 24/7. even when I'm a sleep. I have put so much effort in it. I have dreamt how it is going to look. I have imagined who would act in it. I even imagined the score music.

Not so long ago. Believe it or not!I was shocked to see that a film was already in production that is 90% similar to my script's idea! It is directed and acted by non-indie film makers. Even the music used in the Theatrical Trailer was what I had in mind. I was so depressed......and I have abandoned the project........

But I couldn't forget about it. So, I decided to ask guys like you...

If my idea is 10% different from the already produced film, is it going to be good? will people think I have stolen the idea? would I look lame?

Should I continue?

I don't know if I'm making any sense...but I had to ask someone....

---

It's happened to me many times. When it does, I just put the story on the shelf and move on. Always with the assumption that I'll come back to it someday, but I never do.

Heath
Orange County, CA