I'm tired of "My idea is original"

[love2code]

It's one thing to get this remark from professional veteran writers which doesn't happen too often, it's usually a little original or something like another movie. Lately I've been getting flooded with one's perspective of "original idea" and "hasn't been done before", when I hear those dreaded words I can't help but think not another one. God forbid I say that's exactly like such and such movie and their response is I've never seen it. Better yet, oh yeah it is kinda like that movie isn't it.

ACK!!!... just frustrated.
>:

[mabwriter]

Relax, there are original ideas out there, they are just few and far between.

But to comment on the example u gave me...Mr. Destiny is about a guy that wondered what his life would be like if something changed in the past...and the other examples were all kids and parents thinking each other's lives are easy, and getting a chance to live them...

My movie is about a guy wanting to live a certain life, and realizing he made a mistake...it may not be original, but so far it sets it apart from the movies u gave me as examples.

[love2code]

lol... I wasn't even thinking of your logline, I was talking about scripts. Just finished another one from a producer that had something original that I had read the exact similar story a few months back at another production office. Then there were some emails I've been dealing with, I was talking in reference to someone telling me they have something original and i ask for them to send me the synopsis and it's just a copy from another storyline with no major changes. The movie in question with one pitch is "Deuce Bigalow" except this time it's a woman not a man, had to tell them the movie "Deuce Bigalow" before they said oh yeah it's the same story.

As with your logline, I told you I don't know enough of your story to make any comments except it's just too similar and that you probably know your story just not explaining it well enough. You never once mentioned this part "kids and parents thinking each other's lives are easy, and getting a chance to live them" not that I'm going to go into the story line. Also if you say "guy wanting to live a certain life, and realizing he made a mistake" then like I said before it becomes the same story as Mr. Destiny whether he gets to live that opportunity through changing a moment in the past or a stranger comes and makes it happen.

*Edit: It's just been a busy weekend, and lots of crap to read.

[FoxFire]

Someone once said that Shakespeare wrote all the plots - they were probably right. We've just been giving each story it's own little special twist ever since...

FoxFire

[FF Armen]

Right. Only that doens't make sense considering Shakespeare's works are all re-writes of older unheard of stories.

[FoxFire]

Interesting - I didn't know that. Hmmmm. So even he wasn't original? Gads!:eek

[love2code]

Well you figure Aristotle created the 3 acts story and til Shakespeare that's a lot of time for someone to have come up with some similar stories.

[pconsidine]

Anyone who actually goes to the movies would know that originality is hardly as prized as they make it out to be. The real think you should be after is an original take on a familiar theme.

The fact of the matter is that it takes most people several tries before they get to the point where they're capable of an original concept. That's not a judgement – simply a description of how the majority of writers develop. First comes craft, then comes concept.

Fact is, I've read almost 100 first-time scripts (damn, I'm noble) and I have NEVER found one that had a truly original concept. It's just the way it is. Get over it.

;)

[emeraldcite]

if there are 'orignal' ideas, name one that is current (ie, one that wasn't written in the first few centuries of human existence).

the only ideas that are close to originals are the ones that blend two previously original ideas to make an interesting story.

most ideas can be traced back to the greeks, those of middle eastern descent, or asian origins. every story was pretty much told in mythological terms.

and please, no more shakespeare, he really didn't do anything new.

so, if you can think of something that was original, anything perhaps, post it. we'll see if we can discover its roots

[dn70]

Being from India, I would like to add something about the Indian film industry. One can trace almost every Indian movie ever made to the epics "Mahabharatha" and "Ramayana". Both were supposedly written more than 3000 years ago, in Sanskrit. I don't know, if any of you have ever heard about these epics which are considered timeless classics by us Indians. Every ounce of human emotion and conflict is poured into every scene in these works. If anyone is interested in reading these works, I would suggest excellent and succinct translations by C. Rajagoplachari, the first Governer General of Independent India. BTW, the original Sanskrit version of Mahabharatha, for example, spans 18 books (called Parvas) each probably 1000 pages or longer.

My 2 cents.

I apologize for this rather long post.

thanks,
dn70

[gwhurls]

"Jumanji" was original. I've never been able to think of a movie it even remotely resembled.

[emeraldcite]

although in jumanji you see elements of tarzan and peter pan. wild boy/man. there have been a number of stories that focus on mystic games/witchboards etc. Did you find the cliched safari hunter new?

It also has a number of Rudyard Kipling-esque scenes. It even has a little bit of the jungle book ring to it.

Plus, it's your standard hero-villain epic type thing. there aren't really any _original_ stories, only new and interesting ways of putting them together.

Although i admit that jumanji had an innovative plot, but was there anything in it that hadn't been done before that couldn't be traced to some other story?

my point i guess is that there isn't anything truely original anymore, only skillful and entertaining storytelling. But that's what really counts isn't it? As long as you're entertaining someone what does it matter if the idea is genuinly original?

[emeraldcite]

dn70,

do you have any suggestions on indian films to see? i'd be interesting in possibly finding a few to watch (of course, i'd need subtitles). what are popular or well liked indian produced films?

thanks!

[true2thecraft81]

Well, as far as just "original story", I'd say it'll be hard for anyone to research every novel or short every written. Now, if you mean "original Screen Play", then there are many many many left to be thought of or adapted from those novels and shorts.

The last movie I can remember that had a fresh approach to a used idea was The Matrix. And even then, you could say that Tron used it first.

I know Tron was a lot different but hey it was still computers vs. the users, so go figure.

Anyway,
Take care everyone,
D.S.

[dn70]

Hi Emeraldcite (are you from Seattle by any chance?):
Ummm! it is so difficult to find a good Indian made movie these days. Most of the Indian movies made in the last decade basically are in one way or another resemble each other; most of them are love stories, with rich boy loves a poor girl, parents don't like it, then they have all the obstacles put before them and they have to surmount all the difficulties (mostly in the form of goons whom our hero will thrash left and right) and finally they unite.

However, once in a while we get a lotus out of marsh land, a movie like, "Lagaan" (in Hindi language). If you get a chance watch it, I highly recommend. It is set during the British rule of India. A poor villager is challenged for a Cricket match by the rich British guys. How the villagers actually overcome this challenge is the theme. The movie is really well made. As you know may know, Indian movies are mostly musicals and this movie has pretty good music appropriately blended into the story. This movie was also nominated for an Oscar in the best foriegn film category -- I think in 2001, I am not sure. If you rent the DVD, you will get English subtitles. You can try at www.netflix.com (http://www.netflix.com) or www.indofilms.com (http://www.indofilms.com) or at your local Indian/Pakistani Video/grocery store. I think Blockbuster also carries this movie in the foriegn film section.

I'll post a list of movies later sometime, after I think through a bit. I have a few classics in mind from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

dn70

[gwhurls]

although in jumanji you see elements of tarzan and peter pan. wild boy/man. there have been a number of stories that focus on mystic games/witchboards etc. Did you find the cliched safari hunter new? It also has a number of Rudyard Kipling-esque scenes. It even has a little bit of the jungle book ring to it.


-- I've never watched Tarzan, nor was I a Peter Pan fan as a child, so I wouldn't have thought of those. I don't generally watch schlock films, so I wouldn't know of any with "witchboards" - and this wasn't anything like that anyway. No witchcraft is ever mentioned. I've never read/seen Jungle Book either - maybe when I was little. Dunno.

Plus, it's your standard hero-villain epic type thing. there aren't really any _original_ stories, only new and interesting ways of putting them together.

-- Every novel, comic, movie etc. etc., in the world is. That is the point. Hero finds himself in a situation he must resolve. That's drama. Otherwise you just have a bunch of people walking around aimlessly.

[capitalistwriter]

"I've never watched Tarzan, nor was I a Peter Pan fan as a child..."

I think this is the real point. None of us can possibly have read everything that has ever been written. Hence, when we get what we believe is an "original idea" it will, most of the time, end up being something that is a remake of something we haven't read, or maybe read in childhood but don't remember.

In any case, whoever said that the important thing is not to think of a completely new theme or plot, but to come up with an original approach to the classics, hit the nail on the head.

[love2code]

no no... I agree capitalistwriter, no one could have read everything out there to compare and we try to find creative derivitives of other works out there in one form or another. What I'm trying to say is that some and repeat "some" writers send in their work as being so original but not realizing that there are others out there similar and in some cases identical to their own.

[bscript]

I read a script recently for an aspiring screenwriter who claimed no one had done his idea "it's the most original spec on the market." It was about a religious group of use rattlesnakes in their service - well, it was the third one in a 1-year period I had read on the subject. He was shocked when I told him this, but claimed his was better and would be made first. Really?

Maybe screenwriters should focus more on giving the overall body of their work originality as opposed to just the concept. In my opinion, it's those little 'reversals' within a story that give it a fresh voice. Even if it's a concept that's been done before it'll seem original based on how it's executed.

Remember, everyone thinks they're concept is original - but the real question is - "Is the execution original enough?"

By the way, who says "The Matrix" is original. Computers taking over the world's been done plenty of times before the Matrix ever showed up (have we forgotten the "Terminator" movies already?) "The Matrix" just gave it a new twist with enough reversals to make it seem original. Same goes w/ "The Sixth Sense." I've heard tons of screenwriters say it's original when it's basically just another ghost story - a very well done ghost story.

[dn70]

Take for example "Road to Perdition." We have seen this theme many times -- guy works for someone and is very loyal. But, that someone betrays him and his family is killed. Now, it is time for revenge. But, the execution was fresh without giving much importance to the violence itself; also stressing the subplot of the relationship between Tom Hanks' character and his son "Michael."

[mammamaia]

...and they were painted on their authors' cave walls...

everything since has just been creative plagiarism!

love and hugs, maia

[this is what i have to tell practically every single screenwriting wannabe who comes to me for mentoring... and keep reposting on the screenwriting boards i monitor... hey, jenna... maybe we can paste it above this board, so i won't have to again?]

[me]

You're worrying me... you're saying my fabulous idea about a depressed lampost-droid in the year 2063 battling to overcome the inner inadequacy of not having sexual organs (but nevertheless finding true love) has been DONE BEFORE. Possibly SEVERAL TIMES.

And I suppose everyone else also has the love scene with the pothole huh?

[Gene123]

Just want to know if you or anyone has had any dealings with writer Paul Lawrence? He writes his own stuff, also collaborates on rewrites. Anyone had a bad experience or a good one?

[love2code]

Well... here's the prime example, we're having a fun little discussion on one of the other boards but I know many of you don't troll there cept for FF and a few others so I'll post it here for a laugh. :lol

BOBK-
-------------------
What should I do?
-------------------
I got great idea for script!

Is it best to go a head and try get represention or should I right it and then see it get on several agent and go bidding war!

This script will be the biggest blockbuster movie ever in their has been in history. Can I copy write my idea, or should I just right it and register with writers gild?

If I send letter should I give idea, or to much chance to be stoled? Is there lots of corrupt people in hollywood that seen great idea and steal it?

Im excited about idea! I think if I send letter, then they want me to go right it, then I can sit down and put it in script format, and then maybe direct blockbuster movie and get started like Qentin Tartino.

What you done with first great idea four script?

Thanks.
-------------------

my response: (Never to just plain bash anyone) :D
-------------------
*I got great idea for script!*

Oh boy... not another one.

*Is it best to go a head and try get represention or should I right it and then see it get on several agent and go bidding war!*

If you can actually get representation based on an idea by all means. This would never happen though.

*This script will be the biggest blockbuster movie ever in their has been in history. Can I copy write my idea, or should I just right it and register with writers gild?*

If you take time off and reflect on your idea chances are there's something that's pretty close to it already out there. No you can not copyright your idea, if you want go ahead and at least write a treatment and copyright that.

*Im excited about idea! I think if I send letter, then they want me to go right it, then I can sit down and put it in script format, and then maybe direct blockbuster movie and get started like Qentin Tartino.*

Not a likely scenario, especially since you don't know the difference between "right" and "write" not to mention half the grammer mistakes, which could be just the 4am post but being that you don't have represenation already which means you probably haven't written a script. Also don't know the business enough to not be able to pitch ideas w/o representation and so on and so on.
-------------------

Well he actually responded to this post with
-------------------
You not positive
-------------------
*Oh boy... not another one.*

What, you not think idea be good? Why you be so negitive?

*If you can actually get representation based on an idea by all means. This would never happen though.*

Then why it sayed it in the first place? It never happen? Yet you not given no reasons.

*Not a likely scenario, especially since you don't know the difference between "right" and "write" not to mention half the grammer mistakes, which could be just the 4am post but being that you don't have represenation already which means you probably haven't written a script. Also don't know the business enough to not be able to pitch ideas w/o representation and so on and so on. *

Who cares on grammar? If idea is gooder than most, grammar not be so importent. If I'm not the gratest english profesur that ever lived, so what? I think they see good idea and not looks to grammar.

You sound negitive to me.
-------------------

There's my response but I won't bother, I think you can get enough of a laugh out of this by itself.

[dn70]

Gene123,

Take look at this thread first:

pub43.ezboard.com/fabsolu...=123.topic (http://pub43.ezboard.com/fabsolutewritefrm1.showMessage?topicID=123.topic)

dn70

[DaveK]

I have to agree that almost everything that is supposedly new and original can be traced back to something. I just had a novel accepted for publication in Feb 2004 that seems original on the surface. However, in retrospect, I realized that it's actually a combination of Cinderella, Starship Troopers, and The Three Musketeers. Still, the publisher liked the concept and that sold it. Now all I have to do is come up with a sequel.

[love2code]

hehehe... write the exact same story, change the names and call it "(Whatever Title) Too" :b *doh*

[mammamaia]

..go to the thread on 'ed hansen and atomic hollywood'... they are joined at the hip-pocket [wallet!]... hansen's claim to fame is writing/directing/producing supposedly 'light' porn... if you are approached by them run, don't walk, to the nearest exit!!!

i just checked them out yet again, plus lawrence's putative 'agent' that someone on the thread came up with and you'll find my findings in a post with today's date... wish someone would put these slugs outa bizniz...

love and hugs, maia

[bscript]

I loved Love2Code's email briefing and I agree! I think it's naive to believe your stuff is that original, especially when every other novice screenwriter thinks the same thing. Storytelling is a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Even before man could write he was sitting around a campfire telling stories (or mumbling them in his caveman lingo). In other words, everything's pretty much been done to death.

I'll say it again. Originality is a matter of presentation = how the script is executed makes it original. Besides, if Hollywood's only looking for original material then why do we keep seeing the same stuff with a different spin to it - because that's what sells! I dare to say if it's too different it may get overlooked. Take 'The Matrix' for example - definitely not original, but slanted so different that it was perceived as being 'confusing' with comments like, "we don't get it." It took the strength of a strong producers, director and Keanu Reeves' backing to even get made. Maybe 'original' for what it's worth isn't what it's cracked up to be.

I love DaveK's novel idea(similar to various stories) - sounds like a winner. Besides reversals (twists) combining stories isn't a bad idea either.

Hey DaveK, let me know when your novel hits the market, I'd love to read it.

[Hamboogul]

I concur.

[mammamaia]

why are you 'replying' to over-a-year-old posts?... is this some warped new version of spamming, or what?

[urbanscreenwriter]

There is no more original Idea. Just different interpretations of the same ol' thing.

Think Ink

[Writing Again]

I had an original idea once. The lady I proposed it to slapped it right out of my head. I haven't found it again since.

[Chapter11]

This idea is the so big one its a garanteed HIT. Its about animated monster ball they witness rape and murder in woods, so every monster with different power tell version of what happen, but amazing each blame self for tragedy? Then fight in arena for win monster tournament!

Name is called: "Rashopokemon"

Looking at the post above from Mamamaia, I'm thinking she fell for the same "bad writer" joke that I just tried to play on another thread (thinking, clearly in error, that there was some originality to it). The spelling and grammar are just way too atrocious for that to be a serious post. Come on, people. We're supposed to be the acutely perceptive ones, right?