Robert McKee defines storytelling as the creative demonstration of truth. A story is a living proof of an idea, the conversion of idea into action.
Every Great Story Starts with a Single "What"
At the core of every narrative is the Idea the "What."
Before you worry about plot twists or character names, you must define the thought you want to share. This core idea is the compass that leads you directly to your theme. For instance, if you want to explore how dysfunctional parenting ripples through society, that becomes your North Star. Every scene and every line of dialogue must work in service of that major idea.
Whether you are writing for the stage, the big screen, or a streaming series, the medium may change, but the "What" remains your foundation.
How do you get an idea 💡
- Public domain like: Ideas often hide in plain sight within the real world or existing stories. Using current events or existing literature as a jumping-off point. Reading a news headline about a mysterious inheritance and turning it into a thriller.
News, film, books, magazine etc.. - Adaptation: Reimagining the core "Idea" of a book, play, or article for a different medium like Film or TV. Example, Taking a classic Shakespearean stage play (Drama) and setting it in a modern day high school for a Feature Film.
- Inspiration or imagination: Pure creative speculation where you combine two unrelated concepts. You imagining, "What if shadows could talk?"
- legend: This are story of real people. Legend deal with exaggerated stories of real people, while
- Myths: deal with supernatural or origin stories.
- Idea twist: Starting with a common story idea and changing one major element to create something fresh. e.g. A story about a superhero, but they are actually the one causing the accidents so they can look like a hero.
- Research of memory:( Family or personal experience) Using personal experiences or family history as the foundation for a narrative.
- Research of fact: ponder real life
- History: Involves using past events to mirror modern issues.
Question
Which source usually sparks your best ideas?


Comments
Post a Comment