Everything You Should Know About High Concept Stories
Written on
Understanding High Concept Stories
Kaia Alexander, the CEO and founder of the Entertainment Business School, shares valuable insights into high concept stories. In the film and television industry, buyers are primarily interested in commercial projects that can attract a large audience. The key to a high concept story lies in its ability to sell itself, allowing executives and marketing teams to easily grasp how to promote it.
High Concept Defined
A high concept story begins with a compelling title that captures attention. Following this, the logline should hint at the target demographic while also suggesting who will be drawn to the project. The goal is to create an instant connection with the first reader—often an executive—who should feel an immediate excitement about the concept without needing extensive explanations.
For instance, consider the series "Girls" by Lena Dunham on HBO. Its premise—depicting young women navigating life in New York City—immediately resonates, showcasing the essence of a high concept.
Key Elements of High Concept Stories
- Title: It all starts with a catchy title.
- Logline: The logline should hint at the target audience.
- Audience Appeal: Clearly indicates who will be watching.
- Instant Connection: The first reader should feel, "Wow, this is exciting!"
- No Need for Explanation: High concepts are intuitive; think of "Batman vs. Superman"—the mere mention conjures excitement without further elaboration.
About Kaia Alexander
Kaia Alexander has an impressive background in the film industry, having worked as a development executive on numerous films such as "Just Friends" (featuring Ryan Reynolds), "Peaceful Warrior" (with Nick Nolte), "The Good Night" (starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Penelope Cruz), and "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" (with Richard Gere). With a passion for storytelling and diversity in Hollywood, she is also an award-winning novelist, recognized for her historical fiction "Written in the Ashes," which delves into the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kaia is an avid surfer and a proud advocate for LGBTQ representation in the arts.
If you found this information helpful, please show your support by liking and sharing!
About Film Courage: Established in 2009, Film Courage offers a platform for video interviews and podcasts featuring screenwriters, filmmakers, authors, and actors discussing the creative process. New content is released daily at 5:00 p.m. Visit us on Patreon.com/filmcourage!