WHAT IS MEANT BY HIGH CONCEPT?

In the film industry, “High Concept” refers to a story idea that can be easily summarized and understood in a single, simple sentence. These concepts are often broad, universally relatable, and immediately intriguing. High-concept films usually rely on a unique premise, situation, or setting that quickly grabs the audience’s attention, often involving a “what if” scenario. These films are generally easier to market and sell, as their central ideas can be quickly communicated through trailers, posters, or loglines.

Marketability

In an industry where time is money, being able to quickly convey your story’s concept is invaluable. High-concept scripts are easier to market and have a broader appeal.

Memorability

With a unique and straightforward concept, your script is more likely to stick in the minds of producers, directors, and audiences.

20 Examples of High-Concept Films:

1. “Jurassic Park” – What if a theme park filled with living dinosaurs breaks down?
2. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” – What if a lonely boy befriends an alien stranded on Earth?
3. “Groundhog Day” – What if a man had to relive the same day over and over again?
4. “Speed” – What if a bomb on a bus would explode if the bus slows down?
5. “Inception” – What if you could enter and manipulate people’s dreams?
6. “The Matrix” – What if reality was a computer simulation controlled by intelligent machines?
7. “Toy Story” – What if toys came to life when humans aren’t around?
8. “The Sixth Sense” – What if a child psychologist treats a boy who can see and communicate with the dead?
9. “Avatar” – What if humans could remotely control avatars to interact with the inhabitants of an alien planet?
10. “The Truman Show” – What if a man discovers his life is a reality TV show?
11. “Die Hard” – What if a lone cop has to save a building full of hostages from terrorists?
12. “Home Alone” – What if a young boy is left to defend his home from burglars during Christmas?
13. “Jaws” – What if a killer shark terrorizes a small beach community?
14. “The Social Network” – What if the creation of Facebook led to personal and legal complications?
15. “Twister” – What if storm chasers could put a sensor device inside a tornado?
16. “The Hangover” – What if a group of friends can’t remember the events of a wild bachelor party?
17. “Armageddon” – What if a team of oil drillers has to save the Earth from an approaching asteroid?
18. “Back to the Future” – What if a teenager travels back in time and meets his parents in high school?
19. “Shrek” – What if a grumpy ogre has to rescue a princess to save his swamp from fairy tale creatures?
20. “Finding Nemo” – What if a clownfish crosses the ocean to rescue his son from an aquarium?

These films have premises that are easy to understand and immediately interesting, making them easier to market and, often, highly successful at the box office.