Things You'll Need:
- computer
- internet access
- great imagination
- storytelling ability
- research skills
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Step 1
Determine the genre of movie idea you'd like to create. This may be based on a true story or events, or a fictional story. Movie Producers are looking for core concepts that have high market appeal and compelling stories. There area two specific areas that garner awards and box office receipts; the "based on a true story" movie pitch, and the "high concept" movie pitch.
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Step 2
The "based on a true story" movie pitch: Some of the most critically acclaimed, award winning movies have been based on a true story. "Erin Brokovich", "Goodfellas", "Casino", "The Pursuit of Happyness", "Milk", "Saving Private Ryan", and countless others, were all at one time unknown stories yet to be developed by screenwriters and producers as box office gold.
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Step 3
The "high concept" movie pitch: This is where the imaginary "what if" comes into play, creating extraordinary circumstances and outcomes for the characters in these highly marketable movie ideas. "Liar, Liar", "E.T.", "Jaws", "Star Wars", "Snakes On A Plane", are all considered high concept movies. These movies have premises with a hook that propels the main character's storyline and plot to unfold in a highly unique progression as a result of the elements created by the writer. These elements may be character traits (supernatural or peculiar) or circumstances (lifestyle, situation, or events) that are so original and unusual that the resulting events and story are entertaining.
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Step 4
Write a detailed synopsis illustrating the storyline. This includes a beginning, middle, and end, typically focusing on the major plot points for the main character. Write what we are actually watching unfold, and don't get caught up in too many detailed descriptives. You're writing for professionals who read for a living, so expect them to want an efficient synopsis that hits clear beats so they may determine quickly if its the type of project they're interested in developing and producing. A typical movie idea synopsis may be 3 to 7 pages, although some terrific high concept movies, or movies based on true stories have been sold in one or two sentence pitches. Its all about impact.
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Step 5
Protect your original movie idea by archiving it with a registry service to establish "proof of creation" prior to exposing to any third party entity (Producer, Agent, OR friend). The Creators Vault ( http://www.creatorsvault.com ) provides online archival service and third party proof of creation for any written materials, in any genre.
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Step 6
Pitch Your Movie Idea. Use all resources and connections available to submit your movie idea to legitimate production companies, executives, and agents. You may want to consider some of the Industry's online marketplaces, such as the TV/Film Rights Marketplace at http://www.tvfilmrights.com
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Step 7
If you can garner the attention of a Producer or Agent who is willing to develop and represent your project to movie studios, then be sure to have a written agreement in place with them, providing them a limited option term, during which they have the right to sell and produce your movie idea as a feature film. Seek the advice of entertainment attorney's and others with experience in entertainment law and movie deals.
