Concept

1. Assignment 2: Concept Development and planning
Due in on:
High Concept Vs Low concept

2. High concept: is a story with a unique and concise premise that can be
described (see: pitched) in 3 sentences or less
Low Concept: is a story that puts focus on the world and characters
surrounding the plot, instead of the plot itself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_conti
nue=144&v=hvsyWh2-748

3. High Concept Ideas
• Have to be original or unique ideas
• Focused on the concept
• Plot driven
• Has to appeal to the masses
• Can be pitched easily (if it is too complicated then it is more difficult to pitch to investors)
• Often a unique twist
• They fit easily into an obvious genre
• They can be pitched in 1 to 3 sentences
• Often based on a “What if” Scenario.

4. Guess the High concept films based on the pitch
• There’s a bomb on the bus and when the bus goes above 50 miles an
hour the bomb arms, when it goes below 50 miles an hour the bomb
blows up.
• A FBI agent is escorting a witness to a trial whilst on the plane an
assassin releases deadly snakes in an attempt to kill the witness.
• A select group are chosen to tour a theme park which is populated by
Dinosaurs made from historic DNA, whilst they are visiting the
dinosaurs break free.
• An 8 year old is left at home when his family go on holiday, his
excitement fades as he realises that he has to protect his home from
con men.

5. Low Concept Ideas
• Focus more on Characters and the world the story creates
• Can’t pitch a low concept in 3 or less lines as it is too complex
• Often has multiple storylines and characters
• Can’t be summed up in a tag line
• Harder to Pitch and gain investment as they are not aimed at mass audiences

6. Examples of Low concept ideas
• Pulp Fiction
• The Prestige
• Little Miss Sunshine
• Manchester by the Sea
• No country for old men
• Being John Malcovich
• Donnie Darko
• Nightcrawler

7. TASK 1hr - Write your Concept outline
• Using your research and mind map from last week and what you know
about high concept vs low concept write a basic concept outline
• THIS is not your treatment and should just be a basic concept outline,
explain whether your ideas is high concept or low concept and why.
• Research and explain your target audience and Criticise the scope
your idea has