8 Ways to Come up with Inspired Movie Ideas

Hi All,

If you’ve chosen to be a screenwriter, it means you’ve chosen a life that’s a never-ending cycle of coming up with ‘new and fresh’ ideas. Even when you’re riding the success of a blazing hot script, Hollywood is always going to ask, ‘what’s next?’

But how do you come up with those amazing ideas? Do you just sit at your laptop, stare at a blank page, and will the screenwriting gods to send you a jolt of inspiration?

I believe whole-heartedly in the idea of “Creativity In. Creativity Out." You have to experience life and other people's creativity - not just watching television or films - but get out into the world (when we can again) and take in creativity in order to stimulate your own creativity.

Whether you're battling writer's block or just need to start a new screenplay - here are 8 tips to get your creativity flowing and spark your next genius idea:

1. Get Outside

Put down your computer, put on a mask, and get outside. (But be safe!) A great way to shake up your creative juices is to break up your routine and take a moment to concentrate on anything besides writing. Go for a hike, or even just a walk around the block. Try leaving your phone at home and take in the world around you - you might be surprised by how much inspiration can be found just steps outside your door.

2. Art inspires Art inspires Art 

Sometimes the best way to get your artistic brain moving is to try a new artistic activity. Spend an afternoon with some water colors or a sketch pad. Pick up a guitar or write some song lyrics (even if you feel like the least musical person on the planet). Even taking an online art gallery tour, or listening to a symphony recording can wake up your creativity in new ways.

3. What about you?

There are countless writers who’ve found success when they borrow ideas from their own lives: Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, draws on his own experiences with divorce. The hit show Insecure takes inspiration from writer Issa Rae’s own feelings of insecurity and awkwardness. What’s going on in your life that might be worth writing about? A serendipitous, socially-distanced, romance? A years-ago break up that led you to travel across Europe? Even seemingly “smaller” personal experiences can spark an exciting new script idea.

4. Deep dive the Public Domain 

Every screenwriter should know about the Public Domain. It is a literal treasure trove of intellectual property waiting to be adapted (and Hollywood is always hungry for scripts that capitalize on a story with a proven track record). For more on this, check out my post, ‘The Secret to your Next Script idea: Public Domain’.

5. Read News Articles (even the trashy ones)

Every writer wants their scripts to be relevant. News sites, Twitter, even tabloids can be great sources for new narratives and new characters. It’s not always about the big headline articles either - small local newspapers and ‘less popular’ stories (even newspaper ads) can be great inspiration.

6. Talk to your Elders

Do you ever wonder how your family ended up in this country? How about how your Mom knew your Dad was ‘the one’? Do you know the most difficult moment your Grandfather’s ever experienced? What about his proudest moment? Chances are your parents, your grandparents, or even your older neighbor have a wealth of inspiring life experiences (just waiting to be adapted into your next great script) that you never even thought to ask them about.

7. Urban legends and folk lore

There are countless popular movies inspired by urban legends and folk lore. Does your hometown have a weird local legend? What about Googling alien sightings or conspiracy theories? This country has plenty of ‘tall tales’ to create a new and exciting story from.

8. Go back in time

Historical events and figures can be an amazing jumping off point. Google a part of history that has always fascinated you, or just type a year into the search bar and see what comes up. What historical figures interest you? How can you bring a fresh perspective to a well-known historical event, or bring a lesser known historical figure to life?

What helps you get your creativity flowing? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!