Every screenwriter faces moments when inspiration feels impossible to find. But the best ideas often come from unexpected places. If you’re stuck staring at a blank page, try looking for inspiration in these surprising (and often overlooked) sources.
1. Your Local News
Real life is stranger than fiction, and local news stories are packed with drama, conflict, and intriguing characters.
- Why It Works:
- News stories are often emotionally charged and relatable.
- They offer ready-made conflicts and unique settings.
- How to Use It:
- Look for small, human-interest stories that could be the foundation of a larger narrative.
- Example: Spotlight drew its premise from investigative reporting on the Catholic Church scandal.
2. Obituaries
Obituaries are often mini-biographies of fascinating, unsung lives. They provide a glimpse into real human struggles, triumphs, and mysteries.
- Why It Works:
- They offer insights into characters and worlds you might never have imagined.
- They’re full of real-life stakes and emotional depth.
- How to Use It:
- Imagine what these people’s lives were like beyond the obituary. What were their secrets? What challenges did they overcome?
- Example: The biographical drama The Theory of Everything captures the life of Stephen Hawking in a way that’s deeply personal.
3. Forgotten History
Dive into obscure historical events or overlooked figures. These hidden gems can inspire stories that feel both fresh and meaningful.
- Why It Works:
- History provides ready-made settings, conflicts, and stakes.
- Audiences love learning something new while being entertained.
- How to Use It:
- Research a time period or event that fascinates you.
- Example: Hidden Figures told the untold story of Black women mathematicians who were essential to NASA’s success.
4. Dreams and Nightmares
Your subconscious is a goldmine of creativity. Pay attention to your dreams, no matter how bizarre or fragmented they seem.
- Why It Works:
- Dreams often bypass logical constraints, creating vivid and unexpected imagery.
- They can tap into your deepest fears and desires.
- How to Use It:
- Keep a notebook by your bed to jot down dreams as soon as you wake up.
- Example: Christopher Nolan’s Inception was heavily inspired by his own fascination with dreams.
5. Overheard Conversations
Eavesdropping (ethically!) can give you a treasure trove of story ideas and dialogue inspiration.
- Why It Works:
- Real conversations reveal authentic voices and relationships.
- They often hint at larger stories beneath the surface.
- How to Use It:
- Sit in a coffee shop, park, or train station and listen to snippets of dialogue.
- Imagine the backstory or future of the people talking.
- Example: Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise was inspired by a chance encounter and conversation.
6. Art and Photography
Visual storytelling can ignite your imagination. A single image or painting can inspire a scene, character, or entire story.
- Why It Works:
- Art often conveys emotion and atmosphere that words cannot.
- It challenges you to interpret what’s happening beyond the frame.
- How to Use It:
- Visit a museum or browse online collections.
- Choose an image and write a scene or story inspired by it.
- Example: Loving Vincent turned Van Gogh’s paintings into an innovative animated film.
7. Music Lyrics and Playlists
Songs tell stories, often in condensed and emotional ways. They can inspire characters, scenes, or even entire narratives.
- Why It Works:
- Music evokes mood and emotion instantly.
- Lyrics often hint at untold stories or conflicts.
- How to Use It:
- Create a playlist for your story’s characters or themes.
- Example: Almost Famous drew heavily from Cameron Crowe’s love for rock music.
8. Your Own Fears and Regrets
Personal experiences, even painful ones, can be the most powerful sources of inspiration.
- Why It Works:
- Writing from a personal place adds authenticity and emotional depth.
- It connects with audiences on a universal level.
- How to Use It:
- Write about a time you faced a difficult decision or fear.
- Example: Greta Gerwig drew on her own adolescence for Lady Bird.
9. Science and Technology News
Breakthroughs in science or technology often carry ethical dilemmas or world-changing implications—perfect fodder for storytelling.
- Why It Works:
- Audiences are fascinated by “what if” scenarios grounded in real science.
- It allows you to explore big ideas in a relatable way.
- How to Use It:
- Read about recent discoveries or advancements on websites like ScienceDaily.
- Example: Ex Machina explores artificial intelligence and its moral complexities.
10. Travel Adventures
Stepping out of your routine and into new places can spark ideas you’d never encounter at home.
- Why It Works:
- Travel exposes you to different cultures, landscapes, and ways of thinking.
- It allows you to imagine how characters might navigate unfamiliar worlds.
- How to Use It:
- Journal about your travels, noting people, places, and experiences that stand out.
- Example: The Darjeeling Limited was inspired by Wes Anderson’s travels through India.
FAQs About Finding Inspiration
What if none of these work for me?
Sometimes inspiration takes time. Don’t force it—try a new approach or give yourself permission to rest.
Can I use someone else’s story or idea as a starting point?
Yes, but make sure to add your own twist. Transform it into something uniquely yours.
What if I have too many ideas and can’t pick one?
Start by exploring the idea you’re most excited about. You can always return to others later.
Resources for Finding Inspiration
- National Geographic: Great for travel and science inspiration.
- IMDb Plot Summaries: Explore how films turn simple ideas into full stories.
- WeScreenplay Blog: Tips for brainstorming and developing screenplays.
Final Thoughts: Inspiration Is Everywhere
The key to finding inspiration is staying curious and open to the world around you. Whether it’s a random conversation, a haunting image, or a news story, ideas are everywhere—if you know where to look. So the next time you’re stuck, step outside your comfort zone, and let the unexpected spark your creativity.
