In today’s content-saturated world, it’s easy to feel like every story has already been told. But originality isn’t just about coming up with something no one has ever seen—it’s about telling familiar stories in ways that feel fresh, personal, and surprising. Here are seven strategies to spark unique ideas and breathe new life into your screenplays.
1. Mash Up Genres
Combining two or more genres that don’t typically go together can create something completely new. Think Shaun of the Dead (zombie horror-comedy) or Cowboys & Aliens (sci-fi Western).
- How to Do It:
- Pick your favorite genre and pair it with one you rarely see. For example, what if your romantic comedy had a psychological thriller twist?
- Ask “What if?” questions. What if a traditional courtroom drama took place in a dystopian future?
- Example: Get Out blends horror with social commentary, offering a fresh perspective on both genres.
2. Flip a Trope on Its Head
Audiences love when familiar tropes are subverted in clever ways. Look at Knives Out, which took the classic whodunit and added a modern, comedic spin.
- How to Do It:
- Identify a common trope in your favorite genre. What happens if you reverse it? For instance, instead of “the chosen one,” write about someone who avoids responsibility at all costs.
- Ask yourself: How can I surprise the audience while still delivering on their expectations?
- Example: The Last Jedi reimagined the “hero’s journey” by showing Luke Skywalker as a reluctant mentor.
3. Steal From Real Life
Some of the best stories come from real-life events, experiences, or emotions. The key is to fictionalize them in a way that resonates universally.
- How to Do It:
- Think about a moment in your life that left a lasting impression. What if it happened to a different type of character or in an unusual setting?
- Explore headlines or local stories for inspiration. Sites like BBC Odd News or true crime podcasts can spark ideas.
- Example: The Social Network took the true story of Facebook’s creation and added layers of drama and conflict.
4. Change the Setting
Sometimes, all it takes to make an idea feel fresh is moving it to an unexpected time or place. For example, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been retold in countless ways, including West Side Story (1950s New York) and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (modern-day Verona Beach).
- How to Do It:
- Take a familiar story and set it somewhere unexpected, like a futuristic colony or ancient civilization.
- Use a setting you’re personally fascinated by—it will make your writing more vivid and passionate.
- Example: The Lion King reimagines Hamlet in the African savanna.
5. Experiment with Structure
Sometimes, originality comes not from the story itself but from how it’s told. Films like Pulp Fiction and Memento played with nonlinear timelines to create fresh, engaging narratives.
- How to Do It:
- Explore alternative structures like reverse chronology, multiple POVs, or parallel timelines.
- Try writing a short scene out of order and see how it changes the narrative’s impact.
- Example: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind uses fragmented storytelling to mirror the protagonist’s memories.
6. Focus on the Characters First
Often, what makes a story unique isn’t the plot—it’s the people at its center. Deep, multi-dimensional characters can elevate even the most familiar narrative.
- How to Do It:
- Build your story around an unusual or unexpected protagonist. For example, a morally ambiguous hero or an antagonist with a relatable goal.
- Ask: What does this character want more than anything, and what’s stopping them from getting it?
- Example: Breaking Bad made a high school chemistry teacher’s descent into crime feel fresh by focusing on Walter White’s complex motivations.
7. Combine Small Ideas Into a Big One
If you’re stuck trying to create a grand, original concept, start small. Combine a few unrelated ideas until they form something intriguing.
- How to Do It:
- Write down three random things (e.g., a lighthouse, a haunted violin, and a meteor strike) and brainstorm how they could connect.
- Look at your unfinished projects or abandoned ideas. Can they be combined into something new?
- Example: Stranger Things mixes 1980s nostalgia, government conspiracies, and supernatural horror into a cohesive, binge-worthy series.
FAQs About Unlocking Original Ideas
Is it okay to borrow from other stories?
Yes! Most great stories are inspired by or build upon existing ones. The key is to add your own twist or perspective to make it unique.
What if my idea still feels unoriginal?
Focus on execution. Even a familiar concept can feel fresh with unique characters, strong dialogue, or an unexpected setting.
How do I know if my idea is “good enough”?
If it excites you and you can’t wait to write it, it’s good enough. Passion for the story will shine through in your writing.
Resources for Finding Inspiration
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: A guide to unlocking creativity.
- Writing Prompts: Generate random ideas to spark your imagination.
- The Script Lab’s Story Generator: A fun tool for brainstorming new concepts.
Final Thoughts: There’s Always Room for Originality
While it may feel like everything’s been done before, there’s always a way to make a story your own. By experimenting with genre, structure, characters, and settings, you can create scripts that feel fresh, engaging, and uniquely yours. Remember, originality doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel—it’s about putting your own spin on it.
