Earlier this year Screen Australia invited Michael Hauge again, this time to explain to local screenwriters what High Concept means.
If you’re still struggling with that concept, this video might help.
If you don’t have the time to watch the whole video – despite the thorough editing there’s a lot of silence in between the words – here is Michael Hauge’s definition in one sentence:
“A high concept is a story concept that is strong enough
that it will draw an audience without any other components.
It is not dependent on casting, name director, execution, good worth of mouth, […] it is simply the story idea alone
that will promise an emotional experience.”
Obviously the key skill is not in knowing this definition; it is in being able to find an idea that fits the definition.
With thanks to Dana Skowrnowski and Adrian Kok.
Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story analyst with experience in acquisition, development and production. He has trained students worldwide, and worked with half a dozen Academy Award nominees. Karel speaks more European languages than you have fingers on your left hand, which he is still trying to find a use for in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. The languages, not the fingers.
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