High concept

Definition

High concept refers to a clear and easily understandable idea for a story, often characterized by its unique premise that can be conveyed in a single sentence. This concept is crucial in the entertainment industry, particularly for pitching and selling a series, as it allows creators to quickly communicate the essence of their project to potential buyers or audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. High concept ideas are often easily marketable because they can be distilled into simple, catchy phrases that capture attention.
2. This type of concept typically includes a distinctive twist or element that sets it apart from existing works, making it more attractive to producers and networks.
3. High concept shows tend to have a strong visual or thematic hook, which helps them stand out in crowded markets.
4. A successful high concept can lead to easier funding and marketing opportunities due to its inherent clarity and appeal.
5. Developing a high concept involves identifying the core of the story and ensuring that it resonates with target audiences while remaining flexible for expansion.

Review Questions

• How does a high concept idea enhance the pitching process for a series?
  • A high concept idea enhances the pitching process by providing a clear and concise representation of the series, allowing creators to quickly convey what makes their project unique. This clarity helps potential buyers or producers understand the premise without needing extensive background information. A strong high concept can pique interest immediately, making it easier for creators to secure meetings and discussions about further development.
• Discuss how the elements of high concept differ from traditional narrative storytelling in series development.
  • High concept focuses on a unique premise that can be easily summarized and marketed, while traditional narrative storytelling often delves deeper into character development and complex plots. In high concept series, the initial idea must be strong enough to attract attention quickly, whereas traditional narratives may require more time for audiences to understand and appreciate their depth. This difference means that high concept shows usually prioritize immediate engagement over layered storytelling.
• Evaluate the impact of high concept storytelling on audience expectations and industry trends in television.
  • High concept storytelling significantly impacts audience expectations by creating a demand for innovative ideas that are both engaging and easy to grasp. As viewers become accustomed to these types of shows, they may begin to favor quick, easily consumable content over more intricate narratives. This shift influences industry trends as networks and creators prioritize high concept ideas in their development processes, aiming to meet audience desires while navigating an increasingly competitive landscape.

Related terms

Logline: A logline is a brief summary of a film or television show, typically one to two sentences, that encapsulates the main plot and hook of the story.

Elevator Pitch: An elevator pitch is a concise, persuasive speech that outlines an idea or project in a way that captures the interest of the listener, often imagined as being delivered during a short elevator ride.

Concept Development: Concept development is the process of refining and expanding a basic idea into a more detailed plan for storytelling, character arcs, and themes.