Cliché

Definition

A cliché is an overused expression or idea that has lost its originality and impact due to repetitive usage. In the context of storytelling, clichés can weaken the narrative by making it feel predictable and unoriginal. This can be particularly problematic in loglines and elevator pitches, where fresh and engaging ideas are crucial for grabbing attention and selling a concept.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clichés can make loglines and elevator pitches less effective by failing to convey the unique aspects of a story, making it sound like something audiences have seen before.
2. Using clichés can lead to a lack of interest from producers or networks, as they may prefer fresh ideas that challenge norms rather than reiterate tired themes.
3. Writers often aim to subvert clichés by taking familiar concepts and giving them new twists, creating more engaging and memorable narratives.
4. Common examples of clichés in storytelling include phrases like 'love conquers all' and character types like the 'reluctant hero,' which can evoke eye-rolls from audiences.
5. In order to avoid clichés, writers should focus on developing original characters, unique conflicts, and fresh perspectives that distinguish their work from existing stories.

Review Questions

• How can the presence of clichés in loglines negatively impact a writer's ability to pitch their story effectively?
  • Clichés in loglines can make a story seem unoriginal, leading potential producers or networks to lose interest quickly. When a pitch relies on well-worn phrases or concepts, it fails to showcase the unique elements of the story that could set it apart from others. As loglines are meant to quickly capture attention and convey the essence of a narrative, using clichés undermines their effectiveness and may result in rejection.
• Discuss the importance of originality in avoiding clichés within elevator pitches and how this affects a writer's success.
  • Originality is crucial in elevator pitches because it helps writers present their ideas in a fresh way that grabs attention. When pitches are filled with clichés, they risk blending into the background of countless other projects vying for interest. By presenting unique angles or twists on familiar themes, writers can create a memorable impression that resonates with potential investors or collaborators, increasing their chances of success.
• Evaluate how subverting clichés can lead to innovative storytelling and what implications this has for audience engagement.
  • Subverting clichés can breathe new life into narratives by challenging audience expectations and encouraging deeper engagement with the story. When writers take familiar tropes and twist them unexpectedly, it not only surprises viewers but also invites them to think critically about the narrative choices being made. This approach fosters originality, enhances emotional investment in characters, and ultimately creates a more compelling viewing experience that stands out in a saturated market.

Related terms

Trope: A commonly recurring theme or motif in literature, films, and other forms of storytelling that can be seen as a shorthand for conveying certain ideas or emotions.

Stereotype: An oversimplified and generalized belief or idea about a particular group of people or things, which can lead to predictable character portrayals or plot developments.

Originality: The quality of being novel or unique, often seen as a key component in creating compelling stories that stand out from the crowd.