Thread: Everything has been done!

Don't they want new and original? Aren't people sick of the same old plot lines? You'd think they would jump on something *not* done before. Does anyone want our ideas even if our writing sucks? Isn't that what editors are for?

First, everything has been done before in terms of the theme/controlling idea. That's why it's said every story has been done before. But something new and original based on the ancient themes is always possible. But if you're expecting to produce something that introduces an original theme, it's impossible.

No, nothing can be completely original becuase then we won't be able to identify with it. Usually most pieces that are quite good are a mix of new and familiar.

Originally Posted by didi768

You'd think they would jump on something *not* done before.

Absolutely not. Entertainment is a business and they don't have money to waste on a story that doesn't find an audience. If you disagree... by all means go film it and put it on youtube yourself.

Originally Posted by didi768

Does anyone want our ideas even if our writing sucks?

Why would they want your ideas when they can get good ideas and writing from someone else?

Originally Posted by didi768

Isn't that what editors are for?

If you can find an editor that's a masochist, go for it. But they aren't there to clean up drivel, they are there to take something good and make it great.


They didn't want your work and your weren't entitled to get something like money or a production from them. Move on before you are memorable and wind up burning that bridge for good.

Hollywood likes scripts that are "the same but different" so take the basic plot of an old movie and merge it with another so it's a combination of two successful movies. That way, it's a proven story because there are other movies that are somewhat similar yet it's not too derirative. The key is to merge two differing plots that work well together and not just do a rehash of, say, a slasher flick.