Hi everyone,
I tried asking about this on another message board, but got no response whatsoever, so I thought I would try it here:

I have been interested in writing for TV, and I have an idea for an episodic miniseries, as well as a sitcom, and a family drama. Yet people tell me that it has to be "high concept", which leads me to believe that it has to be something completely extraordinary or something that should "revolutionize" TV or be one of those "outside the box" ideas, which I don't think I could ever seem to come up with. Does my original script have to be along those lines?

Also, I am thinking about writing a spec script for a drama (since that is the genre I work best in). Does anyone have any suggestions? The shows I like in terms of drama are "Treme" and (although this isn't really a traditional drama) "Glee". I also like "Modern Family" in terms of comedy. I'm sorry if I'm coming across as desperate here, but I'm just a bit frustrated that no one seemed to answer the question I posed about this on the other board. Anyway, thanks in advance for your help.

If your question is "what should I write?" the answer is what ever you want to write. Just write it.

Thanks, Clorox. That's probably what I needed to hear, because I just have been so unsure about this. I appreciate it.

On InkTip when production companies refer to high concept, they usually mean this "By high concept, we mean the script should have 4 key elements: a great title, a fascinating subject, a very strong hook, and appeals to a broad audience. In addition to these four elements, if the story cannot be described in one short simple sentence, it is not high concept."

Hope that helps.  

Hey Pacey,

Take those thoughts out of your head, put them on paper and post it.

Get started on any of your ideas, follow it through, then get some opinions.

It's a great place to start.

Shawn.....><