I've always maintanined that if the impetus for writing is "I've got a great idea for a movie!" then it's the wrong motivation...

My ideas come from themes. Usually from something that happens in my life. Loss, redemption, hypocrisy, etc.  And then a story idea, characters and dialogue forms around the theme...

AJR

Well - IMHO - "I've got a great idea for a movie!" is a start.  But far from the end-all and be all.

Script gold is when you get a great new hook like that - and use it to explore deep themes.  In other words, it's got to be the whole package.  The "great idea" is the teaser dessert.  The embedded theme is the underlying nutrition that makes the story satisfying in the end, and memorable after the reader (or movie audience) has left the theater or put down the script.

How's that for a food analogy?    (Guess I must be hungry today...)

But - to answer the original question for me: I get my ideas from everywhere.  My horror Territory came from a idea generated by a Halloween OWC.  Vegging Out was based on my desire to explore the humor of going vegan (and more seriously looking at the philosophy behind the lifestyle.)  Stream of Consciousness was the result of my wondering whether life after death could be possible on a scientific level, without a religious explanation.  And then marrying it to the themes of ageism, isolation and the grief process of losing a loved one.  Yada yada yada.  Just gotta be open to new ideas, and let the mind wander where it may...

I was walking around a shopping centre, probably mid-November and I saw a poster in a shop window of a very attractive girl in a Sexy Santa costume. Maybe a little turned on, I went home and started my outline for "The Forgotten Christmas Tape". I originally intended it to be a short comedy, but after 30 mins of brainstorming, I had a scene by scene outline of what it is now. I think one of the first words used to describe the script was "morbid", so I was happy. I nearly scared my girlfriend away when I told her that story, she said if that was a comedy, I must be twisted. Luckily, she stayed with me.

Other ideas, I just normally think of a situation of scene I would like to see, write it down and build a story around that, normally thinking of the ending first.

My ideas come from everywhere. My last short A Mime Is A Terrible Thing To Waste came from people joking about mimes in the OWC thread. I personally really like it and I know how to end it now thanks to you people!  

I seem to follow the format of most people here. My ideas come from anywhere and everywhere. I know the very first script I posted on here, Frayson, was inspired by the beliefs I have of children (which are very negative). In fact, I would say most of my scripts follow the format of kids being bad, or just pure evil. It's kind of a running theme that's always been in the back of my mind.

My other works were brought upon my views of the world and, perhaps, how I view myself in some way, shape, or form. It is so hard to explain.

One thing I did recently realize is that some of my scripts deal with personal issues I've had in my life. Sometimes, perhaps unconsciously, these issues are unnoticed due to the comedy that lies within them.

Quoted from usaking One thing I did recently realize is that some of my scripts deal with personal issues I've had in my life. Sometimes, perhaps unconsciously, these issues are unnoticed due to the comedy that lies within them.

If this is the case, Josh, you should seek help.

And if you're already getting it, you should get more.


Phil

dogglebe, you are quite the funny man. Although you and I have never really seen eye to eye when it comes to scripts, you're clearly a very comedic person. I applaud you for your joke.

Truthfully though, I did not mean that my stories dealt with issues I have in the literal sense. Metaphorically is what I meant. Of course, these things would only be able to be seen by me since I know myself better than anyone else. I'm sure you already knew that, Phil. You are quite an intelligent young man, indeed.

I wasn't trying to be funny.


Phil

Quoted from usaking ...Phil. You are quite an intelligent young man, indeed.

Yeah, well, this is funnier.

On several levels.

If I ever come across a good idea . . . I'll be sure to let you know where I stole it from.