Five Idea-Generation Games

Use these to create or sharpen high-concept movie ideas.

1) The "What If?" Game

Start with a hooky "What if...?" and push it to a primal problem.

• What if a liar had to tell the truth for 24 hours?
• What if a shy teen woke up in the body of the school bully?

Rule: The "what if" must force action and change.

2) The "Who Is It About?" Game

Swap the hero to maximize irony and journey.

• What if the world's messiest guy had to run a luxury hotel?
• What if a burned-out firefighter had to teach kids to swim?

Rule: Pick the hero who has the longest emotional distance to travel.

3) The "Poster" Game

Describe the one-sheet in one line: "A ______________ in a ______________."

If you can't picture the poster, the idea needs a clearer hook.

4) The "Primal Stakes" Game

Take a soft goal and make it primal: "Win the job" -> "Win the job or lose your house and your family."

Rule: Survival, protection, love, hunger, fear of death.

5) The "Same... Only Different" Game

Find comps to prove the idea is familiar yet fresh.

• "It's Jaws on a ___."
• "It's Legally Blonde but with a ___."

If you can't create a strong comp, your hook may be fuzzy.