Every filmmaker has one movie that sparked their love for the craft. Some people want to pay homage to those motion pictures by creating a flick heavily inspired by them. Others unknowingly make a story before realizing the uncanny similarities between the two.
All moviemakers want to shoot for originality and develop their voice. Here are some tricks to transform your inspirations into fresh ideas.
1. Differentiate Inspiration From Plagiarism
Taking inspiration from a movie differs from plagiarizing it. You should not present someone’s original work as your own. While not illegal, this act infringes on honor and ethics codes, which warrants criticism and disciplinary action.
Filmmakers should aim to derive and create their own work. Copying each element, technique and storyline feels like creative theft. You wouldn’t want others to take your ideas, so avoid being a poacher yourself.
2. Watch Book-to-Film Adaptations
Watching book-to-film adaptations is a great way to see how moviemakers shift from the source material and create fresh ideas. For instance, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” deviates from the original 1939 story but continues to follow its theme of seeing the excitement in mundane situations. Take notes from their execution and introduction of fresh ideas.
3. Dissect the Elements
Watch your favorite movie and notice what elements stand out to you. See if it clashes or matches the type of approach you would want to see in your films. Examples include:
- Cinematography: Visual storytelling begins with cinematography. Some people like shooting with a handheld camera during action scenes as it turns into a more distressing shot. Others prefer a dolly track to have a smoother transition.
- Editing: Editing transitions vary from movie to movie. Some editors love adding color grading, special effects and transitions to the clips to create a dynamic flick. Others want as minimal cuts as possible.
- Sound: Soundtracks often have a distinguished sound, which you can hear when comparing genres. For example, the saxophone was a revolutionary instrument for jazz, especially with its fast chord progressions and improvisation.
- Scriptwriting: Certain filmmakers focus on the order of the scenes and how they reveal information to the audience. Others want to write emotional dialogues and monologues.Narrow Down the Core
Every film has one message to convey to its audience. As you dissect movies for inspiration, try to identify a film’s core theme. It’s often hidden behind the main cast’s intention or the world the film had built. Some directors hide it in the plot twist.
Animated movies for younger kids usually have a moral of the story. Dark comedies impart a disturbing yet realistic truth. From there, ask yourself if there’s a similar message you want to share. You can use it to base your new film idea on.
5. Ask Yourself, “What If?”
You can never change what happens in a film. As an audience member, it’s frustrating. As a filmmaker, it’s a challenge. Think of a movie and brainstorm other ways the characters and story could have played out.
For example, “Ocean’s Eleven” showed a skilled group of people attempting a heist in Las Vegas. What if one of their recruits disappeared after realizing the main character’s motivation? What if someone had failed at their task? What if they were betrayed?
6. Reevaluate Perspective
Another question to ask yourself is what the film would have looked like from another person’s perspective. Some movies focus on a young adult on their coming-of-age journey. The story would be different if it had come from their grandparents’ or parents’ viewpoint. See if that’s a narrative you want to showcase.
7. Start Experimenting
Creating and experimenting with fresh ideas works differently for everyone. Sometimes, you just need to open your computer and let the words flow. Certain people draw movies frame by frame, while others open their phones and test-shoot footage. Filmmakers may go back to their movie inspiration and think hard while watching.
It helps to walk away from brainstorming and inspiration sources. Allow your subconscious to mold any stored information about what you have studied into a new idea.
8. Review the Similarities
Once you have your material, compare it with your original movie inspiration. Put the scripts or visuals side by side. This step is important to see whether you are committing plagiarism or practicing originality.
No film will be completely unique. For example, “Torque” was compared to “The Fast and the Furious” because of its similar thematic elements. However, it still introduces a newer idea that can stand on its own two feet.
9. Accept and Step Back
If your idea hits too close to the original source of inspiration, accept the mistake and take a step back. Revisit several elements to switch it up. Run another review and see if it’s more distinctive this time. If it doesn’t seem to be working, drop the idea and create a new one.
Some people fear making mistakes because they foster unrealistic expectations for themselves at all times. It paralyzes them from trying or tricks them into pushing through with their projects. Pat yourself on the back for coming up with ideas and letting go. There’s more to come.
Change Inspiration to Innovation
The filmmaking industry has many wonderfully creative minds, making for an engaging community. Mold your voice during your journey with these strategies. Your innovative film may inspire someone else in the future.
