Six Tips to Develop a Door Opening Story Premise

Author

Scott McConnell
January 31, 2025

Ninety-nine percent of scripts never make it to production because their concepts are too shallow or clichéd. A killer story concept is your key to unlocking entry into the high-stakes world of professional storytelling.

Before you write your next script, ask yourself:

Is your story concept original, layered, and compelling enough to stand out?

Here are six essential questions to help you create a marketable story premise:  

1. Does your concept have enough layers to drive a two-hour movie?  

2. What universal and important theme does your story dramatize? 

3. What fresh angle or twist makes your story hook unique? 

4. What compelling traits and arc will make audiences invest in your protagonist? 

5. What high-stakes goal and conflict will make audiences empathize with your hero? 

6. What gripping suspense question drives your story forward?

If your concept doesn’t answer these questions with explosive force, it's time to dig deeper. In today's competitive film and TV industry, "good" isn't good enough. You need exceptional.

To open doors and earn your seat at the professional storytelling table, your script concept must make seasoned story professionals say "WTF!" – in a positive way.

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“I would recommend Scott to any writer and/or Producer wishing to engage an expert Story Consultant.” John Hipwell, Producer 

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More Deep Dives Into Scriptwriting

1) To read about when to hit the story help button click here.

2) To learn about my six months of one-on-one coaching click here.

3) To read about The Hook, the secret to creating a compelling script, click here.

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