High concept

High concept is a term used to refer to an artistic work that can be easily described by a succinctly stated premise.^{[citation needed]}

Terminology

High concept narratives are typically characterised by an over-arching "what if?" scenario that acts as a catalyst for the following events. Often, the most popular summer blockbuster movies are built on a high concept idea, such as "what if we could clone dinosaurs?" (Jurassic Park), and so on.

However, it is important to differentiate a high concept narrative from an analogous narrative. In the case of the latter, a high concept story may be employed to allow commentary on an implicit subtext. The prime example of this would be George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, which asks "what if we lived in a future of totalitarian government?" while simultaneously generating social comment and satire aimed at Orwell's own (real world) contemporary society. Similarly, the Gene Roddenberry SF series Star Trek went beyond the high concept storytelling of a futurist starship crew, by addressing 20th-century social issues in an abstract and defamiliarising context.

Characteristics

The term is also applied, often disparagingly, to films that are pitched and developed almost entirely upon such a simply stated premise rather than standing upon complex character study, cinematography, or other strengths that relate more to the artistic execution of a production rather than simply an engaging high concept premise with broad appeal. Extreme examples of high concept films are Snakes on a Plane and Hobo with a Shotgun, which indicate their entire premise in the title.

While nearly every production can be described in a briefly stated high concept synopsis, a movie described as being 'high concept' is considered easy to sell to a wide audience because it delivers upon an easy-to-grasp idea.

Commercial benefits

High concept television series and movies often rely on pre-sold properties such as movie stars to build audience anticipation, and use cross-promotional advertising with links to a soundtrack, music videos, and licensed merchandise such as DVD box sets. They commonly apply market research and test screening feedback to alter the narrative to ensure maximum popularity. Some commercial blockbuster movies are built as star vehicles for successful music and sports personalities to enter the movie business. In such commercial vehicles, where the onscreen activity is less important than the saleability of the product brand, a high concept narrative is often used as a "safe" option to avoid the risk of alienating audiences with a convoluted or overly taxing plot exposition.

Examples

Cinema

• 30 Days of Night
• Hobo with a Shotgun
• The Invention of Lying
• Jurassic Park
• The Sixth Sense
• Snakes on a Plane
• Tower Heist
• Toy Story

Television

• The Execution of Gary Glitter
• The Time Tunnel
• The Trial of Tony Blair
• Quantum Leap

References

• Truby, John. The Anatomy of Story. 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller. New York 2007. p. 17.
• Wyatt, Justin. High Concept. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1994. ISBN 0-292-79091-0
• Heitmuller, Karl."Sometimes 'High Concept' Is Just Plain Old Awful." MTV News, July 11, 2006.