F ilm S t u d ie s 2 :

Id e n t if y in g t h e
B ig Id e a in F ilm

One way to develop your understanding of the big idea is to practice identifying
big ideas in other films. Return to your list of directors from the previous creative
exercise. For each film on that list, try to identify the big idea of the film. If a friend
asked you what the film was about, how would you describe it in a few words?
Remember, you should be able to say it in one sentence. No run-on sentences!
This is just a practice so this will be ungraded.

Once you’ve already practiced identifying the big idea in other films, it’s time to
think about yours. Big ideas are related to themes. A theme is a broad concept,
whereas a big idea is a specific idea within that theme. From the previous
exercises, you’ve identified the things you are interested in, the things you are
obsessed with, and you have also identified the themes of the movies that
you like. To begin to cultivate a better understanding of your big idea, start by
identifying the three main themes that you are drawn to. You can reference this
list if you need inspiration. Then begin to write big ideas or concepts within the 3
themes you chose. You can freely write in your DMA journal, think about stories
you have dreamed of telling.

DMA Journal
R e f le c t io n

After you’ve done your film studies exercise, you will now have an idea bank
of the stories you can write about. I want you to think about a moment in your
life that really stands out for you, perhaps something that sets up some strong
emotion. What emotions are connected to this event? How can this experience
and the emotions involved help make your story more believable? You can freely
write in your journal. Let the moment and emotions sink and use that to build a
better story.

D IG ITA L M E D IA A R T S 1
Digital Video Preproduction
ADV 3104