Screenwriting : An idea for a screenplay! by Claude Gagne

Sounds interesting and exciting, Claude Gagne! I'd watch it! I can picture him/her getting into trouble and facing dilemmas with the ability.

Sounds interesting Claude Gagne - It feels a little like About Time or Source Code based on the premise. Definitely two films you should watch if you haven't. I also taught a class on time travel scripts in the Writers' Room a few years ago. Might be interesting to watch!

The idea sounds a bit like "Click" with Adam Sandler and use of the Omega 13 device in "Galaxy Quest."

Could be compelling. It's all in the execution.

Thanks, all. Zip back to the change in the time allowed is the conflict. This is where the action lies. Jason Mirch I have a screenplay on teleportation in which is up for grabs. Time travel interests me and will find time to watch. Thanks.

Claude Gagne Sounds like something I started watching not too long ago, 57 Seconds.

Claude Gagne It could make for a compelling story. Especially, if it is the second guessing that causes the conflict. What would happen if you had made the right choice but then change it to make the wrong one. And now can't go back and change it because you've done it once. Part of theme could be that no matter what you try to change you must live with the consequences of your actions no matter if you have the ability to change it within 60 minutes or not.

I'd also recommend you watch the movie NEXT with Nic Cage. Underrated movie and he has the ability to see 2 minutes ahead, except when it comes to Jessica Biel's character who allows him to see a few days ahead. It's a really cool movie.

Although this story has been told and retold Claude Gagne, I think it comes down to how is your tale different? Your hook? Something in your logline that doesn't make someone think, not this again... something beyond the Grandfather Paradox and the Butterfly Effect. And would you be addressing the moral implications of your character changing the course of everyone else's life, in essence, playing God. Many things to consider, but it could be awesome! Write on :-)

In 2007, there was a movie called "Next" with Nicolas Cage that had a similar concept. I think his "redo time" was 2 minutes and it's because he could see into the future not "rewind time" and it was played as a thriller with a terror plot to be stopped (hey, mid 2000s).

Not a super great movie, but worth checking out to see how a similar concept was executed. Re-having an argument with a loved one would be a nice change to re-navigatging a shootout zone.

Norman Welthagen I click 'post' then saw your comment. So, my post can now be changed to "what Norman said."

I love that concept! The idea of having a 60-minute window to go back and fix things adds a cool sense of urgency. It could lead to some really intense, high-stakes moments where the character has to make quick decisions on how to change the past. It also opens up the door for exploring themes like regret, consequences, and even the 'butterfly effect' where one small change could create an entirely different outcome. Definitely has potential for some gripping, edge-of-your-seat storytelling!

Michael Dzurak I do that all the time!! lol

Time travel. As a Sci-Fi writer, I warn you to be careful not to get locked into logic errors and common time travel tropes, like time loops, alternate realities, meeting yourself, etc. Plus you'd need a real serious purpose and consequences for having the ability in the first place.

"The Butterfly Effect" is real. And making one decision could change the world, but if you didn't know what the decision was or what would have happened otherwise, it would all be pointless. A good example of this is "Its a Wonderful Life." An Angel shows George Bailey what would happen if he had made different decisions.

WOW! Geez, I didn't think there was so many done around the same theme. I was thinking around a YA Fantasy feature. A young teenager realizes he missed his chance at dancing with the cutest girl at the graduation prom. He's standing with a group of boys on one side of the dance floor in front of the bleachers and the girls are lined up along the opposite wall. Shy as hell, he thinks should I or shouldn't I when a boy wanders across and asks her. Pissed off he enters the washroom, punches himself in the stomach and cries, when a bright light materializes in the corner. An old man dressed as a genie appears.... Maybe, I'll think of something else.

Claude Gagne I think this concept is great! Who cares if it's been done before. There's nothing new under the Sun. There really is no truly original idea. As long as you're exploring an interesting theme that resonates with you, and your execution is on point it can be a great project! To me the concept resonates I think a lot of us whish we could go back and un do or do certain things. And the 60 minute window creates great potential for Stakes

Kinda reminds me of that 90s show "Early Edition" which was great (4 seasons, 90 episodes!!), where the guy (Kyle Chandler) would get the next day's newspaper everyday and he'd try to stop all the bad things from happening. Great concept!

Thanks, Everyone, for your interest in my idea. I'd like to write it with only one condition. I would like to have a backer, someone interested to take it forward. I've written so many screenplays that sit in the shadows, that to write and have it sit on the shelf is pretty disheartening. We could work together to make things happen. Take care and keep on your quest for better things to come. CG

Groundhog day on steroids? LOL

Claude Gagne the joy is in the journey... don't be disheartened.... if you have written a few scripts give yourself a big pat on the back... most people are all talk and don't get that far! I like your new idea... it is familiar to all of us and that is why such a story always resonates. You almost gave us the story idea in your comment above... so you are well on your way. Best of luck! You also may want to look at your pitching process... if you keep getting to the same stage and not moving forwards, you may need to grow your skills in marketing your work or networking.

Rebecca James Thanks for your supportive comment. That's the problem in being a screenwriter and trying to make it to the big leagues-- finding someone to take you on! I'm tired of searching. I think I'll sit back with my numerous scripts and rest. It's not like I didn't try to make it with seventeen years of writing screenplays. We'll just say they're buried treasures never to be found. I wish for you to achieve your dreams though. The journey is over for me unless someone is looking for buried treasure and happens to come my way. Good luck and all the best in your writing. ❤️

I've shared your sentiment so many times, I can't tell you. I, too, took up screenwriting after I retired in large part because I watch way too much tv and it generates ideas for stories. And I like creating stories. So, twenty features, four pilots, and ten shorts later, I routinely ask myself are they objectively any good. I read somewhere that the answer is yes if the project places in three separate contests. Three have achieved this status and six others have reached the finals in one competition or another. So my subjective view of the quality of my work is somewhat validated. Although hope springs eternal that one or more may someday be picked up by someone in the industry, I keep writing because I enjoy getting immersed in new stories. And I gathered together ten friends on Zoom during the early stages of the pandemic to table read my screenplays and they enjoyed it enough that we're still doing it. So, bottom line Claude, if you enjoyed creating your buried treasures, just take a sabbatical, but don't abandon that pursuit. Oh, and about your screenplay idea. What if another person (a spouse perhaps) has the same ability (unbeknownst to the hero) and keeps foiling your hero's efforts because they don't want the change? Good luck to you.

Daniel Broderick Thanks for your words of encouragement and your plan to make it two sided. I'm going to redo my rec room bathroom and shower when the snow starts to fly and slowly write lyrics for a song. I always wanted to write songs. Maybe, I'm better suited for that and bring the sixties back again. All the best in getting your projects on the silver screen.