9.2 Films and franchises
9 min read•august 20, 2024
Film franchises are a powerful force in the entertainment industry, offering unique opportunities for storytelling across multiple mediums. Understanding the different types of franchises, from shared universes to standalone sequels, helps writers navigate the complexities of adapting these properties for television.
Successful film franchises share key elements like compelling characters, overarching narratives, and consistent tone. When creating a television pilot within a franchise, writers must balance honoring the existing canon with introducing fresh stories and characters that appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Types of film franchises
- Film franchises can be categorized based on their narrative structure and source material
- Understanding the different types of franchises helps writers identify opportunities and challenges when developing a television pilot within an established franchise
Shared universe vs standalone sequels
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- Shared universe franchises (Marvel Cinematic Universe) feature interconnected stories and characters across multiple films and media
- Allows for complex worldbuilding and long-form storytelling
- Requires careful planning and consistency to maintain continuity
- Standalone franchises (James Bond) feature recurring characters and themes but each installment is a self-contained story
- Offers more flexibility for writers to explore different styles and tones
- Reduces the burden of maintaining strict continuity across all entries
Original IP vs adapted source material
- Original IP franchises (Star Wars) are created specifically for the screen without any pre-existing source material
- Allows for greater creative freedom in developing characters and storylines
- Requires more effort to establish the franchise's world and mythology from scratch
- Adapted franchises (Harry Potter) are based on pre-existing source material such as books, comics, or video games
- Benefits from a built-in audience and established world and characters
- Presents challenges in meeting fan expectations and condensing source material into a suitable format for the screen
Elements of successful film franchises
- Successful film franchises share common elements that contribute to their longevity and popularity
- Understanding these elements is crucial for writers seeking to create a compelling television pilot within a franchise
Compelling characters and relationships
- Strong, relatable characters are the foundation of any successful franchise (Indiana Jones, Ellen Ripley)
- Characters should have clear goals, motivations, and flaws to make them engaging and believable
- Character development and growth over the course of the franchise helps maintain audience investment
- Relationships between characters add depth and emotional resonance to the story (Han Solo and Chewbacca, Dominic Toretto and his family in Fast & Furious)
- Friendships, rivalries, and romantic relationships provide opportunities for conflict and
- Exploring the dynamics between characters across multiple installments helps create a sense of continuity and progression
Overarching narrative threads
- Successful franchises often feature overarching storylines that span multiple installments (Infinity Stones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe)
- These threads provide a sense of cohesion and purpose to the franchise as a whole
- They create anticipation and reward longtime viewers with payoffs to long-running plot points
- Balancing standalone stories with larger narrative arcs is key to maintaining accessibility for new viewers while satisfying dedicated fans (X-Men franchise)
- Each installment should be enjoyable on its own merits while also contributing to the bigger picture
- Cliffhangers and teases for future installments can help generate excitement and speculation among fans
Consistency in tone and style
- Maintaining a consistent tone and style across installments helps create a cohesive identity for the franchise (James Bond's suave spy adventures)
- Consistency in visual aesthetics, musical themes, and narrative themes reinforces the franchise's brand
- Departing too drastically from established norms can alienate fans and disrupt the franchise's identity (tonal shift in Batman v Superman compared to previous DC films)
- Allowing for some variation and evolution over time is important to keep the franchise fresh and relevant (Star Trek's exploration of different genres and styles across series)
- Incremental changes in tone and style can help the franchise adapt to changing audience tastes and expectations
- Spin-offs and reboots offer opportunities to experiment with new approaches while maintaining the core elements of the franchise (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)
Adapting film franchises for television
- Translating a film franchise to television presents unique opportunities and challenges for writers
- Understanding the differences between the two mediums is essential for creating a successful adaptation
Opportunities for deeper storytelling
- Television allows for more time to explore characters, relationships, and world-building compared to films
- Multiple episodes and seasons provide space for nuanced character development and gradual plot progression
- Subplots and secondary characters can be given more attention and depth than in a film
- Serialized storytelling in television is well-suited to exploring the long-term consequences of events and decisions (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. building on the events of the Marvel films)
- Cliffhangers and ongoing storylines can create a sense of momentum and investment for viewers
- Character arcs can be developed over the course of several seasons, allowing for more significant growth and change
Challenges of meeting fan expectations
- Adapting a beloved film franchise for television comes with the weight of fan expectations and scrutiny
- Fans may have strong attachments to certain characters, storylines, or interpretations that the television adaptation must navigate
- Deviating too far from the established canon or tone of the films risks alienating the built-in audience (Halo television series diverging from the video game source material)
- Casting new actors in iconic roles can be a point of contention for fans (Jack Ryan television series)
- The television adaptation must balance honoring the original performances while allowing new actors to make the roles their own
- Recasting can also present continuity challenges if the adaptation is set within the same universe as the films
Examples of successful film-to-TV adaptations
- Fargo (2014) successfully translated the tone and themes of the Coen Brothers film into an anthology series format
- Each season tells a new story with different characters, allowing for creative freedom while maintaining the dark humor and visual style of the film
- The series has been praised for capturing the spirit of the original while expanding its scope and exploring new narrative possibilities
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) took the basic premise of the 1992 film and developed it into a long-running series that surpassed its source material in popularity and critical acclaim
- The series used the longer format to delve deeper into the characters' lives and relationships, creating a rich mythology and emotional core
- The show's mix of humor, horror, and heartfelt character moments set a new standard for genre television and inspired countless imitators
Creating a television pilot within a film franchise
- When developing a television pilot within an established film franchise, writers must balance originality with respect for the existing canon
- The pilot should introduce fresh stories and characters while also fitting seamlessly into the larger franchise universe
Identifying unexplored story opportunities
- Look for gaps in the franchise's timeline or mythology that could be explored in a television series
- Consider events or characters that are referenced but not fully depicted in the films (Obi-Wan Kenobi's adventures between the Star Wars prequel and original trilogies)
- Explore the origins or backstories of key characters or elements of the franchise's world (Gotham's focus on the early days of Batman's allies and enemies)
- Identify themes or genres that the films haven't fully explored but could be expanded upon in a series
- A franchise known for action-adventure films could spin off a mystery or drama series that delves into different aspects of its world (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's focus on politics and religion compared to the more exploration-driven original series)
- Shifting the perspective from the films' main characters to secondary or new characters can open up fresh storytelling possibilities (The Mandalorian's exploration of the Star Wars universe through the eyes of a bounty hunter)
Maintaining continuity with film canon
- The television pilot should respect the established continuity of the film franchise to avoid contradictions or inconsistencies
- Major events, character deaths, and world-building elements from the films should be acknowledged and incorporated into the series' storyline
- Consulting with the franchise's creators or experts can help ensure consistency and avoid conflicts with the existing canon
- Minor discrepancies or retcons may be necessary to accommodate the needs of the television narrative
- These changes should be handled carefully and justified within the context of the series to minimize backlash from fans
- Communicating the reasoning behind any changes can help manage fan expectations and maintain trust in the adaptation process
Appealing to existing fans vs new audiences
- The television pilot should strike a balance between rewarding existing fans and welcoming new viewers who may not be familiar with the franchise
- Easter eggs, callbacks, and references to the films can create a sense of connection and continuity for fans (Star Trek: Picard's reunions with beloved characters from The Next Generation)
- However, the pilot should also prioritize clear storytelling and character introductions to avoid alienating newcomers
- Exposition and world-building should be woven naturally into the narrative rather than relying on prior knowledge of the franchise
- Consider the target audience for the television series and how it may differ from the films' audience
- A franchise known for family-friendly adventures may spin off a more mature or adult-oriented series (Stargate Universe's darker tone compared to the more lighthearted Stargate SG-1)
- Adjusting the tone, themes, or genre of the series can help differentiate it from the films while still maintaining the core elements of the franchise
Legal and business considerations
- Creating a television pilot within a film franchise involves navigating complex legal and business issues
- Understanding these considerations is crucial for bringing the project to fruition and avoiding potential pitfalls
Acquiring necessary rights and permissions
- Securing the rights to adapt a film franchise for television can be a lengthy and expensive process
- The rights may be held by multiple parties, including studios, producers, and creators, each with their own interests and demands
- Negotiations may involve issues such as creative control, revenue sharing, and distribution rights
- Obtaining permissions to use specific characters, storylines, or elements from the films is essential to avoid legal challenges
- Some rights may be tied to specific actors or creators, requiring additional negotiations or workarounds (recasting iconic roles or reimagining certain characters)
- Clearing music rights, footage, or other assets from the films for use in the television series can also be a complex and costly process
Navigating studio and producer relationships
- Film franchises are often associated with specific studios or production companies that may have a vested interest in the television adaptation
- Maintaining positive relationships with these entities is crucial for securing support and resources for the project
- Studios may have specific requirements or expectations for the adaptation, such as maintaining a certain tone or adhering to established brand guidelines
- Producers and executives from the film franchise may be involved in the television adaptation in various capacities
- They may serve as executive producers, consultants, or creative advisors, providing guidance and oversight to ensure consistency with the franchise
- Building trust and open communication with these stakeholders can help navigate any creative differences or logistical challenges that arise during the development process
Budget and production constraints of franchise IP
- Television adaptations of film franchises often come with higher expectations and production costs compared to original series
- Fans and studios may expect a certain level of visual effects, action sequences, or production design that can strain television budgets
- Balancing these expectations with the realities of television production is a key challenge for the creative team
- Franchise IP may also come with certain restrictions or limitations on how it can be adapted for television
- Product placement deals, sponsorships, or merchandising agreements from the films may carry over to the television series, limiting creative choices
- Existing contracts with actors, directors, or other talent from the films may impact casting or hiring decisions for the television adaptation
- Careful planning and budgeting are essential to ensure that the television series can meet the demands of the franchise while still being feasible to produce on an ongoing basis
- Creative solutions, such as utilizing cost-effective visual effects techniques or focusing on character-driven stories, can help mitigate budget constraints
- Collaborating closely with the studio and producers to align on expectations and limitations can help avoid conflicts down the line
Key Terms to Review (19)
Antagonist: An antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. This opposition can come from various sources, such as another character, a group, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist themselves. The role of the antagonist is crucial in shaping the protagonist's journey, as their motivations and actions influence the growth and development of the main character.
Binge-watching: Binge-watching refers to the practice of watching multiple episodes of a television series in one sitting, often facilitated by streaming platforms that release entire seasons at once. This viewing habit has transformed how audiences engage with content, encouraging deeper immersion into serialized storytelling and impacting the way franchises develop narratives and character arcs across seasons.
Cancelation: Cancelation refers to the termination of a television show or film project, often due to factors like low viewership, high production costs, or changes in network strategy. This decision can have significant implications for the creators, actors, and the audience, impacting not only the show's narrative but also the broader landscape of media consumption and franchise potential.
Character Arc: A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, illustrating how they change in response to experiences, challenges, and conflicts. This evolution is crucial as it provides depth and relatability, connecting the character's development to various narrative elements like storylines, pacing, and relationships.
Cold open: A cold open is a narrative device used at the beginning of a television episode, designed to grab the audience's attention right away before the opening credits. It often presents a scene that sets up the tone or conflict of the episode, engaging viewers immediately and often standing alone as a mini-story within the larger narrative. This technique plays an essential role in episodic storytelling by establishing pacing and tension while adhering to genre conventions.
Comedy: Comedy is a genre of literature, film, and television that aims to entertain and amuse the audience through humor, often involving exaggerated situations, witty dialogue, and the clever use of language. It typically explores themes like social norms, relationships, and human flaws, providing a light-hearted perspective on serious topics while offering resolution through laughter.
David Chase: David Chase is an acclaimed television writer, director, and producer best known for creating the iconic series 'The Sopranos.' His work is notable for its intricate storytelling that often weaves together multiple narrative threads, highlighting the complexity of character development and moral ambiguity. His unique approach to storytelling has influenced the structure of modern television narratives, especially regarding the integration of A, B, and C storylines.
Drama: Drama is a genre of narrative fiction that depicts realistic characters, settings, and events meant to evoke emotions from the audience. It often focuses on conflict, character development, and themes that resonate with human experiences, making it a crucial element in storytelling.
Fandom: Fandom refers to a community of fans who share a common interest in a particular media property, such as films, television shows, books, or games. This term encompasses the ways in which fans engage with the media, including creating fan art, writing fan fiction, attending conventions, and participating in discussions about their favorite franchises. Fandoms can significantly impact the popularity and longevity of a film or franchise by cultivating a dedicated audience that actively promotes and engages with the material.
Pitch: A pitch is a concise presentation of a television show idea, designed to capture the interest of producers, networks, or studios. It outlines the concept, main characters, tone, and overall vision for the series. The effectiveness of a pitch can determine whether a project moves forward, making it a critical component in the development process of episodic and serialized storytelling, resolution arcs, and franchises.
Plot twist: A plot twist is an unexpected development in a story that alters the direction or outcome of the narrative. These twists often challenge the audience's assumptions, revealing hidden truths or altering character motivations, and are crucial for maintaining suspense and engagement throughout a film or franchise.
Protagonist: The protagonist is the main character in a story, often faced with conflicts and challenges that drive the narrative forward. This character's journey typically involves a quest for personal goals, emotional growth, and overcoming obstacles, often placing them in direct opposition to an antagonist. Understanding the protagonist's role helps explore character dynamics, motivations, and how they interact with various archetypes.
Renewal: Renewal refers to the process of revitalizing or reinvigorating a film or television franchise, often through sequels, reboots, or adaptations. This concept is essential in understanding how franchises maintain relevance and audience engagement over time, utilizing familiar characters and storylines while introducing fresh elements to capture a new generation of viewers.
Sequel: A sequel is a film or television production that continues the story or expands on the characters and themes introduced in a previous work. Sequels often aim to capitalize on the success of their predecessors, building upon established narratives and audiences while introducing new elements to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Shonda Rhimes: Shonda Rhimes is a renowned television producer, screenwriter, and creator, best known for her work on hit series such as 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Scandal,' and 'How to Get Away with Murder.' Her storytelling often features complex A, B, and C storylines that intertwine personal and professional lives, showcasing rich character development. Rhimes's work is recognized for its strong use of symbolism and motifs, often reflecting deeper themes of identity, love, and power dynamics.
Showrunner: A showrunner is the individual responsible for overseeing the creative direction and management of a television series, acting as the head writer and often making key decisions about production, casting, and overall storytelling. This role is vital for networking and building relationships with industry professionals, ensuring that the show aligns with market trends, and maintaining a collaborative environment within the writers' room.
Spin-off: A spin-off is a new production that derives from an existing work, such as a film or television series, featuring characters, settings, or storylines originally established in the source material. Spin-offs allow creators to explore different aspects of a franchise, often focusing on supporting characters or new narratives that expand the original universe. This can help build a larger franchise and attract audiences who are already familiar with the original content.
Three-Act Structure: The three-act structure is a narrative framework that divides a story into three distinct sections: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. This format helps to create a clear progression of plot and character development, guiding the audience through an engaging journey while maintaining pacing and tension throughout the story.
Thriller: A thriller is a genre of fiction that evokes excitement, suspense, and tension, often involving crime, psychological elements, or high-stakes situations. This genre captivates audiences by building anticipation and maintaining a fast-paced narrative, making it essential in storytelling where resolution and denouement are crucial for satisfying the audience's need for closure. Thrillers often hinge on strong loglines that encapsulate the central conflict and hook potential viewers, while successful films and franchises in this genre consistently deliver gripping narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.