Creating A Film Franchise In Today's Movie Market
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
For most screenwriters, the ultimate dream, aside from getting a movie made, is to create a film franchise. And trust me, writers aren’t alone in this. Studios share the same dream. They want that elusive film property that becomes burned into the public’s consciousness. For a studio, a film franchise has the safety net of a built-in audience and is less of a financial risk. So a writer who presents a project with franchise potential has a much better shot at getting that project picked up. A successful film franchise can become a money-making machine for the studios, and the person who created it. But like Randy said in the iconic franchise “Scream,” “there are rules…” This seminar will cover the creative rules, or key elements, that go in to creating a successful film franchise.
But then we are going to get real about where the business is today. It’s not enough to write a franchise. You want to sell it. And what many people don’t realize is that the entire landscape for screenwriters has evolved. The creative rules for developing a franchise remain the same, but the game has changed. A quick look at current franchises reveals that almost all of them are based off of books, comics, videogames and remakes. It is extremely rare to hear of an original script being picked up by a major studio with the intention of turning it into a franchise. So, if you’re a screenwriter, the question is how do you create a franchise that will get Hollywood to stand up and take notice? Well, that’s what you’ll learn in this webinar.
This OnDemand webinar is taught by Jeffrey Reddick, who has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and created the “Final Destination” franchise, which has amassed over half a billion dollars at the box office.
Industry Testimonials
Gale Hurd - Producer - The Terminator 1- 3, Aliens, The Walking Dead, Armageddon, Hulk
Jeffrey Reddick knows screenwriting and the film industry from the inside out. His insights into writing for the screen - and what audiences want to see - are invaluable to aspiring screenwriters.
Tom DeSanto - Writer - Producer - X-men 1 and 2, Transformers 1-4
You don't give birth to a franchise like “Final Destination” (which I believe is on its 48th sequel) without knowing a thing or two about storytelling. If you are looking to take that step toward making your dream a reality then Jeffrey is your guy.
Steve Miner - Director - Writer - Producer - Dawson's Creek, The Wonder Years, Friday the 13th 1 and 2, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, Soul Man, House, Warlock, Lake Placid
Jeffrey Reddick understands the screenwriter's craft on many levels, having successfully negotiated the pitfalls of both studio and independent production. He knows how to scare you and make you laugh with a character driven screenplay, the most important thing to learn if one wants to write for the movies.
Stephen Susco - Writer - Producer - The Grudge 1 and 2, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D.
There is no greater teacher than one who has been in the trenches himself, and achieved remarkable successes there, balanced precariously in the struggle between art and commerce that is the motion picture industry. Even better is one who has managed to do so without losing their soul, their smile, their optimism, and their sense of humor - all the things that help wisdom flow freely. Jeffrey is one of the precious few I have met who fall into this rarest of categories.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- The key elements to create an enduring franchise.
- Inside the studio decision-making process regarding franchises.
- The top genres for creating franchises.
- The new reality of movie franchises in Hollywood today.
- How to create your franchise in this new reality.
WHO SHOULD LISTEN
- Screenwriters and TV writers who want to learn how to create a sustainable film franchise.
- Writers who want to learn more about the inner workings of the studio system.
- Writers who want to gain an edge by learning how to navigate the film industry today.
The Writers Store does not offer any refunds for the webinar. All sales are final.