Rise of Franchises investigates the increasing dominance of sequels and franchises in the film industry, driven by business management decisions and creative strategies designed to maximize revenue. It explores how studios prioritize established intellectual property to mitigate risk in a volatile market. Surprisingly, franchises aren't solely a modern construct; their roots can be traced back to early film serials, showcasing a long-standing pursuit of audience loyalty. The book meticulously examines the financial incentives and creative compromises that shape today's Hollywood landscape.
This book is structured in three parts, starting with the evolution and key elements of the modern movie franchise, like transmedia storytelling and brand management. It then analyzes the economic forces driving the franchise model, such as globalization and data-driven decision-making. Finally, it explores the effects of this trend on independent filmmaking and cinematic diversity.
What sets this book apart is its balanced, interdisciplinary approach, integrating financial data with creative insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of the franchise phenomenon.