Nowadays it seems the most lucrative endeavors are franchises. I'm not talking about sports or restaurants or for that matter any kinds of shops (Starbucks comes to mind--although they are very profitable in their own right). No, I'm talking about "media franchises". You know, the type of franchise where a story, usually a fictional story, is developed and made into something be it a book, comic book, movie, tv show, computer game, whatever, and then it becomes so popular with people that it spawns sequels, more books, etc.
There are numerous examples of this. Star Trek, The Matrix, James Bond, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean & Star Wars being some of the biggest I can think of.
Star Trek started out as a low budget tv show in the 60s. But its popularity has spawned multiple other tv shows, movies, and a plethora of merchandising. Today Star Trek is more popular than ever. And there seems to be no end to its longevity.
Star Trek started out as a low budget tv show in the 60s. But its popularity has spawned multiple other tv shows, movies, and a plethora of merchandising. Today Star Trek is more popular than ever. And there seems to be no end to its longevity.
Star Wars started out as a movie in 1977 & quickly became a blockbuster. Tons of merchandising was produced over the years creating huge profits for George Lucas and whoever else was involved. And the actors in those movies have become famous for their participation in these movies, just like those in the original tv shows of Star Trek.
There are many other examples of this as well where a storyline began in one way or another and became so popular with the people that it germinated like a seed into multiple branches creating all sorts of other merchandise. Pretty much most all superheroes began as comic book characters, but from there we've seen them in movies and tv shows. And of course there are toys and games. Superman, Batman, Spider-man, The Hulk, Wolverine, Wonder Woman, etc. are prime examples of this.
All of these things are franchises. Superman, Batman, Spawn, Alien, Star Trek, Star Wars; all are franchises. Any time something with their likeness or branding sells somewhere (except in the aftermarket, in which case it has already made its initial money for the franchise) whoever trademarked that franchise takes a cut.
There are many other examples of this as well where a storyline began in one way or another and became so popular with the people that it germinated like a seed into multiple branches creating all sorts of other merchandise. Pretty much most all superheroes began as comic book characters, but from there we've seen them in movies and tv shows. And of course there are toys and games. Superman, Batman, Spider-man, The Hulk, Wolverine, Wonder Woman, etc. are prime examples of this.
All of these things are franchises. Superman, Batman, Spawn, Alien, Star Trek, Star Wars; all are franchises. Any time something with their likeness or branding sells somewhere (except in the aftermarket, in which case it has already made its initial money for the franchise) whoever trademarked that franchise takes a cut.
It's an incredible system to be a part of if you can make it. Create something that becomes so enamored with people that they must have it/ want to be a part of it, etc. Collectors search the world over for every piece that has been sold to complete their collections. And there are many many collectors out there. Though, even beyond the collectors, there are just the people who want to feel like they are a part of some franchise. That's why conventions are so popular. Comic-con for instance. It's places like these that the fans can go to to be closer to their beloved tv shows, comics, movies, and the actors who've starred in them. And the spectators who visit them can even dress up like their favorite fantasy characters, and parade around. And possibly even be judged in contests at the conventions.
As an example of the popularity of these media franchises here's a video of a Star Wars convention recently held in Orlando, Fl. :
No comments :
Post a Comment