A Filmmaker's Guide to Creating Intellectual Property for Film and TV; No Film School, June 8, 2023

 Jason Hellerman, No Film School; A Filmmaker's Guide to Creating Intellectual Property for Film and TV

"What Are the Kinds of IP You Should Be Creating For Hollywood?  

When it comes to creating intellectual property for Hollywood, various types of stories and packages have historically been successful in the entertainment industry.

1. 1. Spec Scripts: Well-written screenplays and scripts are the foundation of many successful films and television shows. Developing compelling stories with engaging characters and interesting dialogue is crucial. 

   2. Book Adaptations: Hollywood often looks to popular books and novels for source material. If you have a unique and captivating story that could be adapted into a screenplay, it could attract attention from producers and studios. Or maybe you can find lesser-known books that you can show to producers that might be easier to get.  

   3. Franchise Concepts: Do you have an idea for a franchise? Hollywood studios are always on the lookout for potential franchises that can span multiple movies or spin-off projects. Developing a rich and expansive world with the potential for sequels or spin-offs can be highly appealing. These could be pitches for huge worlds you could option together or written documents you make to show them a very lucrative avenue you want to be the voice behind.  

   4. Comic Books and Graphic Novels: The success of comic book adaptations in recent years has made this medium particularly attractive to Hollywood. Creating a captivating comic book series or graphic novel with strong characters and a compelling narrative can pique the interest of producers. You could work with an artist and make your own or just have ideas for when you do a general at DC, Marvel, or another spot.  

   5. Video Games: The boundaries between film and video games are becoming increasingly blurred. Developing a unique and immersive video game concept with a captivating storyline and engaging characters could attract interest from both the gaming and entertainment industries. Do you have games you loved that you want to adapt? Then reach out to those companies or have your reps do it for you. Always have a title a company makes to talk about if you get a general with them.  

   6. Short stories: So many writers I know have made the switch to developing and writing their own short stories. These can serve as ideas you try to get published and retain the rights to, and can also be easily shared and adapted.  

   7. True Stories, News Stories, and Biopics: Stories based on true events or the lives of real people often have a strong appeal to audiences. If you come across an untold story or a compelling biography, it could be worth exploring its potential for adaptation. If something is in the news or zeitgeist, it might be in the public domain or you have fair use of it, so you can adapt it or be inspired by something other people have heard of without paying a penny."