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The Big Secret a Mega Producer Told Me
Branded IP is King
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One of Hollywood’s top producers stared at me from across his desk. He leaned forward and said:
“This is what Hollywood wants…”
I leaned forward and he continued.
“A story that everyone knows but everyone has forgotten.”
I stared back.
He then explained the big secret to me:
The Wizard of Oz.
One of the most famous kids’ stories of all time and most popular films ever. Everyone knows it. But everyone has forgotten that there was series of Wizard of Oz books.
Mr. Big’s point:
Branded IP is what drives Hollywood execs and producers. You don’t have to sell a Wizard of Oz story because it sells itself. The audience is there. Everyone recognises the name, the film, the story, the characters, the messages. Feels the vibe.
And it’s less risk!
Why was Mr. Big telling me this and what is the opportunity here for you?
Creative Solution
Find that big IP everyone has forgotten.
There lurks a chasmic opening and a devilish problem.
Not many of us have access to famed, branded IP like the Wizard of Oz. Often a writer, estate, or studio will own the IP, so you have to purchase it. Or forget it.
Or look elsewhere.
About ten years ago, I started as part of my story services finding and developing “lost” or “forgotten” classic stories that (mostly) have NO IP controls. That is, stories now in the Public Domain. I pitch such stories to a very limited market.
So can you.
The key is identifying the truly great stories buried in history’s pages that would resonate with modern audiences.
You will also need to protect yourself because these poems, plays, novels, and histories are freely available stories. I suggest that you know how to uniquely adapt these narratives. Have your own special take on them.
If you want me to work with you on a lost classic story, email me at: [email protected]
Do you have a problem in your story or writing that you need an answer to? |
“Scott is honest, experienced, and knows how to find and tend the heart of a story so that everything else just falls into place.” Sean Guy, screenwriter/playwright
Read more reviews of my story work.
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More Deep Dives Into Scriptwriting
1) To learn how to focus on choices in your story to create drama click here.
2) To read which screenwriting books I most recommend click here.
3) To study a tip from a famous novelist about the key to writing pro dialog click here
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