franchises for audiences and producers

How important are film franchises for audiences and producers?

I believe that film franchises are important to both audiences and producers as they give a positive but also a negative impact to both. Franchises have been getting made now for many years, however they now offer a more demanding and enjoyable experience to audiences. This is because characters have developed and some can say that audiences want what they already know. For example, From day one of the Harry Potter franchises, we knew as an audience that Harry and Voldemort would eventually fight to their death, however, we kept watching and wanting more as it gave us a demanding experience along the way. They also allow a more demanding experience as franchises now allow audiences go on a ‘journey’ with the characters they love. The audience is now allowed to see and be apart of the characters development. This means that films and also characters are more complex, meeting audiences’ desires, something that stars no longer offer.

Franchises have been proven to be a ‘social’ experience for a mass audience around the world. This is due to the many franchises that are on offer. For example, I remember watching the first and second harry potter film at home with my family and I loved them and from then on it then became a social event that my best friend and me would look forward to. We would then count down the days until the next film came out, as she loved harry potter too. Also, previous films can create a set of expectations that audiences can use to identify films they would like to see.  For example, if you love films like iron man 1,2 and 3 then you are more likely to enjoy and go and see films like The Avengers which features ‘superheroes’ like iron man.  These franchises also enable the audience to engage with the characters and story outside of the films. Franchises now form a brand that can be promoted through a mass variety or products. For example, in Florida there is a Pirates Of The Caribbean theme park that the films were based off. Also within many stores, you can buy Captain Jacks sword and his hat that he wears in every movie. Another example is the film Frozen, that film has became famous worldwide and now in near enough every store you can buy products such as Frozen lunch bags, dolls, hats, scarves, hair accessories etc.

Sleeper curve is another reason why franchises are so popular and why film stars are getting washed up. The theory is that there is now less flashing in films that audiences are encouraged to think while watching films and to discover. This means that films are more intellectual and complex for audiences.