Hi Reader,

Hope you're having a productive week! Watching the Venom The Last Dance trailer the other day, I had some thoughts about sequels.

Most films these days are based on existing intellectual property (IP), which means they tend to be sequels, remakes or reboots of existing films or stories.

The way the studio execs see it is, "If it worked once, it can work again!"

But is that true? From a storytelling perspective, it might be, IF:

• It tells a complete stand-alone story.
• It takes existing characters on a new journey, rather than a tired retread of the previous one(s) .
• It understands and respects the work that it is based on.

It's easy to write fan-fiction and make existing characters from beloved IP do and say whatever you want. But in order for the story to resonate with actual fans, you need to do your homework and dive into the world that's already there. And there are specific ways on how to do just that.

​Check out my thoughts on how to adapt existing IP into screenplays here!

And to watch a video with my reaction to the Venom The Last Dance trailer - from a storytelling perspective - check out my latest video here!

Let me know your thoughts on sequels and if you think we need more original stories instead!

Thank you, Reader, for reading. Here's wishing you an amazing week full of creativity and success! Stay creative!

Neil

Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking:​ www.neilchasefilm.com.

Looking for some help with your script, story or film? Check out my story consulting services.

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