Franchise
A media property with multiple installments, merchandise, and brand extension potential.
Definition
A franchise is an entertainment property designed for multiple installments across films, television, merchandise, theme parks, and other extensions. Franchises are built on recognizable characters, worlds, or concepts that audiences want to revisit repeatedly.
The franchise model dominates modern studio strategy, with shared universes, sequels, prequels, and spin-offs spreading single intellectual properties across numerous revenue streams.
Why It Matters
Franchises represent the dominant business model for major studios, spreading development risk across multiple potential hits. They also create merchandising and licensing opportunities that can exceed film revenue.
Understanding franchise thinking helps appreciate why studios prioritize certain types of content.
Examples in Practice
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's interconnected franchise generating over $30 billion across 30+ films.
A studio acquiring literary rights specifically for franchise potential rather than single-film adaptation.
A failed franchise launcher costing a studio hundreds of millions and reshaping their slate strategy.