How Intellectual Property Shapes the World of Movies and TV (Notes for Beginners and Beyond)

Intellectual property (IP) encompasses everything you can imagine: books, toys, comics, graphic novels, stories, and much more.

All of this plays a huge role in creating movies and TV shows. Today, if you look at successful projects like “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer,” you’ll notice they’re based on existing IP. Nowadays, selling a project that isn’t based on some well-known IP is becoming increasingly difficult. That’s why creating a short film, which can then be developed into a full-length feature, has become a trendy and effective way to advance in the industry.

 Why Creating Your Own Intellectual Property is Important

The market now clearly leans towards using known IPs because it reduces risks for investors. If a book, short film, or article already has an audience, those who buy movies and series feel more confident, knowing the project already has fans. Of course, original films and series are still being made, but new and emerging authors and directors find it especially hard to sell their ideas if they don’t rely on some well-known IP.

 How Shorts Turn Into Full-Length Films

But here’s the good news: you can create your own IP without spending huge amounts on acquiring book or biography rights. How? Make your own short film! For instance, Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash” started as a short before becoming an Oscar-winning full-length film. Another example is Gareth Edwards' “Monsters” (2010). This film originally began as a short that gained attention and received funding to create a feature-length version. Or take David Sandberg’s “Lights Out” (2013), which also started as a short film and eventually became a popular full-length horror movie.

 Books That Become Big-Screen Hits

Equally important are popular books that serve as great foundations for films. For example, “Game of Thrones,” based on George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, turned into one of the most renowned and successful projects of recent times. Adapting popular books is an excellent way to attract an existing fan base, significantly increasing the chances of commercial success for a film or series.

 Russian Cinema and Literary Adaptations

When it comes to Russian cinema, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the numerous adaptations of "Anna Karenina". Not all these films and series have been financially successful, but the focus here is on their appeal to private investors. This applies to many international adaptations of "Anna Karenina" as well. Another factor affecting the financial results of these films is the fact that they are based on a classic book written almost 150 years ago. These films are not for the mass audience and should primarily be considered from an artistic value perspective.

Conclusion

Creating short films and adapting popular books are proven strategies that help authors and directors break into the industry, reducing risks and increasing chances of success. So, if you have an idea, don’t be afraid to develop it. Who knows, maybe your short film or book will become the next big hit!

Elena Saubanova,

Director of the Bridge Of Peace International Film Festival

Creative producer, screenwriter

www.bridge-of-peace.com