Franchises Part 2: When It Works

bridge forest trees

So previously I went on why I’m suspicious of franchises, my thoughts codified by seeing the novel “Tarkin” where the Grandest Moff of Star Wars got his own book. It’s not “Porkins: Apocalypse” but then again maybe that exists. I’d rather not find out.

As noted I’m not entirely down on franchises, those extended, unified sets of media and product and more. In fact, I think there’s positive sides to them, especially in the world of literature and media. So for the sake of those of us involved in creating franchises, what I consider the positives.

Yes. Positives.

Here’s where I think franchises can be good.

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Franchises And Thoughts

Org Chart

I’ve started to question the value of franchises.

This may sound strange in many ways.

  • You may wonder “what the hell took you so long?” as we try to figure out why Spider-Man movies keep getting remade.
  • You may wonder why I care, because I’m bang alongside crazy creativity, cosplay, fanfic – and I haven’t really mentioned this.
  • You may wonder if I’m becoming a crotchety old geek. I’m not, I’m still cool and still love being a Pyro in TF2.

So let me explain exactly what started this. It all has to do with Grand Moff Tarkin.

For those of you who don’t recall, yes, that’s the guy played by Peter Cushing in the first Star Wars film. Commander of the Death Star, didn’t take crap from Vader, and looked like he was permanently bitter at life.  I figure it’s because the name “Tarkin” sounds like an artificial fabric winter coats are made out of.

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Lessa Bouchard of Arc:Hive Discusses “A Moment (Un)bound”

Imagine an art instillation that inspires a play that’s Harry Potter meets the X-Men. Imagine an evolving play about an archive of the world and hidden family secrets. If you can, you’ve got what’s going on A Moment (Un) Bound, an art/play event going on here in Silicon Valley. When I heard of it, I had to interview Lessa Bouchard, a Producing Ensemble Member of the Arc:Hive collective.

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