Characterization of The Blockbuster

Blockbuster films make money. So much money. Films that make money are often called "blockbuster" films. Those that lose money are called "bombs."

Here are some tongue-in-cheek rules concerning blockbuster films by Charlie Jane Anders:

• If your kid hasn't heard of it, don't spend $200 million on it
• Genre mash-ups only work if both genres are popular
• Spend less on the first film in a series and more on the sequels
• When dealing with a familiar hero or character, go back to the source material or original concept
• Pay attention to the structure of the original (particularly in sequels)
• Blockbuster films have to play overseas in the foreign market
• Things that sound funny, should be funny
• Remember the human element: special effects does not a blockbuster make
• Fans are a double-edged sword: they love your content/subject matter--but then...they love your content/subject matter.

Blockbusters are usually:

• Advertised or heavily marketed
• Based on advertised/heavily marketed material
• Use familiar directors or actors in major roles
• Action films
• Epic in scope and story
• Costume dramas or historical fiction
• Include special effects that involve explosions
• Have a male protagonist
• Deal with themes that can be easily recognizable
• Have an underlying religious theme or strong belief in the power of good
• End happily for the protagonist, usually by saving the day

Of course there's no set guarantee that your film will be a blockbuster, but if you hit upon some of these elements, it is more likely you are making a blockbuster.