Classic Fantasy IP Franchise Development (Transmedia Storyworld | Researcher & Strategist)

This project set out to adapt a beloved fantasy literary property in a way that truly respects the heart of the original. Working closely with the author's estate, the approach centered on giving the writer and creative team the space to build a thoughtful, faithful adaptation free from early interference from producers, studios, or financiers. The idea was to protect the story's vision first, then bring on the right director, and finally a producer who could champion that vision all the way through production.

It's a long-game strategy built on trust, creative alignment, and the belief that great stories deserve room to grow before they're shaped by market demands. The ultimate goal: to establish a sustainable storyverse across media platforms that feels visually immersive, emotionally grounded, and preserves the spirit of the original work.

01. The Story Behind the Work

This project came from a unique chance to rethink a beloved fantasy story without immediately putting it through the usual industry grind. Instead of starting with producers or studios, the focus was on the story itself — its values, vision, and the legacy it carries. Working closely with the author’s estate, the goal was to create an environment where the writer could develop a faithful and meaningful adaptation without early commercial pressures shaping the work too soon.

The idea grew out of frustration with how many adaptations lose their way when too many voices get involved too early. Great stories need clarity and time. We believed that by protecting the development phase and keeping the estate and writer aligned from the start, we could create something stronger. After that, the plan was to be intentional with each next step: bring in a director who shared the same creative values, and only then bring on a producer who could protect and elevate the work throughout production.

What sparked the project was a deep respect for the original story — its imagination, philosophical depth, and emotional truth. It still connects with audiences, and we wanted that to guide everything. This wasn’t about chasing buzz around intellectual property. It was about giving the story the space it deserved, building something lasting, and finding a new way forward that puts artistry first.

02. What I Did

• Conducted comprehensive rights and licensing research across multiple territories and past agreements.

• Analyzed original literary texts and previous adaptations to distill core narrative elements.

• Collaborated closely with legal counsel and development producers to align rights strategy with creative goals.

• Delivered actionable research reports and cultural insights supporting storytelling and franchise positioning.

• Provided strategic recommendations to balance nostalgia with innovation in future content development.

03. The Impact

This approach changed the way the team thought about development, not just for this project but for future ones as well. By slowing down and protecting the early creative process, we ended up with a version of the story that felt much closer to the original than anything that might have come from a more traditional path. It strengthened the relationship between the estate and the creative team and sparked meaningful conversations about what it really means to adapt a story with care, especially one with so much cultural and emotional significance.

The process didn’t just make the story stronger. It also deepened the reason behind telling it. There was greater clarity, stronger conviction, and more space for creative integrity to lead the way. Internally, it challenged many assumptions about when and how collaborators should be involved. It reinforced the importance of making decisions based on the story rather than rushing to meet market demands. This approach laid the groundwork for a new development model that others in the industry began to notice. It didn’t need public recognition to make a difference. The real impact happened behind the scenes, where it truly matters.