Yesterday I wrote a post with tips on making good sequels. I fogot to add two tips to the list, so I’m adding them in this sequel post:
1. If the focus of your projects are on a group of people, don’t alway focus on the same character each movie. In the two Addams Family films in the 90’s, both films seemed to place t0o much attention on Uncle Fester. Now the first film, I could see why that would be a good idea. But the second film…it could’ve been better. Those films gave people the impression that Uncle Fester was the only stand-out character of the bunch, the way they focused on him so much. Sure, there was some focus on Wednesday in the second film and her romance with a guy from summer camp, but the focus of the movie was still on Fester. No wonder the third film was Direct-tov-Video and barely anyone has heard of it!
2. Take a break between parts of the series. This is one of my tactics, but it’s also one of Christopher Nolan’s. In between his Batman films, Nolan would work on other films, such as Inception or The Prestige. When he returned to the world of Gotham City and Bruce Wayne, Nolan was able to immerse himself with fresh eyes, see the project in a new light. This way, he was able to treat each film as an individual and not as just the next entry to make big money and connect the dots of the story. What happened? Only one of the most historic film trilogies ever! Each film was a success, and I think working on other projects in between films helped. This is why between parts of a series, I take a break and work on something else. Look what I got from not immediately starting on the sequel to Reborn City: a kick-ass thriller called Snake!
I hope you found these helpful, and if you have any suggestions for further tips, don’t hesitate to let me know. That’s all for now, I’ve got work to do.
Rami Ungar The Writer 
Such good advice Rami, especially the one about focusing on one character. I now find myself thinking about other stories where, like Uncle Fester, the focus was too much on one person, when there was a myriad of other options.
Thanks Angela. I’m glad you liked the advice and found it helpful. By the way, what other stories are there where the focus is on one particular character among a myriad of main characters? I’m having trouble thinking of one besides the Addams Family movies.
I was thinking of The West Wing.. which started with a focus on Rob Lowe, and then (the writers quickly realizing the mistake they made in under-valuing their amazing cast) expanded to make more of Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing, Alison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff and John Spencer.
I’ve never seen that movie, but thanks for telling me. Always appreciate the feedback, Angela.