Hollywood Spin-Offs Are Booming — Here’s What Writers Need to Know About Their Rights
Introduction
Franchise content is dominating Hollywood. As studios double down on existing intellectual property (IP), spin-offs, sequels, prequels, and cinematic universes are more profitable than ever. But while audiences get more of what they love, writers face serious legal implications if their contracts don’t account for how their original work might evolve.
If you’ve created a compelling world, character, or concept, chances are a studio or network will want to expand it. The big question is: Will you be part of that expansion?
The 2025 Spin-Off Landscape: Real Examples Driving the Trend
This year alone, we’ve seen a wave of high-profile spin-offs:
"9-1-1: Nashville" expands the popular 9-1-1 universe, moving the drama to Music City with a new cast and storyline.
"Freakier Friday" reunites Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in a long-awaited sequel to the 2003 Disney film.
"Elle", a prequel to Legally Blonde, dives into Elle Woods’ high school years.
"The War Between the Land and the Sea" branches off from Doctor Who, focusing on the sci-fi UNIT military team.
These titles reflect a broader studio strategy: maximize brand value by exploring every narrative thread. If you’re a writer whose creation is at the center of a franchise, you must understand the legal and financial stakes involved.
4 Key Legal Clauses Every Writer Should Watch
If you’re licensing IP, selling a script, or working on a development deal, here are four crucial clauses to understand:
1. Sequel Rights
Sequel rights determine whether a producer or studio can create follow-up stories. These can include direct sequels, spin-offs, or spiritual successors.
Why it matters: Without clear terms, you may be left out of projects that build directly on your original work.
What to negotiate: Approval rights, credit, compensation, and participation if a sequel is greenlit.
2. Spin-Offs and Derivative Works
A spin-off might use a side character, storyline, or setting from your original IP. Derivative works can be films, series, stage plays, or even podcasts.
Why it matters: Studios often separate spin-offs from the original contract to avoid additional payments.
What to negotiate: Define what counts as a derivative work. Ask for a share of revenue or creator credit.
3. Credit and Compensation
Will you be credited in future projects based on your original idea? Are you entitled to backend points or residuals?
Why it matters: Credit is currency in Hollywood. Lack of credit could impact future deals, visibility, and earnings.
What to negotiate: "Created by," "Based on characters by," and residual structures for expanded universe content.
4. Character Ownership and IP Retention
When you sell or license your work, you may be assigning some or all rights to your characters. Make sure you know what you're giving up.
Why it matters: If the character becomes a brand, you want to benefit.
What to negotiate: Narrow the scope of the rights granted. Retain as many ancillary rights as possible.
Work-for-Hire vs. Original IP: The Fine Line
Many writers working in television or studio development are hired under work-for-hire agreements. In those cases, the studio owns everything you create. That means no backend, no credit, and no control unless your deal says otherwise.
If you’re developing something based on your own IP, your leverage is greater—and so is the need for protection. Even in work-for-hire contexts, it's possible to negotiate better terms if you're proactive early on.
Common Mistakes Writers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Assuming sequels mean new negotiations. Studios often lock in sequel/spin-off rights up front. Get clarity before you sign.
Not reading the "definitions" section. This is where terms like "derivative work" are hidden—and it matters.
Failing to ask for credit guarantees. You can't assume you’ll get it later.
Ignoring merchandising and adaptation rights. Your character could be a toy, comic book, or video game.
How ELLA Protects Creatives
At ELLA, we work with screenwriters, showrunners, and independent creators to:
Draft and review contracts before anything is signed
Negotiate for credit, residuals, and IP protection
Help creatives retain control and long-term profit potential
If you're building worlds, you deserve to stay part of the story.
Final Takeaway
Spin-offs aren't just creative opportunities—they're business assets. Writers who understand the legal framework around their ideas are in a much better position to protect their legacy, reputation, and bottom line.
Before you sign, ask: If this world expands, am I still part of it?
Need help answering that question? We’re here to guide you.
Contact ELLA to protect your work before the next spin-off starts rolling.