By definition a sequel can’t be original. So you’ve got to figure out what worked the first time around.
Meaning of the quote
A sequel is a new story that follows the original story. It can't be completely new or original because it's building on the first story. That means you have to figure out what parts of the first story were popular and successful, and then use those same elements in the sequel to make it work well too. The key is to take what people liked about the original and give them more of that in the sequel.
About Barry Sonnenfeld
Barry Sonnenfeld is an acclaimed American filmmaker and television director. He started out as a cinematographer for the Coen brothers before directing iconic movies like The Addams Family, Get Shorty, and the Men in Black trilogy. Sonnenfeld has had a diverse and successful career in the entertainment industry.
More quotes from Barry Sonnenfeld
It felt scary because there was no auditioning, no rehearsing.
American film director and cinematographer
These movies are like my kids. I just love them to death. Some of them go to Harvard and some of them can barely graduate high school.
American film director and cinematographer
I was seeing a lot of really good things about Get Shorty when it came out, and my wife pointed out that if you validate the good reviews, you also have to validate the bad reviews.
American film director and cinematographer
I really wanted Michael Jackson to be in the first Men in Black, but he didn’t want to be considered as an alien!
American film director and cinematographer
Will and Tommy Lee are the only actors I’ve ever worked with where neither of them want to say any lines.
American film director and cinematographer
They want to let the audience figure things out and let the reaction shot get the laugh.
American film director and cinematographer
I don’t think Will does get upstaged because his reaction is always funnier than what is actually happening. That is also the reason Tommy is funnier than Will.
American film director and cinematographer
We should all relax about life because you don’t have a clue as to what’s really going on.
American film director and cinematographer
Michael worked one day. Everybody was a little freaked out and nervous because he’s a really big star. We were already working with really big stars, but Michael is Michael.
American film director and cinematographer
There’s a series of children’s books called A Series of Unfortunate Events, which is like an incredibly dark version of Roald Dahl. I hope to start directing it.
American film director and cinematographer
I haven’t read a review of one of my films for the best part of 10 years.
American film director and cinematographer
Michael Jackson wanted to be in Men in Black II. He told me he had seen the first Men in Black in Paris and had stayed behind and sat there and wept. I had to explain to him that it was a comedy.
American film director and cinematographer
I play the father in the scene when Will and Tommy go back to Tommy’s old apartment. It was a big mistake. I hope not to be in the next movie I direct.
American film director and cinematographer
By definition a sequel can’t be original. So you’ve got to figure out what worked the first time around.
American film director and cinematographer
When Frank the Pug is singing I Will Survive, the only reason it’s funny is that Will is in that shot trying not to get angry. A shot of a dog singing I Will Survive on its own will not get a laugh.
American film director and cinematographer