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Fan
Films are films that work off someone else's created content. I would suggest a
true fan film, is one that does not spoof or act as a parody, but rather is a
love of the content, and the film is an extension of that. It uses the same
world and perhaps the same characters, but it’s not a remake.
They
are generally not full length in time or scope as well - as they are not meant
to be viewed as a feature, but more of a "side story"; with the goal
of being a homage to the creator of the original content.
A
parody is generally something that runs along the same story, but creates a
funny take on it. These are expected to be cheesy and pokes fun at the content
directly.
Why make a fan film?
There are many reasons to make a fan film. If you are an aspiring filmmaker,
but do not have much of a story yourself – it’s a great way to dive into an all
ready known world, like Middle Earth, which helps you establish certain rules. It is also very
easy to garner a strong fan base for the content, as someone has all ready done
that for you. You just need to tap into them. Many times, if they are well
done, they will really make the rounds.
The
main reason I like this, as indie filmmakers struggle with building a fan base.
This allows you to do that.
A big
note. You must proceed with caution in developing a fan film. As this is not yours! You might make an
original story off of something established, but you are riding on the success
of the film (or comic, or book) you love, such as from Tolkien. And in doing this, those people that
do have the legal rights to create the content, could, and sometimes do, take
issue with you making a fan film. If it’s just a few friends in your back yard,
it’s probably not that big of a deal, but the more professional it becomes the
more it will get on their RADAR. Regardless – there are legal issues with fan
films.
It does
not matter if you do not plan on showing this to make money. This does not
negate your responsibility to seek permission for what you are doing. Many
times, they won’t mind you doing a fan film, but will simply give you a few
things you will have to agree to.
What makes a good fan film?
Exactly
what makes a great film! The story, the production value, and then how close
can you get to the original content. So your props/wardrobe needs to be superb.
Then your acting will speak volumes.
Some
great Lord of the Rings fan films are: Halifirien, The Peril to the Shire, TheHunt for Gollum, and Born of Hope.
Our
film however, “The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers”, is for fans, but not a fan
film. It's commercial in nature with the goal being an ROI.
You can find some other great fan films at: http://www.fanfilms.net/
(another good resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_film)
What’s a great one
you’ve seen? Post below.
