I've had a love-hate relationship with fan films. There are a few that are done well. I appreciate those. There are tons done poorly. There are copyright issues, but it can be a way to connect with a ready-made audience and get your name out there as a filmmaker. I'm currently making a fan film. It has been an interesting process so far and I have learned a lot. There is still certain aspects that I'm uncomfortable about but I'm attempting to do this above board. I'm making a fan film based on the Hitman video games so I sent my press release and my intent with the project to the Square Enix legal department to see if we can get official permission. At the very least they have been notified. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts, opinions, and experiences with fan films as I continue on with my own. If you want to check out my project and get updates on where we are in the process, you can go to our FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/HitmanRedemption
Producing : Fan Films. Good? Bad? Should they be done? by Jeremy Andrew Davis
Fan Films. Good? Bad? Should they be done?
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I hate to burst your bubble, but not only are there legal issues and rights issues, but a fan movie makes you just that - a fan. Not a professional. I'm sure there are people out there with the best idea ever for the next Batman movie or Star Trek, but it just doesn't matter. No one will read it as a writing sample, and no one can make it because of the rights issues. And to even get noticed with a fan film, you'd need a million people to like it or follow it (like 50 Shades had). Again, I'd strongly warn against doing them for anything other than a fun writing exercise or creative outlet.
So far I have had a great response with moving forward with my fan film. Because people know about the Hitman games, more cast and crew want to be a part of the project than the 'original' films I have done. It has proven a great way to connect with more filmmakers and professionals. It is fun and a creative outlet, but it has proven to have some perks. Looking forward to seeing where it takes us as we move into production in several weeks.
First off, what do you WANT to do, be a screenwriter? Direct? Produce ? act? Each have their own path(s) to getting there and each takes time, energy and talent to do so. Just writing a bunch of screenplays is fine, IF you get coverage done and you get reviews/critiques on your work, so that you can use them to grow your talent. Otherwise you might as well write and toss them in the trash when your done. You need to put a solid plan together and push forward.