Today we have spoken about the pros and cons of fan production from the perspective of the media industries. We have listed a lot of cons, such as bad reflection on original, the industries have no control about the fan projects and the fans act obsessively.
In my opinion, fan productions can also support the media industries. For instance, the movie “troopers”, which is a parody of star wars. The consequence is that people begin to speak about this kind of movie. Maybe the movie causes viral effects, some people tell their friends about the project, and mouth-to-mouth propaganda starts. Therefore, the original movie of star wars could get more popular too. I mean such projects are made by true fans of star wars. It takes a longer time to create the movie. Tasks such as cutting, editing and composing are part of the project. Famous directors like George Lucas could be proud of their fans, who spent such an effort of their projects. In the end, they do not jeopardize the success of the original film. Additionally, I could not image that fan movies like troopers reflect badly on the original, because they created funnily. People more love about it, instead of taking it seriously.
I also believe that fan produced media can be positive for everyone involved. The "parody" can cause the original work to get new fans that they didn't have before, a fan can get a new take on characters that they'd never thought of before, and it can bring in new revenue.
ReplyDeleteBut, of course, you have those people that want to protect their brand by any means necessary. Instead of trying to send their witch hunt mobs to bring down any and everyone that is "copying the original", maybe they should look at this as bringing attention to their work. Sometimes if it weren't for these parodies, people would never hear of the originals to begin with.
As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And, I think that can apply when it comes to parodies.
This comment is actually from Kimberley, who was having trouble posting:
ReplyDeleteIts sad to say that the media industry doesnt want flattery, they want only money to think that they are the best of the best at what they do. But that is why this is a PROam revolution. The media industry is acting like a child not getting its way. When someone branches off your idea because they are a fan, then you should accept it. Publicity is publicity, and you should be grateful that someone has helped you save a few dollars by making something such as 'trooopers'. Dont think of it as someone taking money from you, it is more along the lines of someone keeping money in your pocket. But, instead of basking in the glory of having people being true fans, the media industry is turning their backs on the true fans and sueing them. So, one way or another, they get money.So, maybe it wont be too hard for people in the long tail to gain a 1000 true fans, because the industry no longer seem to want them.
I agree that in most cases these videos only add to the overall success of the film. I started to do a good girl version of rapping on cover songs of known rap artists...although it is my foolish play that strikes attention, it is their music that gets noticed and ultimately gains more fans.
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