Just because you have a legal right to something doesn’t mean it’s always the right decision. Copyright allows the creator of a work to control derivative works – creative works based on the original work. This is a legal right of content creators, but enforcing it hurts the content creators more by alienating the very fans who keep them in business.
Let’s look at two examples. First, fans of the Lord of the Rings created an impressive film telling an untold story using the characters and lore from the books. “Hunt for Gollum” was a labor of love by people who love the Lord of the Rings so much, they spent their own time and money producing a film of amazing quality and storytelling. Thankfully, Tolkien’s estate allowed the film to be released as long it was always non-profit. But why only non-profit? These fans made this movie (and others will see it) because they already love the Lord of the Rings. Fans know it’s not an authorized edition or cannon to the storyline (and if you ask most geeks, being cannon is the most important thing to get our interest). This means if Tolkien’s estate comes out with their own telling of the same story, it will still have the same audience, plus more who found out about the fan-made film – it’s a win-win situation.
But not all companies see the benefits of fan production. Video game publisher Square-Enix sent a cease-and-desist notice to a fan-made sequel to the classic game Chrono Trigger. Square has taken down several fan productions related to Chrono Trigger, this most recent takedown happening mere weeks before the game’s release. But what is the threat? Square is still free to release their own cannon sequels – this fan production only serves to increase the value and attention on this 15 year old franchise. The people making this massive game are fans – the people Square should be supporting not suing.
Video games especially have shown how fan labors of love can help the series. Many video games include modification tools to allow fans to create their own games and stories, either expanding on the official material or creating worlds of their own. While Square has the legal right to stop these fan-games, they are hurting the very people who keep them in business.
7. Chris Evans as Human Torch
7. Malificent
Lord of the Rings began as a moderate success, garnering mixed reviews but an avid following. The book took on a unique persona as a catch phrase for the hippie movement of the 60s and 70s with "Frodo Lives" appearing on t-shirts, buttons, graffiti, and even an album. The saying is linked to the theory that Frodo lives forever after the end of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though Tolkien himself said Frodo will die (presumably of natural causes). Another meaning could simply be that Tolkien’s books will be remembered forever. The phrased gained in popularity as the books did, especially after the releases of paperback editions encouraging the cult following and embracing by the stick-it-to-the man counterculture, transcending geeks to becoming a true pop culture moment.
On a tiny bridge with a wooden staff and a terrible case of split-ends, Gandalf the Grey stood his grown against the giant fire demon Balrog. Gandalf had to protect Frodo, the One Ring, and all his companions so we could make it to the sequels. Until now, Gandalf was just an old guy with a bad ass sword and some surprisingly kick ass moves, but for a powerful wizard, he wasn’t much. Until now. With an energy shield protecting himself from Balrog’s whip, Gandalf prevented the demon from pursuing the Fellowship, echoing the magic words "You shall not pass." The constant repeat and emotional climax led the demon’s fall, and ironically Gandalf’s as well, for now. So sad. The book original had Gandalf saying "You cannot pass."
known as Steven Spielberg. This sea classic has chewed its way into geek hearts the way any move can - with a giant mechanical monster bent on destruction.
