I'm not a filmmaker, I'm a writer. Nice to meet you. I found Studentfilms.com via a link on Fanfilmsforum.com, and I'd be interested to know what you guys think of the whole fan film thing. Of course, it's illegal to produce and distribute fan films professionally, or to attempt to make a profit off them. At least, it was last time I looked.

That aside, if a fan film is artistically sound and well produced, are you able to recognise that? Or do you just automatically go, "It's a fan film - it's crap"?

And here's hoping this thread doesn't devolve into bickering and wankage. *g*

it really depends. most are stupid. There's only a handfull that are good. But if you got good skills, dont waste them on something like a fan film script, do something original.

yeah - sure it's possible to make an AWESOME fan film. but it will always be limited by that one thing - it's a fan film. based on someone else's idea.

if you are a writer all the more reason you should do something REALLY unique and knock our socks off!!

Look at it this way: The best cover band in the world is still just a cover band. That doesnt mean the musicians aren't good...but they are less likely to get any recognition.

I found a pretty well done, albeit pathetic, fan film for Star Trek. It looks just like an episode of the old 1960's TV series.
Starship Exeter

I pretty much agree with the rest of the responses...be original. That being said, if you're just dying to make/write a fan film, I say go for it. If it's good enough, someone might take notice and put your skills to use in another film.

One fan film that I found interesting (well fan trailer actually) was Grayson at http://www.untamedcinema.com/

I think alot of fan films are awsome.

But I have to disagree with the less reconition thing.
When I go to some other forum, people can't tell me what "Takeback 2" or "The Marble Mission" is.
Even if I'm on another movie forum.
But with a fan film, word spreads through to other fans. Other fans love it if you do a good job, hate it if they're an jerk, and give you a good job if it wasn't good and they're nice about it.

And I see it as getting an unofficial chance to put your spin on it. There's still tons of room for originality. And trying to adapt it is half the fun.

Didn't someone get into teh film business by making an Alien Vs Superman thing? I don't remember.

You mean batman:dead end?
There was no supes in it, but that was AWSOME. Sure, a little short and weak on the story, but everything else. The batman costume, was from the comics, and it worked! He even got the perfect actors!

He recently made a trailer called "worlds finest" which is pretty sweet. Not sure if it's a trailer for an actual film he made though.

But superman is in it! Same with lex and two face!

WEll, besides that, I like fan films. Heck, nerd that I am, I am making a Matrix fan film right now. We are even filming a tribut to Equillibriam which has inspired much of our fighting in The Matrix fanfilm.

I figure, if you learn from it, it was worth it. I have learned so much about CG, action choreography, camer movement, green screening, writing (to fit someone's style), acting, not getting in trouble iwth the cops (you know, guns), and all that.
This movie has helped me in many ways, and I now feel, that my next ORIGINAL picture. (Destiny Fulfilled) will be the best thing ever because I have taken the time to learn from someone else.

(I have also taken time to try and imitate Peter Jackson, Spielberg, Tarantino, and many other popular directors. Imitation allows you to see things other ways rather then threw one's own narrow vision.)

Check out some cool pics here:

www.forsakenproductions.scriptmania.com

fanfilms are good for weekends screw-around

Some guys made a fan film called George Lucas in love, and it got them a two-picture deal, one of those movies being The Girl next door. So just incase your wondering, yes a fan film can help your career if its done well.

i just worked on a fan film in downtown cleveland, the guy's been planning it since feburary and it's looking to be sweet. so a well-done script and pre-production will pay off great in the end.