TFN FanFilms
By Philip Tan
TFN FanFilms is a section of a Star Wars fan-news site that has developed
its
own following and prominence. TheForce.Net is a fan-run news webzine
that
features information on upcoming Star Wars movies. From the 1997 release
of
Kevin Rubio's landmark release of TROOPS over the Internet, many fans
have
produced videos that combine the cinematic style of George Lucas'
series with
their own original narratives. TFN FanFilms serves both an archival
role for
viewers of these productions and a critical role for those who produce
such
videos.
The videos encompass a surprisingly wide range of styles for such
a narrowly
defined genre: Fan-produced Star Wars Films. From simple animated
parodies that retell Lucas' script in a whimsical way to original
dramas to video montages of Lucas' footage set to incongruous music,
the site is an impressive testament to
the creativity of Star Wars fans. Substantial production notes accompany
every
clip, along with a personal essay from producer to viewer. A visitor
may be
startled, amazed or bewildered by these videos. However, one understands
that
regular, everyday fans created these clips, and one leaves with a
strong
impression that anyone willing to put in the time and effort could
produce
something close to the quality of LucasFilm's movies.
TFN FanFilms effectively supports that notion by providing copious
amounts of
information regarding various stages of production, from general filmmaking
skills to step-by-step light saber tutorials. The ubiquitous online
forum
allows directors to receive first-hand feedback from viewers as well
as confer
with other fans regarding projects in process. The webmasters dedicate
a large
chunk of the site to videos currently under production, keeping fans
updated on
production schedules with a news page and hosting many downloadable
video
trailers. This injects energy into the fan film community while providing
a
helpful amount of pressure on the producers of the films.
Despite the close attention paid to the mimicry of various elements
of Star
Wars, such as light sabers, costuming, character names and locations,
George
Lucas has allowed this community to thrive despite their appropriation
of his
intellectual property. Perhaps this has roots in Lucas' own development
as a
film student. More likely, LucasFilm recognizes the value of a self-sustaining
fan community that fuels its own desire for high-quality films based
on the
Star Wars universe. While this raises the expectations of fans for
Lucasfilm's
shows, the TFN FanFilms community understands that if they do not
charge money for the distribution or production of fan-produced videos,
they are a real
boost to LucasFilm's long-term profit margins.
Although TFN FanFilms is not solely responsible for the thriving
Star Wars fan
film community, sites such as TFN FanFilms serve a very important
role as hubs
for both artists and consumers to gather and exchange information.
Directors
find actors and crew through such sites, fans voice their opinions
on every new
release, and everybody becomes part of the process of sustaining the
community.
Now that fan films are even beginning to find their way into mainstream
television, the continued existence of this community will lie in
its
solidarity and ability to prove its worth as a fan base hungry for
more
LucasFilm productions.