Fandom

Comic books have always generated a strong fandom. With the accessibility of new video production and editing tools, that fandom has grown more and more adept at producing content inspired by the characters they love. The scope and variety of fan produced content continues poses a challenge as fanfic starts to look and feel like professional productions. Where do we draw the line to protect intellectual property? At what point does a character woven into the cultural landscape through decades of storytelling become an object of public domain worthy of manipulation for creative purposes? The legal fight around fair use looms in the background, but the immediate answer is clear. Fan engagement is a byproduct that license holder wants, but they rightly prevent fan products from generating profits. This fan film inspired by Hawkeye fits neatly in the space created by contemporary circumstances. Recognizable characterization, good production values, and clear story inspiration from the award winning comic series.