fanmade

Fanmade describes content created by fans of a work—such as a film, game, book, or series—that imitates, expands upon, or reinterprets the original material. It is typically produced without official involvement from the rights holders and is shared within fan communities.

Forms include fan fiction, fan art, fan films, fan games and mods, remixes, cosplay, and fan-curated projects like wikis. These works are often published on platforms such as Archive of Our Own, Wattpad, DeviantArt, YouTube, and fan forums, sometimes with non-commercial intent.

Intellectual property considerations vary. Original creators retain copyright, and fanmade works may fall under fair use or similar doctrines in some jurisdictions, though not universally guaranteed. Many rights holders tolerate or even encourage non-commercial fan content, while others enforce takedowns or licensing requirements, especially for monetized projects or those that imply official endorsement.

Impact and culture: Fanmade content can sustain interest in a franchise, invite creative collaboration, and serve as a training ground for aspiring creators. It can also influence official material and contribute to the broader ecosystem of fan labor and participatory culture.

Challenges: Legal ambiguity, potential trademark issues, consent of the original creators, and community conflicts. Clear guidelines and respectful community norms help reduce disputes; some franchises publish official fan content guidelines or offer sanctioned avenues for collaboration.

See also: fan fiction, fan art, fan films, fan games, cosplay, wikis.