Tolkien Forums

Never heard of that, can you provide a link?

There's also a 'Hunt for Gollum' being made (by fans).

I'm no lawyer, but to date I understand that the argument 'not for profit' does not necessarily mean there are no copyright problems. I wonder if that will be an issue.

Anyway, I have seen 'Born of Hope' on the web, but not checked it lately.

-- Edited by Galin at 04:50, 2008-10-02

No problem Bear!

(incidentally I actually edited my last post a bit before I saw your response).

Here's their current disclaimer (Born of Hope):

'This Fan Film is for entertainment purposes only and is in no way sponsored or approved by Tolkien Enterprises, the Tolkien Estate, Peter Jackson, New Line or any affiliates. The content is for the exclusive use of the downloader and should not be sold, rented, or used for any commercial enterprise in any way, shape, or form. We make no claim to any characters, storylines, prop designs, names, logos, situations that are trademarked, copyrighted or otherwise protected by federal, state or other intellectual property law. New Line, Peter Jackson, Weta, Tolkien Enterprises, the Tolkien Estate or any of their respective affiliates or licensees hold rights to some intellectual property herein used by this work. This work is produced solely for the personal, uncompensated enjoyment of ourselves and other Tolkien fans. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.'

Born of Hope website (current disclaimer)

Hmmm, not intended maybe, but they don't seem to have contacted anyone yet in any case. A similar issue is arising with respect to The Hunt for Gollum:

The following was posted on the web 'On Behalf Of Michael Cunningham' regarding the fan film The Hunt for Gollum:

The producers are aware of these concerns re copyright but raised the issue of the 'fan film' which may inhabit its own genre and as such not fall under the legal remit of a large scale, widely distributed, money making enterprise.

It's certainly not going to win any Oscars (or praise, it seems) but in conversation with those involved the over-riding factor is that they are purely fans and the feature is a labour of love and affection for a masterly work that fires a creative spark in many of the folk who explore the world between its pages.

To which Janet Croft replied:

Being a non-profit doesn't automatically give you free reign to do as you please with other folks' copyrighted material, which is how they appear to be approaching this project. However, it can have weight in a Four Factors of Fair Use analysis, which is what they should sit down and do before the Estate or Saul Zantz or New Line takes notice of them. They should at least become more familiar with the vocabulary of fair use, and not rely solely on being non-profit to protect themselves.

Janet Brennan Croft


The Might, do you know if there have been problems with the Star Wars fan films and copyright? I was not aware of these.

Edit: the 'quote' function didn't work, so I tried color to distinguish my remarks from quoted material. Who knows what it will look like now... until I press submit!

-- Edited by Galin at 15:31, 2008-10-02

Thanks The Might.

Many probably already know, but there is a film called Ancanar too, though the site has been under construction recently  (and it's still that way as of a few minutes ago) -- it isn't supposed to be set in Middle-earth, but Tolkien's work had influenced the filmmakers I think.

If I recall correctly anyway! This one has been in the works for a while.

-- Edited by Galin on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:28:09 AM

I'm confused. Is there or is there not another film concerning Tolkien's works? I don't care if the films are good or not. I'm so obsessed with Tolkien I'll take anything related I can get. I think Bears wife would call the wagon for me. Also, what is the web site so I can get a quick fix?

There may be more out there as well, I am definitely sure there are free SW movies...

Just read a bit about this film, its to do with Aragorn in his life before LOTR, with his mother Gilraen when he is young. I wonder if it includes the adventures he had later on, like when he served under Thengel, King of Rohan, or when he served under Ecthelion the Second as Thorongil, and went into the south with a fleet of Gondor to re-take Umbar. Or maybe his mysterious journeys amoung the men of the East and the Haradrim?

Guess we can wait and see.