tech
Movie studios are finally buying into Gen Z fan edits
When Melanie Galeaz posted a fan edit of “Heated Rivalry,” she didn’t know it would lead to her dream job.
TL;DR
- Studios like HBO, Lionsgate, and Netflix are hiring fan editors to create content tailored for Gen Z and millennials.
- Melanie Galeaz was hired by HBO after her fan edit of "Heated Rivalry" went viral, gaining millions of views.
- Fan edits, short videos compiled from existing media, are a key part of internet culture and fandoms.
- Lionsgate has found success by promoting fan edits of "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games," correlating with increased streaming views.
- This shift in marketing acknowledges that fans are the best creators of native, fan-first content.
- Viral fan edits can attract new audiences and drive engagement across social media, streaming, and theaters.
- While studios benefit from the publicity, copyright and brand image control remain considerations.
- Some fans view corporate co-option of fan engagement negatively, but studios are recognizing the power of these creations.