In a surprising move, HBO has issued a copyright takedown notice to ScreenCapped, a website known for hosting fan-created artwork featuring screenshots from popular TV shows and movies. Among the casualties were libraries of Game of Thrones and True Blood screenshots, leaving fans dismayed by the sudden crackdown.
This action comes as a shock, especially considering HBO’s previous stance on piracy. While the network has acknowledged the widespread sharing of its content online, with Game of Thrones being a notorious favorite among pirates, it has often viewed piracy as a form of complimentary promotion rather than a threat.
However, recent developments suggest a shift in HBO’s approach. Last year, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo described unauthorized downloading as a “compliment,” hinting at plans to adjust release schedules to combat piracy. The network has long believed that the buzz generated by fan enthusiasm serves as invaluable word-of-mouth promotion.
The situation unfolds around ScreenCapped.net, a fan site where users transform screenshots into stunning artwork. The website’s creative community, fuelled by their passion for beloved franchises like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, now faces uncertainty amidst HBO’s crackdown on their beloved screenshots.
In a plot twist worthy of its own TV drama, ScreenCapped, a treasure trove of screenshots from various movies and TV shows, recently found itself in hot water with HBO. The network dropped the hammer, accusing the site of copyright infringement and demanding the removal of screenshots from its prized possessions, Game of Thrones and True Blood. As a result, these iconic titles vanished from the site’s archives overnight.
Caught in the crossfire of this digital showdown, ScreenCapped’s operator, Raina Stephens, launched a desperate plea to HBO’s anti-piracy director, Jake Snyder. In a heartfelt petition on Change.org, Stephens implores HBO to reconsider its harsh stance, emphasizing the site’s dedication to providing fans with high-quality screencaps for non-profit use.
The rallying cry has struck a chord with fans, garnering over 2,000 signatures in a show of solidarity. But with tensions running high and the fate of ScreenCapped hanging in the balance, the stage is set for a showdown between corporate giants and the passionate fandom they seek to serve.
Users of the site have been expressing their disappointment on Change.org.
“Come on, guys. You’re going to slap a DMCA claim on ONE site out of HUNDREDS for hosting screen captures?! It’s not like they’re hosting downloads of your episodes!” user Mandi S writes.
“Drop the claim so I can get my favourite screencap gallery back! How do you think we fan artists make those amazing arts that you KNOW you love. Get real and drop the suit, PLEASE.”
Another user, Alessia Colognesi from Italy, questions whether the move makes financial sense to HBO.
“It’s ludicrous to think that watching/having screencaps will take away from the income of money that you might have. The only reasons why screencaps exist is to let creative people share their love for something making graphics, designs and such; and that’s a good thing because that way other people can take a look at a show and maybe start watching it. Go do something better with your time,” Colognesi concludes.
Although the exact reasoning behind the takedown remains shrouded in mystery, two undeniable truths emerge from the shadows. Firstly, ScreenCapped’s platform does not facilitate the illegal downloading of the actual shows, serving merely as a gallery for fans to admire and create art from screenshots. Secondly, discouraging fans from further immersing themselves in a show through seemingly harmless screenshots appears to contradict Time Warner/HBO’s proclaimed mantra that “buzz is beneficial.”
