John E. Hudgens

In 1982, three 11 year-olds in Mississippi set out to remake their favorite film: Raiders of the Lost Ark. It took seven turbulent years that tested the limits of their friendship and nearly burned down their mother's house. By the end, they had completed every scene except one... the explosive airplane scene. 30 years later, they attempt to finally realize their childhood dream by building a replica of the 75 foot "Flying Wing" plane from Raiders in a mud pit in the backwoods of Mississippi... and then blow it up! This is the story behind the making of what is known as "the greatest fan film ever made."

A commercial for Watto's Junkyard, the best used vehicle dealership in the galaxy.

A fond remembrance of and tribute to the uniquely American institution of the horror movie host.

For years, people have been making home movies, many times using pop culture properties that they may not own, but love. In recent years, these types of projects have come to be known as "fanfilms". Backyard Blockbusters looks at the history and influence of the fanfilm genre, as well as the copyright and fair use problems these films create, featuring highlights from and interviews with the creators of many popular films.

A parody of the NBC hit reality show The Apprentice, set in the Star Wars universe. Emperor Palpatine needs a new apprentice to further his goals of galactic domination, and has turned to reality television to fill the post. The final contestants are Count Dooku, Jar Jar Binks, Darth Maul, and Darth Vader... Who will be the new SITH APPRENTICE?

Parody of Miss Cleo and various other television psychic commercials, but with Darth Vader giving readings to various Star Wars characters

A commercial for Watto's Junkyard, the best used vehicle dealership in the galaxy.

A commercial for Watto's Junkyard, the best used vehicle dealership in the galaxy.

A commercial for Watto's Junkyard, the best used vehicle dealership in the galaxy.

A fond remembrance of and tribute to the uniquely American institution of the horror movie host.

For years, people have been making home movies, many times using pop culture properties that they may not own, but love. In recent years, these types of projects have come to be known as "fanfilms". Backyard Blockbusters looks at the history and influence of the fanfilm genre, as well as the copyright and fair use problems these films create, featuring highlights from and interviews with the creators of many popular films.

For years, people have been making home movies, many times using pop culture properties that they may not own, but love. In recent years, these types of projects have come to be known as "fanfilms". Backyard Blockbusters looks at the history and influence of the fanfilm genre, as well as the copyright and fair use problems these films create, featuring highlights from and interviews with the creators of many popular films.

A parody of the NBC hit reality show The Apprentice, set in the Star Wars universe. Emperor Palpatine needs a new apprentice to further his goals of galactic domination, and has turned to reality television to fill the post. The final contestants are Count Dooku, Jar Jar Binks, Darth Maul, and Darth Vader... Who will be the new SITH APPRENTICE?

Parody of Miss Cleo and various other television psychic commercials, but with Darth Vader giving readings to various Star Wars characters

The Jedi Hunter is a parody of both the Star Wars universe and the TV show The Crocodile Hunter starring Steve Irwin. Join the now-Australian Boba Fett as he canvasses the galaxy, hunting Jedi wherever he goes... Crikey, there's some feisty ones out there!