Feature Story: Go Expressive, Go Derivative

In a world full of content, reinterpretation becomes a voice of its own.

In any vibrant, media-rich city, whenever a trending topic, viral figure, or big story surfaces, creative responses follow—in the form of text, images, videos, music, and more. While some are original, others are reimaginings of what already exists. These are known as derivative works.

From Duchamp’s L.H.O.O.Q. to today’s internet memes, derivatives span centuries, media, and cultures. Recent years have seen parody videos like Hitler Rants (from the film Downfall) go viral. Closer to home, creators like MOME TV and Cuson Lo have brought derivative content into the Hong Kong and Macao mainstream.

Turning the Familiar into Fresh

MOME, a Macao-based media and marketing company, produces video content that plays on public transport, in public spaces, and online. Among its many programmes, one stands out—Micropedia, a series built on reinterpreting familiar characters from games, films, and cartoons.

Behind the camera, the creative process is far from arbitrary. Kwok Hung, Project and Creative Manager at MOME, explained: “Life hacks are simple, and could be written on a page—but no one reads that. Re-creating recognisable characters helps people tune in.”

Derivative content, in this case, isn’t a creative shortcut. “Characters already have clear traits and relationships. That helps us connect with the audience instantly,” Kwok added. Though Micropedia is the only series using re-creations, its success lies in combining entertainment with clear, efficient storytelling.

Drawing Meaning from the Everyday

Hong Kong illustrator and cartoonist Cuson Lo also finds expressive power in reinterpretation—not with cameras, but with pens and tablets. Known for his political cartoons and commentary on current affairs, Lo reworks celebrity images and media scenes into timely, satirical comics.

“I want my drawings to entertain,” he said, “but also to spark reflection and conversation.” Many of his ideas are drawn from daily life — even an ordinary news clip, like one featuring the downfall of struggling local broadcaster ATV, can inspire something new.

Derivatives, to Lo, are a fast, relatable way to help people process what’s going on around them.

Beyond Imitation

Both creators stress that re-creation isn’t about copying. “Copyright is copyright,” said Kwok. “We respect the original creators, and what we do is transformation, not plagiarism.”

Lo agrees. He sees derivatives as a way to promote and amplify the original, not replace it. “Killing derivative works,” he said, “is like killing creativity.”

While copyright regulations remain a concern, especially in larger markets, both believe Macao’s emerging creative sector has room to grow. “There’s so much potential here,” said Lo. “Especially online—whether it’s sound, video, or visual content, we’re just getting started.”