An exploration of Cdrama distribution networks in Spanish-speaking countries from the viewpoint of a Chinese-Spanish fansub

Fansubbing, subtitling made by fans, has paved a novel (though controversial) method of global media consumption and distribution. This chapter reconnoiters the field of Chinese TV drama (Cdrama) distribution in Spanish-speaking countries from the perspective of a fansub. Supported by key concepts from Actor-Network Theory (ANT), it first explores the “translation” process (understood in ANT’s terms) of the fansub to then construct its actor-network. Focusing on the interactions that strengthen, maintain or destroy connections between the detected elements, the fansub group chosen as case study is interrelated with external actors, actor-networks and factors to spin a wider actor-network of Cdrama distribution in Spanish-speaking countries. Findings enrich the variety of actors in fansubbing and distribution processes, point to new interrelations between previously disconnected actors and emphasize the potential central role of Spanish fansubs in the dissemination of Chinese audiovisual content. Finally, further ANT deployments are encouraged for more granular representations of the interactions between professional and non-professional, amateur and official, translation-related actor-networks.