The following is an interview with Mitch Kosterman, one of the creative minds behind the Supernatural fan-focused documentary, Supernatural Fandom. In this interview, Fanbase Press President Bryant Dillon chats with Kosterman about the motivation behind creating the film, the creative process, where you can find more details about the documentary, and more!
Bryant Dillon, Fanbase Press President: How would you describe Supernatural Fandom for those who are unfamiliar with the documentary?
Mitch Kosterman: Three years in the making, this documentary film is a labor of love from me and my brother. Clif and I gathered convention footage at Creation Entertainment events, we interviewed fans, we visited fans in their homes, and we interviewed all the main cast, including Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki. This movie is about the phenomenon of Supernatural fandom. If you are part of the Supernatural fandom family, you will delight at seeing people just like yourself on the screen as they describe what it is about the Supernatural fandom that makes it different and why they love it so. You will also hear from the cast, who will tell you about their experiences working together on the show, how much they love Creation Conventions, and what it means to them personally to be part of the Supernatural fandom.
BD: How did you get introduced to Supernatural and the fandom surrounding it?
MK: My brother is bodyguard to the two lead actors and has been for a decade. He had the idea that fandom was interesting enough to make a movie. He enlisted my help to make the film.
BD: What is uniquely attractive about Supernatural and its fans?
MK: That is what the movie is about. We speculate only. We do not profess to have the answers.
BD: Can you tell us a little about the team involved with the production of the documentary?
MK: My brother, myself, exec producer Jason Fischer, various camera persons, including my son Stuart, our editor Ian Macleod, and graphic artist Kristin Jackson. Plus many others in marketing, admin, production assistants, etc.
BD: What did it take to put this documentary together? How long has the journey been and what has it been like?
MK: We shot in Vegas, LA, Houston, Seattle, Vancouver, Dallas, Jacksonville FL, Pasadena, and other cities, interviewing cast and fans. It took nearly three years of principal photography. Nearly four and half years of production total.
BD: What surprises and challenges did you encounter during the filming process? Did anything turn out completely different than you originally planned?
MK: Most of it did. I had no idea what I was getting into.
BD: Will Supernatural Fandom appeal mainly to those who are already Supernatural fans, or will those unfamiliar with the TV series enjoy the documentary as well?
MK: It was aimed at the general public with the goal of explaining fandom to those who do not understand it.
BD: What in the documentary do you think will be of the most interest to long-time fans of Supernatural?
MK: The heartfelt statements by the cast, especially Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles.
BD: What’s your favorite Supernatural episode, moment, and/or character?
MK: Don’t have one. Sorry.
BD: We at Fanbase Press always like to ask our interviewees what they are currently a “fan of.” It doesn’t have to be anything specific or even timely. We’re just wondering what you’re currently enjoying in your life that you could recommend to our readers. So, what are you a fan of?
MK: Filmmaking. Especially exploiting new media and image capture technology.
BD: Where can readers find more information regarding Supernatural Fandom?
MK: Visit www.twosharksmedia.com and www.spnfanmovie.com.
We made a 12-part webseries, as well. Each episode is 22 minutes long. It’s available on Vimeo On Demand. There are links on the websites mentioned above.
