''An Unlikely Fandom'' is a 2023

documentary film A documentary film (often described simply as a documentary) is a nonfiction Film, motion picture intended to "document reality, primarily for instruction, education or maintaining a Recorded history, historical record". The American author and ...

centering on the adult

fandom A fandom is a subculture composed of Fan (person), fans characterized by a feeling of camaraderie with others who share a common interest. Fans typically are interested in even minor details of the objects of their fandom and spend a significan ...

of the

children's television series Children's television series (or children's television shows) are Television show, television programs designed specifically for Child, children. They are typically characterised by easy-going content devoid of sensitive or adult themes and are ...

Thomas & Friends ''Thomas & Friends'' is a British children's television series which aired from 9 October 1984 to 20 January 2021. Based on ''The Railway Series'' books by Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher Awdry, Christopher, the series was developed for ...

''.

Principal photography Principal photography is the phase of producing a film or television show in which the bulk of shooting takes place, as distinct from the phases of pre-production and post-production. Personnel Besides the main film personnel, such as the ...

began in July 2019 at a

fan convention A fan convention (also known as a con or fan meeting) is an event in which Fan (person), fans of a particular topic gather to participate and hold programs and other events, and to meet experts, famous personalities, and each other. Some also inc ...

in Huntingdon, PA. The filmmakers acquired additional funding through a

Kickstarter Kickstarter, PBC is an American Benefit corporation, public benefit corporation based in Brooklyn, New York City, that maintains a global crowdfunding platform focused on creativity. The company's stated mission is to "help bring creative project ...

that raised over over the span of 30 days to further expand the scope of the film, as well as allowing the filmmakers to interview crew members from the series, including the series creator

Britt Allcroft Britt Allcroft (born Hilary Mary Allcroft Coote; 14 December 1943 - 25 December 2024) was an English screenwriter, producer, director, and voice actress. She adapted Wilbert Awdry's ''The Railway Series'' in the form of the children's television ...

in her final on-screen appearance before her death on December 25, 2024. The documentary premiered in New York City on November 27, 2023, and is currently in its film festival run.

Synopsis

The documentary takes an intimate look into the adult fandom of the children's television series ''

'' through various fan conventions and personal interviews. Many of those interviewed explain that while this is not a normal interest, they have made careers and hobbies out of their passion for the series. Many are preserving props from the television series, and some have even managed to work on the series itself as both writers and consultants. Around the world and from different walks of life, adult fans reflect on their love for the show, and how it has forever changed the course of their lives.

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External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Unlikely Fandom, An 2023 documentary films 2020s American films American independent films American documentary films Documentary films about fandom Films with archival recordings Thomas & Friends

Synopsis

See also

References

External links