Vampire Slayers and Other Supernatural Shows – Wednesday, October 5th

Williamson argues that the success of the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer can be credited, in part, to a change in the television industry in the mid-1990s and the move to so-called “niche” programming that targeted a specific demographic of potentially loyal fans rather than a large, general viewing audience.  Describe some of the ways that Buffy was a “niche” show and how it capitalized on the concept of fandom.  And offer an example of a similar supernatural-themed show that followed (or is following) the same model and explain why you think that show was/is successful in attracting fans.    

TV vampires as romantic heroes – Wednesday, September 28th

Television is a very formulaic medium, favoring characters that can be quickly identified and classified into specific categories.  When it comes to vampires, television programs have focused largely on the sympathetic vampire character who is a romantic hero.  These soulful, reluctant vampires who question their nature are often pitted against the “bad boy/girl” vampire who embraces his/her vampire nature.  First, according to Williamson, why are audiences, particularly female fans, attracted to these characters?  Second, using two characters (the romantic hero and the bad boy/girl) from a vampire-themed show as examples, explain why you think this formula works for both TV executives and audiences.           

Modern movie vampires: Moving beyond the horror genre – Wednesday, September 21st

Since the 1980s, movies featuring vampires and the supernatural have not been limited to the horror genre. Are vampires no longer frightening? Are they no longer the stuff of horror films? What do we find scary today (at least on screen)? Offer at least three examples of vampire/supernatural films to support your answer. At least one must be a movie that is discussed in The Everything Vampire Book reading for this week.   

Vampires in Old Hollywood: Man or Monster? – Wednesday, September 14th

Horror films have been a staple of the movie industry since its earliest days. Why have horror films – particularly those featuring vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures – been so popular with audiences over the years? And how did the early vampire films Nosferatu (1924) and Dracula (1931) influence the portrayal of vampires (and vampire hunters) in modern media?  You should refer to the Everything Vampire Book to help support your answer.