International and Local Media Fans’ Activities: The Role of Fans Conventions

Contest - Conventions are a very popular activity among American fans of literary, cinematographic and television products. However, their diffusion in a smaller country, like Italy, is limited, despite the presence of a great number of supporters. From April 2 to April 4, 2010 Rome will guest the first Italian Supernatural Convention (Jus in Bello) and, contrary to what happens in meetings like Eyecon and Creation Con, in which thousands of fans get together to celebrate their favourite show, this convention is being planned in order to suit dimensions and necessities of a smaller public and a specific local reality. Aims and method - The first aim of this research is to identify which characteristics of a convention need to be adapted when moving it from a bigger and varied country to one whose traditions and needs are different and localized. The second aim is to better understand fans’ desires in relation to this specific series: how do psychological identification and projection of themselves in characters change what fans are looking for in this tv-show and in its protagonists? What would they like to see happen in the story line? How do psychological processes influence these hopes and expectations? In order to reach these two aims, interviews with members of the Convention staff will take place before and after the Convention itself. In addition, during Jus in Bello, a survey regarding fans’ expectations and their involvement in the series will be conducted among a sample of people who’ll join the event. Conclusions – Results will revolve around two main issues: a more sociological one, related to globalization and homogenization of fan activities, and a more psychological one: the role of identification and projection in mediating the relationship between a character and their fans and, above all, in directing fans’ desires regarding the plot. The analysis of data from interviews and questionnaires will address both these aims.