As a fan of the mockumentary genre, I was thrilled to discover “What We Do in the Shadows.” The show’s unique blend of vampire lore and humor has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2019. In this article, I will delve into the fascinating world of “What We Do in the Shadows” and uncover surprising facts about the show, from behind-the-scenes insights to fan theories and hidden references.
Introduction to “What We Do in the Shadows”
“What We Do in the Shadows” is a mockumentary TV series that follows the lives of four vampire roommates living in Staten Island. The show is based on the 2014 film of the same name, which was co-written and directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. The series expands upon the film’s premise, introducing new characters and storylines while retaining the original’s irreverent humor and clever satire.
Each episode of “What We Do in the Shadows” is shot in a documentary-style format, complete with talking head interviews and fly-on-the-wall footage. The show’s use of the mockumentary genre allows for a unique perspective on the vampire mythos, highlighting the mundanity of immortal life and the absurdity of supernatural powers.
The plot and premise of the show
At its core, “What We Do in the Shadows” is a character-driven comedy that explores the idiosyncrasies of its vampire protagonists. The four main characters are Nandor the Relentless, Laszlo Cravensworth, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, each with their own distinct personality and quirks.
Nandor is a pompous and delusional vampire who believes himself to be a great leader, despite his ineptitude. Laszlo is a charming rogue who enjoys pushing the limits of vampire etiquette. Nadja is an ancient vampire with a wicked sense of humor and a penchant for witchcraft. Colin Robinson is an energy vampire, a type of vampire that feeds on people’s emotional energy rather than blood.
The show’s plot revolves around the vampires’ attempts to navigate modern-day life while maintaining their secrecy and avoiding the attentions of vampire hunters. Along the way, they encounter various supernatural creatures, including ghosts, zombies, and even other vampires.
Behind the scenes: How the show was created
“What We Do in the Shadows” was created by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, who wrote and directed the original film. The two had previously worked together on the HBO series “Flight of the Conchords,” which also featured a mockumentary format.
In an interview with The New York Times, Waititi and Clement discussed the process of adapting the film into a TV series. They explained that they wanted to expand upon the world and characters they had created, while also introducing new storylines and conflicts.
The show’s use of improvisation is also a key element of its behind-the-scenes process. The cast is given a loose script to work from, but they are encouraged to improvise and ad-lib during filming. This allows for a more natural and spontaneous feel to the dialogue, and often leads to unexpected and hilarious moments.
Surprising facts about the cast and characters
One of the most surprising facts about “What We Do in the Shadows” is that the actors who play the vampires are not actually from Eastern Europe, as their characters are supposed to be. In fact, all four actors are from New Zealand, where the show is filmed.
Another interesting fact is that the character of Colin Robinson, the energy vampire, was inspired by a real-life person. In an interview with Vulture, Jemaine Clement revealed that he had met a man who drained his energy during a conversation, leading him to develop the concept of an energy vampire for the show.
The show’s writers also revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that they had originally planned for the vampires to be much older than they appear. They had envisioned the characters as being centuries old, but eventually decided to make them relatively young by vampire standards, in order to allow for more relatable storylines.
- American Adaptation: The TV series is an American adaptation of the 2014 film of the same name, which was originally created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. While the film was set in New Zealand, the TV series is set in Staten Island, New York.
- Different Cast: The TV series features a new cast of vampire characters, including Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). They are unique characters, distinct from the vampires in the film.
- Documentary Crew: Like the film, the TV series is presented in a mockumentary style, with a documentary crew following the vampires as they go about their undead lives. This style adds a humorous and absurd dimension to the show.
- Guest Stars: The show features various guest stars, often playing supernatural creatures or other quirky characters. Notable guest appearances include Mark Hamill, Tilda Swinton, Wesley Snipes, and Dave Bautista, among others.
- Ghosts, Witches, and More: In addition to vampires, the TV series introduces a wide range of supernatural beings, including ghosts, witches, and zombies. This expands the show’s supernatural universe and provides ample comedic opportunities.
- Lazlo’s Famously Eccentric Habits: Matt Berry’s character, Laszlo, is known for his eccentric and often hilarious habits. He’s famous for exclaiming “Bat!” and transforming into a bat at inopportune moments.
- Colin Robinson’s Energy Vampire: One of the unique characters in the series is Colin Robinson, an energy vampire. Instead of drinking blood, he feeds on people’s energy by boring them with mundane conversations. This concept is a creative twist on the vampire mythology.
- Werewolf Feuds: The show continues the rivalry with the local werewolf pack, and it escalates into various hilarious conflicts, with the werewolves led by a character named Shawn.
- Supernatural Council: The show introduces the Vampiric Council, a governing body of vampires that enforces vampire law and punishes those who break it. The Council scenes provide a unique perspective on the vampire world and its hierarchy.
Easter eggs and hidden references in the show
“What We Do in the Shadows” is filled with Easter eggs and hidden references for fans to discover. One of the most notable examples is the appearance of Mark Proksch, who played Nate on “The Office,” as a familiar named “Jim the Vampire.” This is a nod to Jim Halpert, the character Proksch’s co-star John Krasinski played on “The Office.”
Another hidden reference is the appearance of various actors from Taika Waititi’s other films. For example, Jemaine Clement makes a cameo as a vampire named Vladislav, a reference to his character in “Eagle vs. Shark.” Waititi himself also appears in the show as Viago, a vampire he played in the original film.
The show’s writers have also confirmed that there are references to other vampire movies and TV shows throughout the series. For example, the vampire council is a nod to “Interview with the Vampire,” while the episode “On the Run” pays homage to “Blade Runner.”
Fan theories and speculation about future seasons
As with any popular TV show, “What We Do in the Shadows” has inspired a wealth of fan theories and speculation about future seasons. One popular theory is that Guillermo, Nandor’s familiar, is actually a descendant of Van Helsing, the famous vampire hunter. This theory is supported by the fact that Guillermo is immune to vampire bites and has a natural talent for killing them.
Another fan theory suggests that the vampires will eventually be forced to reveal their existence to the world, leading to a battle between humans and vampires. This theory is based on the show’s increasing focus on human characters, such as the vampire hunters and the city council.
Critical reception and awards for “What We Do in the Shadows”
Since its premiere, “What We Do in the Shadows” has received widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. The show has been praised for its clever writing, strong performances, and innovative use of the mockumentary format.
The show has been nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. It has also won several awards, including a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Mark Proksch.
Impact and influence of the show on vampire and mockumentary genres
“What We Do in the Shadows” has had a significant impact on both the vampire and mockumentary genres. The show’s unique blend of humor and horror has inspired a new wave of vampire comedies, such as “Vampires vs. the Bronx” and “Love Bite.”
The show has also influenced the mockumentary genre, with other shows such as “Wellington Paranormal” and “Documentary Now!” adopting a similar style and tone. Additionally, the show’s popularity has helped to bring the mockumentary format back into the mainstream, introducing it to a new generation of viewers.
Memorable quotes and moments from the show
“What We Do in the Shadows” is full of memorable quotes and moments that have become fan favorites. One of the most iconic quotes comes from Nandor, who declares, “I am Nandor! I am the relentless! I am…very thirsty.”
Another memorable moment comes from the episode “The Trial,” in which the vampires must defend themselves against accusations from the vampire council. The scene in which the council members transform into bats and fly around the room is both hilarious and impressive from a technical standpoint.
