The team behind The Shannara Chronicles is as excited for the fans to see their show as the fans themselves, and this was no more apparent than at the NYCC pilot screening.
Hypable was lucky enough to attend the first-ever screening of the two-hour pilot episode of The Shannara Chronicles, which will air on MTV on Tuesday, January 5 at 10:00 p.m. We have plenty of details about what we saw, but I first wanted to talk about the event prior to the screening and how obvious it was that everyone involved with the show wants just one, single thing: for the fans to see their adaptation and fall as in love with it as they have.
Using the hashtag #ShannaraSearch on Twitter, the show gave away 10 pairs of tickets to the fans who could complete their scavenger hunt. The clues were numerical answers to questions about the books, the show, and the people who created it, which led fans to certain intersections surrounding the Javits Center in New York.
#ShannaraSearch Clue 1. 1st fan to intersection of these answers wins 1st pair of tix. Rules: http://t.co/N0XAI3TBhY pic.twitter.com/WoKDpu33V0
— Shannara on MTV (@Shannara) October 10, 2015
The scavenger hunt was designed with fans of the book series in mind. As with any adaptation, it’s important to get those who’ve grown up with the novels on board with the movie or television series. New fans will only get you so far; original fans are your built-in audience. Shannara recognizes this, and offered one of the best rewards to fans of the series — the chance to see the pilot episode months in advance.
Fifty total fans were allowed entry into the screening, and Donya Abramo and I were lucky enough to be invited as well. I had no idea what to expect from the invitation, but was immediately impressed by everything MTV did to make the fans feel special and excited about the premiere.
Related: No one is more excited for Shannara Chronicles than its cast and creators
One wall was dedicated to playing the trailer, while another was set up with character posters. A photo booth was provided which turned your series of pictures into a movable GIF (something Jessica Jones also did at this year’s NYCC). An open bar and free snacks were also available, and after a long day at the convention, they were quite welcome.
But perhaps the most exciting element to the screening — other than the premiere itself, obviously — was that the cast and creative team were in attendance. Actors Manu Bennett (Allanon), Poppy Drayton (Amberle Elessedil), and Austin Butler (Wil Ohmsford) were joined by author Terry Brooks, Executive Producers Dan Farah, Miles Millar, and Al Gough, and Director Jonathan Liebesman.
The dream team: Terry Brooks, Manu Bennett, EP Dan Farah, Director Jonathan Liebesman, Poppy Drayton, EP Miles Millar & EP Al Gough
Posted by The Shannara Chronicles on Sunday, October 11, 2015
Everyone took the time not only to sign and take pictures with fans, but to talk to them about their excitement for the show. An hour was dedicated to the cast hanging out with everyone, and it wasn’t an Us versus Them environment. Everyone — fan, actor, creator — was excited about seeing the premiere for the first time. The atmosphere was light, fun, spontaneous, and filled with anticipation.
When the call to enter the theatre finally arrived, everyone was at rapt attention. The cast filed in first, and the rest of us joined them, quickly taking every seat in the intimate screening room. After a brief introduction, the Shannara Chronicles’ two-hour series premiere began.
Fans intensely watching the first episode of The Shannara Chronicles
Posted by The Shannara Chronicles on Sunday, October 11, 2015
We’ll fill you in on the important details later, of course, but let it be known that after the opening scene and during the title sequence, everyone cheered. It was a strong start to the series, and fans will no doubt be immediately sucked into the story.
Once the episode continued on, everyone sat in awe for the remainder of the time spent there, and you could feel each person realizing how lucky they were to see this series before everyone else.
While this was indeed a treat for the fans, and everyone behind Shannara did their best to accommodate the ones granted access, once the proverbial curtain fell following the final moments, the executive producers thanked and praised both the author and the cast members in attendance. This is not merely a new project for them to take on, but something they feel will change the landscape of television and bring a truly unique story to the screen.
Gift bags were presented to every guest, which included quality postcards and mini character posters, a folding chair (for those long convention days!), and a copy of Elfstones, the book that season 1 will be following.
Manu Bennett checking out the gift bags
Posted by The Shannara Chronicles on Sunday, October 11, 2015
I’ve been to several advanced screenings before, and none of them were as intimate as this one. The cast is generally on stage, out of arm’s reach, and only there to do a quick Q&A with the audience members. As exciting as it is, the moment is also fleeting and shared with hundreds of other people.
Shannara decided to take a different approach. Poppy, Austin, and Manu were right there to take pictures with us, to ask how the convention was going, and to see how excited we were about the show. We each had our own individual moment, and I can only hope this is something Shannara will continue to focus on as we gear up for the premiere in January.
The fact that everyone took the time not only to give fans an early look at the show, but to celebrate their passion and offer a unique experience is something everyone at that screening appreciated and will remember forever.
Manu, Poppy and Austin hanging out in the photobooth
Posted by The Shannara Chronicles on Sunday, October 11, 2015
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