Fan homecoming: analyzing the role of place in long-term fandom of The Prisoner. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waysdorf, Abby; Reijnders, Stijn
• Is Part Of: Popular communication. Volume 17:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Mass media -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; 302.23
• DOI: 10.1080/15405702.2018.1524146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-5702

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article investigates the potential role and use of place in long-term fandom, via a case study of fans of The Prisoner and its main filming location of Portmeirion in North Wales. Much research on film tourism focuses on one-time encounters, but fans of The Prisoner have been visiting and revisiting Portmeirion regularly for over 50 years, potentially developing a different sort of relationship with it. Based on interviews with 16 long-term fans of The Prisoner and participatory observation on site, we develop the concept of the "fan homecoming, " a return visit to a familiar fandom-related place, and show how this relationship with place can shape long-term fandom. In facilitating repeated and ritualized practices, being able to regularly gather with other fans, and providing a "safe vault" for the fandom and its memories, place is shown to have an integral role.