Commissions Unit: 'Superfan' Research - People's Heroes

The main purpose with this post is to familiarise myself what exactly is a super or extreme fan.  There isn't an actual terminology which defines a difference between these two types of fans, but to me I think that super or extreme fan suits it best, or even 'obsessive'. To me, it seems quite simple, however there must be a clear distinction between an ordinary fan and a super fan. So, I began by googling 'super fans' and 'extreme fans' to find articles and stories of what makes these fans different to the others. Below are a couple of stories to show this.

One direction fans go to extreme measures to meet the band… including hiding in a bin for FOUR hours

Now, almost instantly, you can get the idea which shows the difference between an ordinary fan and a 'super' fan. One fan was removed from security after hiding in a dustbin covering themselves in a few apple cores and takeaway boxes. The fan attempted to use the back entrance to meet the boy band however because of previous riots of fans attempts to meeting the group, security are now even checking the tiniest of hiding places. It's also been said that some fans have been booking out rooms in hotels where the group are staying at and even dressing up like staff! This is a perfect example of what me and my group are looking for - something with an entertaining story and someone very determined to meet their idle. Below is the link for this article:

One Direction Bin Fan

Mum's the word on extreme fan behaviour

Whilst the known boy band One Direction were in Perth, Australia in September 2013, they found an unusual variety of fans different compared to their normal young female teenagers - instead, it was their mothers. Something which I would not expect whatsoever, celebrity worship experts mention that it is the teenager's mothers whom are the more 'dangerous' and 'selfish' fans as they will go to extremes to get the 'cocaine' and money-making 'perfect' shot of the boy band with their daughters. These 'nightmare' mothers will travel the world following celebrities like Pink and One Direction and will go to extreme matters just so they can capture the 'special' moment with their desired celebrities. Now this would be the most perfect story to use for a documentary, however once again the chances of finding someone like this are very slim.

Below is the link for this article:

Super Mum Fan

After reading through several articles, it is very clear what defines a super fan. It is simply someone whom is willing to break rules, follow celebrities to an extreme and literally do anything for the slightest bit of notice from their desired celeb. Below are some brief examples of super fans which follow in these footsteps:

Jessie J: Friends with Fractures: When Jessie J broke her foot falling off stage, a fan deliberately broke her foot as well and quoted "I will do anything to be just like you"

Drake forehead tattoo: Following from Drake's lyrics from his song Free Spirit "Tat my name on you, so I know it's real" a fan literally tattooed the singer's name in big high school varsity font on her forehead.

Aguilera Sales Boost: Following from Christine Aguilera's album "Bionic", a fan single handily bought 250 copies of the album to try and boost sales for the singer, posting pictures to prove it.

Brad Pitt Stalker: In 1999, a women was found sleeping in an upstairs bedroom in Brad Pitt's house wearing his tennis shoes, sweatshirts and shorts. The women was sentenced to 3 years probation and psychological help.

Michael J Fox: Pen Pal: A women was charged with terrorist threats for sending around 6,000 letters to the celebrity with some containing rabbit droppings and threats to his wife. In fact, around 800 letters were sent in the month that Michael got married.

All of these stories are taken from the website below:
Extreme Fan Devotion