501 // Fanboy (2025) Interview w/ the Creators

In this episode of Generation Loss, host Bryn interviews the creators of the indie film 'Fanboy'—director John Washington (also known as Bean McKee) and editor Stephen—about their eight-year journey making the film. The movie, set in a college town and centered on a socially isolated Ohio State Buckeyes fan named Alan, explores themes of alienation, nostalgia, and the crumbling myth of the American college experience. Shot largely in Columbus, Ohio, between 2015 and 2022, the film uses a handheld, unpolished aesthetic and a haunting original score to craft a tone that shifts from quiet realism to cringe humor and finally to dread. The creators discuss how their personal experiences—living in punk houses, working odd jobs, and feeling disconnected from mainstream culture—shaped the story. They reflect on the challenges of long-form independent filmmaking, the importance of sound design, and the evolution of their artistic vision over time. Despite initial fears about the character’s unlikability in the era of #MeToo, the film has been well-received, particularly by audiences who see its relevance to modern cultural alienation. The episode closes with practical advice for aspiring filmmakers: start small, complete your project, and trust that what feels mundane to you may be deeply compelling to others.