Behind the Mask: The Batman Dead End Story

Behind the Mask: The Batman Dead End Story is a 2015 documentary that explores the making of the short film Batman: Dead End. The film was directed by Andrew Koenig and produced by Sean Schoenke.

The documentary features interviews with the cast and crew of Batman: Dead End, as well as comic book artist Neal Adams and actor Clark Bartram, who played Batman in the short film. Kurt Carley, who portrayed the Joker, also appears in the documentary.

The film begins by discussing the origins of Batman: Dead End, which was created by Sandy Collora as a tribute to the Batman comics he loved as a child. Collora was a special effects artist who had worked on films such as Predator 2 and Men in Black. He had always dreamed of directing his own movie, and Batman: Dead End was his chance to do so.

The documentary then delves into the process of making Batman: Dead End. Collora had a limited budget and a short shooting schedule, but he was determined to create a film that would do justice to the character of Batman. He enlisted the help of his fellow special effects artists to create the costumes and props for the film.

The documentary gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Batman: Dead End, including the challenges of creating the Batman suit and the Joker's makeup. The cast and crew share their memories of filming the movie, from long days on set to unexpected setbacks.

The documentary also explores the impact of Batman: Dead End on the world of fan films. The film premiered at Comic-Con in 2003 and quickly became a viral sensation. It was praised for its high production values and its faithful portrayal of the Batman character.

Although Batman: Dead End was never intended to be a feature film, its success led to new opportunities for Collora and his team. They were approached by studios and production companies who wanted to work with them on future projects.

The documentary ends by reflecting on the legacy of Batman: Dead End. The film inspired a new generation of filmmakers to create their own fan films, and it demonstrated the power of fandom to bring people together.

Overall, Behind the Mask: The Batman Dead End Story is a compelling documentary that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of fan films. It celebrates the creativity and passion of the fans who bring their favorite characters to life, and it pays tribute to the iconic character of Batman.