1428 Elm talks to Alexandra Orton, showrunner for Hulu mashup series Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal

As a die-hard fan of true crime documentaries and all things paranormal, I can confidently say that “Out There” is an absolute gem. The series takes us on a captivating journey across North America, exploring mysteries so bizarre they sparked supernatural explanations. What sets it apart is the personal stories of those who lived through these events, their resilience, and their unique perspectives.

Out There: Crimes Beyond the Norm had its premiere on Hulu towards the end of September, offering a fascinating amalgamation of two distinct genres. Given its creators, this blend is not surprising. The Duplass Brothers, known for their work on the Sasquatch series for Hulu, are behind Out There. They’ve also produced Evil Genius: The Real Story Behind America’s Most Cunning Bank Heist for Netflix. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend watching it after reading this interview; it’s incredibly mind-blowing.

Alexandra Orton: One of the most significant hurdles was locating captivating tales that satisfied two key criteria. While there are numerous ghost stories and tragic crimes, authentic crimes with paranormal explanations are scarce. Simultaneously, these incidents involved real individuals who suffered profound losses. Their families grieved deeply, and entire communities were affected. We felt it was essential to surpass the ordinary ghost story. In every instance, the supernatural theory needed to provide insights about human nature. Hence, in The Pope Lick Goatman, we delve into why young people are attracted to defying death. In Smoky Mountain Nightmare, we investigate the unimaginable pain of losing a child. And in The Shape-Shifting Defense, we examine how individuals with power misuse and transform other people’s beliefs against them. There is always a broader question about humanity underlying each story.

In this documentary series, I am constantly drawn to compelling characters and their stories. Watching documentaries allows me to encounter individuals I wouldn’t typically meet in my everyday life, and I aim to leave with a deeper understanding of them, as well as some new self-insights. This show is filled with such intriguing people, making it an ideal fit for me. However, growing up, I was captivated by the TV series The X Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In many ways, this series shares similarities with those shows’ strongest aspects. For instance, Buffy used horror metaphors to portray the struggles of growing up, which is a heightened way to explore universal themes. Similarly, Out There delves into these same themes. When brainstorming storylines during editing, I often found myself thinking about The X Files. Each episode arc required considering both Mulder’s paranormal perspective (“What could be the supernatural explanation?”) and Scully’s rational perspective (“What could be the logical, material explanation?”). The most effective episodes balanced these viewpoints evenly, allowing viewers to make their own decisions. Additionally, one emotion I particularly enjoy experiencing as a human being is a sense of wonder. While dealing with heavy subjects like injustice and crime, this series also includes moments with Granger Taylor in his spaceship or during Hungry Ghost Month that leave me awestruck by the vastness and complexity of the world. It’s hard to believe we have all the answers, and it’s exciting to think there will always be more learning and discovery. Working on this project gave me that feeling of wonder every week.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve long admired the creativity of the Duplass Brothers, so when they and the team at Number 19 (Josh Rofe, Steven Berger, and M. Elizabeth Hughes) offered me a collaboration on this series, I couldn’t resist! I was hooked on their last Hulu hit, Sasquatch. It was not only entertaining but also intelligently crafted. They have an exceptional knack for establishing the mood of a story and reeling viewers in.

AO: The series “Out There” comprises eight episodes, each delving into a real-life mystery so puzzling or unexplainable that it sparked speculation about the supernatural. We narrate these stories from the perspectives of those directly involved – families who lost loved ones or experienced disappearances, law enforcement officers and journalists tracking leads, and individuals who embraced paranormal theories. Our journey takes us through diverse towns and subcultures, aiming to grasp their unique experiences. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, intrigued by the paranormal, or simply yearn to explore lesser-known parts of North America and meet its residents, this show offers something for everyone. Essentially, it provides an engaging, fresh perspective on North America.

The subject matter was challenging at times, as some individuals we reached out to for filming were elderly and unable to participate. However, those who did join us were exceptional. Dwight McCarter, the park ranger, is a true hero; he embodies the spirit of a classic Jimmy Stewart character. One story from this episode that has left a lasting impression on me is about a young boy who vanished in the Smoky Mountains in a blink of an eye, triggering the largest search operation ever conducted in a National Park. The nation held its breath, hoping for the boy’s safe return. As the episode nears its end, one of our subjects recounts running into the boy’s grandfather years later. Their encounter… well, it never fails to touch my heart whenever I recall it. I may have never encountered a Tennessee Wildman, but I understand the depth of love that would prevent me from moving on if I were to lose someone dear. These are stories that resonate universally.

In our story development process, we sought mysteries connected to particular myths or supernatural topics. However, we filmed the most compelling narratives in the end. At the last minute, one of our associate producers discovered the witch story, which seemed like the final puzzle piece for the series. I was particularly drawn to how that episode explored and challenged societal perceptions about women. Other episodes such as “Ghosts of Chinatown” and “The Shape-Shifting Defense” required extensive planning due to their exploration of cultural beliefs frequently misrepresented in mainstream media. The secret to bringing these stories to life was hiring exceptionally talented directors and associate producers from those communities. These tales had to be told from within, with the active involvement of the communities themselves. I believe that authenticity is evident when you watch.

AO: I’m eagerly waiting to find out, but let’s cross our fingers for a second season! Here’s hoping the viewers enjoy it as much as we do, ensuring its longevity, since there are definitely more tales to spin.

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2024-10-07 18:25