Before delving into the intricacies of Supernatural, it’s essential to grasp the multifaceted nature of any project. This includes the overarching goal, the team’s composition, and the diverse skills they bring to the table. It’s also crucial to notethat Warner Bros. has thrown its full weight behind this project, ensuring a positive and successful outcome.
We have delved into the show’s creator, Eric Kripke, and his experience, including some anomalies that came with show decisions in building the show and launching a pilot.
The Mentalist, as seen in the trailer above, was not just picked up, but it also went on to have several successful seasons, starring the talented Australian actor Simon Baker. The pilot of The Mentalist was skillfully directed by David Nutter.
David Nutter was chosen to direct the pilot and the second episode of season 1 of Supernatural, a show that he added to his already impressive list of works. This list includes Game of Thrones, a show that became a cultural phenomenon during its time.
Out of 24 projects that Nutter was involved with 21 have been picked up, as of this date.
The quote, below, from IMDb summarises how he is respected and thought of in the industry. It highlights his exceptional talent and the impact of his work on the television landscape.
David Nutter has a nickname, “The Pilot Whisperer,” which refers to his reputation as being a director of pilot episodes that are generally deemed successful. Until 2011, every show whose pilot he directed was commissioned for at least a full season. Although this ended when CBS decided not to pick up The Doctor, he had by then directed sixteen successful pilots, an unprecedented and still-unmatched streak. He is generally considered one of the best directors currently working in television.
I compared The Mentalist pilot to that of the Supernatural pilot and found similar qualities. This in-depth analysis revealed the shaping of a story that gave some background, the building of a multidimensional character, the chemistry between actors/characters, as well as the creation of a solid story in the episode with the ability to add intrigue and unpack more.
While this is a quick overview of Nutter’s involvement with our study, you are welcome to do a deep dive into his work and what he did if you wish. There’s so much more to discover about Supernatural, a show that was picked up and has managed to captivate its audience for 15 seasons (so far, the fanbase keeps growing).