‘ShumDario News’ (SDN) is a fan account dedicated to keeping fans updated on Shadowhunters, but more specifically, everything related to Harry Shum Jr. and Matthew Daddario. It’s been nearly two years since our first feature with them and we thought it was time to check back in!
Tell us a little bit about your team. How many of you are there?
Davina: We are 13 members in total. We have members in charge of updating, managing projects, graphic designers, a video editor, and multiple writers for the website. Our members are from France, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, Canada, the U.S., Brazil, and Australia. We have a team page on our website with all the details! What is amazing about all our members is the family we managed to create. It wasn’t always perfect, but everything we went through the past few years has brought us closer together and helped us create a really special bond.
Sami: What makes our team so unique is the connection we share and the bond we created. We might be scattered all over the globe, but ultimately, we are connected at heart and know we can rely on each other. When one is feeling a little down, they can always hop on our main chat and either ask for distraction or look back on one of our oh-so-many wild nights. Inside jokes and meme-bank aside, the team truly is a safe haven.
How do you guys stay organized?
Kathi: The team is structured very well. We have several smaller teams, such as writers, graphic designers, illustrators, admins; and everyone knows what their individual tasks and responsibilities are. But at the same time we talk to each other all the time and take everyone’s ideas and opinions into account before making decisions. I guess the most important thing is just good communication.
Davina: We always have a lot going on at the same time. Projects, articles, new ideas, and the everyday updates. I try to keep track of everything going on in the team, but I rely a lot on the others to be sure I don’t miss anything. Trust is the most important thing when you are working as a team. If I forget something, I know someone else will have my back and either remind me or take care of it themselves. Each member has a say when it comes to projects, content, and decisions; that’s what make this adventure so special.
You all recently celebrated your third anniversary. Any favorite memory or experience you’d like to share from the last three years?
Kathi: Definitely Paris last summer. Attending the convention was so cool, but finally meeting most of the team in person and spending so much time together was even better. One of my favorite memories is also NYCC 2017. It was the first convention I got to cover as a member of SDN and it was a wild ride. We had a 16-hour Skype call that day to make updating easier and were all so tired after, but it was so much fun. And then there’s just countless nights spent updating events, which can get exhausting since events mostly start past midnight for most of us due to the time difference. But we make it work and it’s always fun.
Delia: Shockingly enough, this year’s award season has been a favorite for me. As much as it can be exhausting (especially for everyone not in the U.S.), it’s also a lot of fun because it sometimes brings out some of my favorite conversations/debates (i.e., the one I will not name for the sake of our Italian admin). Although, as a sleepless college student, I was glad when awards season ended.
Isa: Paris is for sure one of my favorite memories. Going to a different country and to my first Shadowhunters convention was amazing. And of course having the opportunity to meet (most of) the team and be all in the same place hanging out made everything more special. Apart from that, the late-night conversations while covering events always result in some of the best SDN moments.
Davina: Paris as well! That weekend was so special. Having most of the team at the same place was so much fun; and updating while all being at home together was hilarious! We met Ana (@baneandlewis on Twitter) there who stayed at my place for a few days and I was so happy to finally meet her! But I also love all the late-night talks we have, sharing breakdowns and making ourselves cry from laughing too much. There really is a family vibe in the team which is part of why this SDN adventure is one of a kind.
Sami: Paris was hands down one of the most amazing experiences we got to share. Being able to take in each other’s energy, not through a screen for once but actually being able to reach out and pat each other on the back, truly meant everything to me. I also like thinking back to NYCC for the very same reasons Kathi previously mentioned. While it was exhausting, we also had a lot of fun and being able to witness all of us joining forces like that was mind-blowing. The bond we share goes beyond a simple friendship and each of us knows that the others always gladly offer support and a helping hand if needed. So any and all conversations we get to have on the side are truly meaningful.
Chloe: I agree with everything said above. THOS2 in Paris remains one of my favorite weekends ever. Meeting the team, sharing that amazing time together… We really had a lot of fun. NYCC was the first event coverage for me as well and it’s marked unforgettable in my mind.
That night-long Skype call, the laughs shared over nothing, and then the rewarding moment of having succeeded in that endeavor. Best team-bonding moment, too!
Is there anything you wished you’d done differently? Now or in the beginning?
Sami: Honestly, no. Each setback and obstacle taught us a meaningful lesson and helped us evolve, as individuals and as a team. I truly love what our team stands for, and I am always proud of our accomplishments, but I also know of the many sleepless nights we have and stress we sometimes find ourselves in. There is nothing I would change about this team or how we work, but I wish every single one of us a good night’s sleep [laughs].
Isa: The short answer is ‘no.’ If anything, I would’ve tried to get in the team sooner [laughs].
Davina: We weren’t always perfect as an update account; we made mistakes, we had some ‘drama.’ But all of this helped both the team and the account grow into what it is today and because of that, I wouldn’t change a thing. Even though, to be quite honest, we had some really difficult times in the past.
Your site has worked closely with several of the other fansites (BSS, BaneAndLewis, etc.) on a number of projects. What is your favorite thing about collaborating on these ventures?
Sami: It is always impressive to see what this fandom can do and accomplish. We are all incredibly organized and only want what is best for this fandom, the show, and its cast; and it will never cease to amaze me to see those projects come to life step by step. The close connection we share and how genuine we are about our work is what makes those collaborations so special.
Davina: The ‘Flock to Unlock’ project with B&L and you guys [Basic Stuff Magazine] was so much fun to organize! It’s just amazing to see us all work together towards the same goal and see what we can do once we’re working hand in hand. Looking forward to the new projects [laughs]! 😉
Kathi: I’m always so impressed by what these three accounts have accomplished together in the past just by setting their minds to it. We have no budget, just our skills and time, and still manage to pull these things off. It’s just amazing to witness an idea turning into a massive project over time – and then see people’s reactions and realize how much they love what we do.
Your site has been able to do quite a few cast interviews over the past three years. Do you all have a favorite? And what makes it a favorite?
Kathi: I love all of them. Each interview is unique in its own way; each cast member had so many interesting things to say. I don’t really have a favorite.
Isa: My favorites (so far) are the interview we did with Harry before Crazy Rich Asians was released and the interview with Matt at Pandemonium Con in December last year. I think they were both really good insights of Harry’s and Matt’s thoughts on the industry, which is something that we did not have the opportunity to ask in previous interviews.
Sami: I wouldn’t be able to pick a favorite, to be honest. Every last one of them was unique and special in its own way, and allowed us an insight into their lives and their love for this show and their characters. Dear to my heart is one of the Harry interviews at THOS2 last summer, simply because it was the first time we had the opportunity to talk to him directly, ask him some burning, long overdue questions, and answer some of his in return. This moment was truly special and one I will cherish forever.
Davina: I don’t have a favorite either, but I did love our most recent interview with Matthew at Pandemonium Con in London. Usually there’s always two people who take care of our interviews, but this one, our member Anne had to do alone. I happened to be in the room with them and it was amazing to see her handling the interview like a pro. I felt so proud of her.
What are the three main things you think people should know about the Shadowhunters fandom?
Delia: The main thing that I think at this point people should or already know is how persistent [the fandom] are. Not just in terms of the show’s cancelation but in every aspect, the fans of the show have always been passionate in showing how much this show has meant to them, and I think this past summer is a prime example of that. Another thing people should know is that the fandom has so many creative minds, it’s hard to keep up. From the writers, the artists, graphic designers… the list goes on, but everyone always leaves me speechless. Finally, one more thing to know about the fandom is that they welcome everyone with open arms.
Sami: This fandom is a force to be reckoned with. Their passion and love is beyond anything I have ever experienced and not a day goes by where I am not amazed and stunned by the fans’ persistence and dedication. I know, no matter how things will turn out, most of us will look back on these days sometime in the future and just be happy to have been a part of it all. To have felt this love and shared it with so many is beyond compare.
Besides Shadowhunters, what projects of Harry and Matt’s would you recommend to new fans?
Isa: Of Harry, I would recommend Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny; it’s just a really great movie with amazing fight scenes and we get to see Harry portray a different kind of character, one that we’re not so used to seeing him play. Plus, he has long hair in it! I would also recommend White Frog; it’s a bit more dramatic but a beautiful movie. And I don’t think I have to point out Crazy Rich Asians, right? Of Matt’s projects, I would recommend Naomi & Ely’s No Kiss List. That’s the kind of movie to watch with your friends and have a good time, forget about your problems, and laugh a little. A classic rom-com. Also When the Game Stands Tall is worth a watch. It’s based on a true story and it’ll leave you thinking about a lot of stuff.
Kathi: Rom-coms are a total guilty pleasure for me, so I loved Single by 30 and Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List. And I really recommend watching Crazy Rich Asians; it was my favorite film this past summer.
Sami: Both of them have worked on so many amazing projects so far and so many [more] lie ahead still, but to me, Crazy Rich Asians and Single by 30 are a must. Laughter and the right kind of heartache is what I love most, so they constantly stay on my watchlist.
Chloe: I loved Harry’s role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Funny, artistic, and his first collaboration with Michelle Yeoh with whom he worked in Crazy Rich Asians, too. My favorite movie featuring Matt is When the Game Stands Tall. I love movies about sports that also teach you a life lesson or two. Coach Carter, The Blind Side, Concussion, are all great stories. When the Game Stands Tall is part of the list for me.
Rachel: I liked Cabin Fever. It was dark, twisty, and very bloody which always correlates to a great thriller. If that’s something that makes you squirm, then definitely go with Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List. Glee is also a stand-out for me in regards to Harry. Of course, Glee is a piece of pop culture history, but it also shows off his various skill sets and I think was the launching pad of his career thus far. In contrast to Magnus, too, it shows how versatile he can be.
What’s next for ShumDario News? Is there anything on the horizon you are looking forward to?
Kathi: Content-wise, I’m looking forward to more original articles this year as we recently expanded our writers team. Covering the conventions this summer will also be really fun, although it’s probably going to be challenging, too. And with Shadowhunters ending, I’m just excited to find out what Matt and Harry are up to next and keep people updated about their future projects.
Isa: Personally, I’m looking forward to all the new content we have planned and will come up with in the future. As for what Harry and Matt will do next, I can’t wait what to see what other amazing projects they will work on. Maybe we’ll get to see them directing something? Whatever it is, I’m excited for this next chapter of their careers and how that’s going to affect SDN.
Sami: There are a lot of things we unfortunately cannot share with you just yet, but be aware that amazing new things are coming your way, and that we work hard to provide new exclusive content. I am also looking forward to covering the upcoming conventions this summer. Being able to travel, meet some of our best friends, spend time with the team, and get to meet the Shadowhunters cast are moments and experiences each of us holds very dear.
Davina: We have a few projects lined up that we cannot share with you just yet, but there is a lot of stuff coming up your way. 2019 won’t be a year where the SDN team will get much time to rest [laughs]. The team works really hard every day and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
What do you think would surprise people the most about your team?
Kathi: I guess that we’re scattered literally all over the globe and that there’s so many of us? Also how much time and work goes into SDN; a lot of times, it’s like an extra part-time job (not that I’m complaining; I wouldn’t have it any other way). In my experience, people who are not part of a fandom tend to underestimate how much work goes into something that is ‘just’ a fan account and are often surprised when they find out about the full extent of our work and that it takes a village to get it all done.
Isa: I would say that people would be surprised with how organized and professional we are. We plan all of our projects ahead and have Skype calls to discuss ideas for the future. We all have different ‘jobs’ in the team and we all do our part but still manage to have fun and joke around while doing all of that.
Sami: I think most people are unaware just how much work is being put into this account and how many sleepless nights are spent to provide content, come up with new ideas, and manage the ongoing projects. Thankfully, we are incredibly organized and a well-oiled machine, though, and can always rely on one another.
Davina: Like everyone said, people would be surprised with how much work goes into SDN. We set the bar really high when it comes to quality but also quantity. We are really organized and that’s why it works so well, but sometimes it does feel overwhelming to handle everything that’s going on.
What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learned or gained from ShumDario News?
Kathi: We all get to improve our individual skills and use them in new, creative ways to create cool projects. Many of us also learned how to manage such a big, active community, which can be challenging at times. Also, this will sound cheesy, but what I personally appreciate most are the friends I gained by joining SDN. It’s funny how two years ago I didn’t even know these people existed, and now they are some of my closest friends and there’s hardly a day where I don’t talk to them.
Isa: Like Kathi said, we all get to improve our abilities or work on new ones. For example, I got the opportunity to learn a new one when I became a writer for the team and I really gained a family when I joined this team. Not to be emo, but I guess I have Harry and Matt to thank for bringing me to this amazing and crazy group of people that changed my life.
Sami: I’ve always enjoyed social media relations and was trained at it way before I joined SDN, but being on this ride with these people I now get to call my second family has truly broadened my horizon. This fandom is one of a kind, full of incredible individuals, and each interaction can teach you something if you look at it the right way.The team itself has taught me quite a bit as well. We all help each other, and by doing so, we learn and improve constantly. We are immensely grateful for Harry and Matt to have brought us together like this, and we cannot wait to see where else they will take us next.
Davina: Definitely how to manage a team and how to organize my time. SDN is not my first fansite experience, but it’s definitely the biggest one. I’ve always loved creating content and doing design (I studied it as well), but managing a team was an entirely new challenge. I’m certainly not perfect, but I’m trying my best, and I’m glad to see it working so far. And my team makes it really easy for me, so I’m a lucky girl!
List your social medias and websites so fans can find you.
Site: http://shumdarionews.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shumdarionews?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shumdarionews/
Tumblr: http://shumdarionews.tumblr.com/
