A camera crew is running around frantically, trying to figure out why the headsets, among other technology, are not working. Many cameras point at the hosts, whose hair is being touched up as they go over their lines. A huge green screen is the backdrop to this chaotic scene.
"Why is the first episode always so difficult?" a crewmember groaned.
From the minds of telecommunications majors comes the sixth season of "Reel Deal," a student-run, on-campus T.V. show centered around entertainment news and movie reviews. Along with the latest in the entertainment world, the show features satire and personal opinions.
About 60 students help with the show during the semester. Keith Jackson, "Reel Deal's" co-executive producer, appreciates the student viewpoints throughout the show.
"In the past, we've modeled shows like ‘Extra' and ‘Entertainment Tonight,' and now we've decided to focus more on film and television criticism and opinion rather than repeating the news that can be seen anywhere else," said Jackson, a senior telecommunications major. "That way, it's a more personal and individual show reflecting the thoughts of our members and the Ball State community about movies new and old."
Jackson said "Reel Deal" not only delivers the latest in entertainment news, but also tries to be funny.
"We have a sense of humor, which allows our show to be both informative and fun," he said. "Our first episode features an opening based on the British series ‘Doctor Who.'"
Austin Lugar, executive producer and head writer, said the comedy sets the show apart from others.
"We have plenty of great segments with strong content, but we also aren't afraid to break structure and have a few laughs," he said.
Lugar, a junior telecommunications major, enjoys getting feedback on new material for episodes. In return, cast members get a chance to have their ideas broadcast.
"We are always interested in having people pitch us inventive ideas," he said. "This is a great outlet for having your videos seen."
Popular T.V. shows are the basis for most of "Reel Deal's" episodes.
"Last year we had a show entirely devoted to ‘Lost,' with plenty of gags, sketches and commentaries about the show and its final season," Lugar said. "There is a definite possibility that there may be a ‘Mad Men' episode this season as well as other creative episodes."
Lugar said the crew has a week to put together an episode. On Tuesday nights and Wednesday mornings, Jackson and Lugar put together a rundown for the content of the next week's show. They send out a crew list and specific assignments to inform people what they will be doing that week. All of the assignments come together Monday night, when Lugar creates a full script for the show and feeds the written bits into the teleprompter.
The script is e-mailed to the producers and the week's talent for approval. On Tuesday, footage is captured to the server and various technical elements needed for that episode are set up. By 7 p.m., they are ready to film the show live. The show takes around 30 minutes to film and clean up of the studio follows. From there, the episode will air Wednesday on Cardinal Vision.
After a long week of compiling clips and piecing together an episode, co-associate producer Michelle Manzo and other cast members like to celebrate each episode with a trip to The Locker Room.
"It has always been a tradition," Manzo said. "It's a good way to destress after the show, hang out and get to know people."
Because many of the show'smembers are telecommunications majors, they get a unique, out-of-the-classroom experience to put on their résumés.
"I got involved with the ‘Reel Deal' my second semester freshman year. I had switched my major from journalism to telecommunications and I wanted to get immediately involved with something to catch up," Manzo said. "I had a friend who was doing Reel Deal at the time and she suggested I come to the meeting, and here I am today."
A show running for six seasons is bound to change over time. Although "Reel Deal" has gone through many hosts and crew members, current host Stephanie Bristow feels the changes come within the show.
"The ideas behind the show are changing. The ‘Reel Deal' is not just news in the entertainment industry and celebrity gossip. Our platform is moving more towards the opinions and fresh ideas of students on movies and television shows," Bristow said. "We want students to have their own voice on what they find interesting."
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