Oh, Maxwell.

Hello!

Bay State was in true form once again last night. We invited half of the fifty (!!!) interested freshmen/sophomores to be PAs, and the set was positively buzzing with activity. So many hands, so many new faces, so much excitement!

We had two new sets this Tuesday. The first is the "President's Office," which is President Bennett's home away from home. Check it out, as Technical Assistant Megan hangs another light:

Don't be fooled by how empty the set looks--most of our crew was on dinner break, and those left know better than to walk around the set while Megan, Liz, and Jon (Team Sparkplug, I've heard?) are working.

When the crew returned, we had a little downtime before our first actors of the day arrived. Since there were so many freshmen, we used the time to familiarize them with the studio cameras. Step One: Zooming. Step Two: Lead Room/Head Room. Step Three: Panning.

We all know Step Zero: FOCUS. FOCUS. FOCUS.

Here's Maddie, showing them the ropes, as Liz puts up the final light:


After the training was complete, 1st AD Erin assigned everyone their cameras and booms, and split the rest of the PAs between camera-shadowing and the control room. Then, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived: Dean Elmore arrived!

This was the first day on set for both Dean Elmore ("President Bennett") and the new actor Gus ("Max"). Both delivered fantastic performances, and handled the pressures of set very well.

After running the scene enough times to get coverage, we moved on to our second set of the day (also new!), the Frat Common Room. For those who don't know, the remnants of the infamous AKA fraternity have revamped themselves into a new, seemingly-wholesome fraternity devoted to journalism, Sigma Delta Chi. In light of the destruction of their former frat house, the members of SDX have taken up a new residence inside one of the largest dorms BHC has to offer.


SDX is run by two of the slickest guys on campus, played to perfection for the fourth year in a row by James ("Sebastian") and Chris ("Davis").

In one of the scenes acted on last night, Davis and Sebastian begin recruiting freshmen pledges for the frat. Can you spot our new actors and our current crew members in this photo?

We've got big plans for the fraternity this year, along with big plans for every other organization on campus. The students at BHC have no idea what's coming...yet.

This week's TCB award goes to...Melissa!

One of our four stellar sophomore PAs, Melissa is being awarded for always being willing to help, and always keeping a smile on her face. Good work! :)


Check back for our next guest blog, and for a longer picture post!

Next Tuesday is the photo shoot, which is always a fun evening. We'll be shooting the updated intro, and taking so many pictures that this blog won't be able to hold half of them! Not to mention, the second half of our brigade of PAs is coming to set, so it's going to be a full house in Studio East.

For now, I'm off to have a hot date with a vile misogynist.
-Jenn

Guest Blog #2: Erin, 1st AD/Writer

For our second guest blog, we welcome last week's TCB winner, Erin! This is her third year on Bay State. She began as a PA, as we all do, and quickly became the set director. After a rigorous series of director's trials, during which she directed the epic "Come off it, Ben!" scene, Erin's excellent organizational and planning skills led to her current position as 1st AD. This semester is also her first as a writer.

Erin, rocking out on the famous, though un-aired, Samantha/Ben location shoot (April 2009)

The 20th season of Bay State is now underway, and shaping up to be just as crazy and awesome as the last. In my second semester as 1st Assistant Director, I am no longer that phased by having to schedule things that look daunting on paper. Therefore, when I arrived at auditions on Tuesday and was immediately reminded by the producers that I had the hardest job for the day, I knew it would work out. Because no matter how many challenges are thrown at us, we always accomplish what we set out to do.

Erin setting up a shot, checking audio, and keeping the camera dry on location (April 2009)

I'll never forget the one Saturday shoot last semester when we managed to film 3 scenes, including a set change, with a crew of only 8 people (even with our producers on camera, we didn't have enough people, so camera 2 was locked in place and unattended all day). Another example is the archives shoot last semester, when we finished on such a tight schedule that the shot of the "blood" pouring from Ben?s head was filmed while the set was being dismantled around him.

Set Director Erin and Art Director Haley working on the new board for the newsroom (October 2008)

Thanks to careful planning, lots of help from Field Producer Jinny and Head PA Megan, and a hard-working crew, auditions were a success. We kept a steady stream of prospective actors going in and out of the studio and the entire crew got a chance to see at least some of the auditions. For me, it was very exciting to be able to watch all of the auditions from the control room this year. Last year when I was Set Director, I spent a good part of the night running around shuffling actors between rooms, and only got to watch some of them. So to be able to take notes and have input on the casting process was a big honor. Thursday we had callbacks, which could not have been more of a success! Our new actors (whom I can't wait to welcome to the Bay State family) sold us so much that at the end of the night there weren't even any disagreements regarding who should be cast. It was a perfect example of Bay State, really: the process was long, crazy, and occasionally stressful, but everything clicked in the end and the pay-off will be so worth it.

Director Maddie and 1st AD Erin working on a scene. (March 2009)

This is also my first semester as a writer- as a matter of fact, this Tuesday will be my first experience seeing scenes that I wrote be filmed. I know that hearing actors whom I have worked with and gotten to know over the past two years say my dialogue will be an extremely bizarre and rewarding experience. The writing process for the show happens so far ahead of time (next week we begin the treatment for 117, and we've only had one day of filming for 115) that you really get to see the development of an episode through from beginning to end. I was so excited about the scenes that I was assigned for 116 that I literally started drafting them that night when I got home.

Director Chris filling 1st AD Erin in about his updated shot list (January 2009)

Today we received an updated shooting schedule for the semester, and with the added challenge of adding an episode to our regular season this year, we are in for some crazy weeks ahead. Even if you've been to one of our shoots, I think it's hard to understand just how much work goes into producing the show. Aside from Tuesday nights and the occasional Saturday or location shoot, there are multiple meetings to plan art/set and blocking beforehand. The week preceding the epic archives shoot for 114, I think we had a total of 6 plus hours of meetings to ensure that day went smoothly.

Erin on camera, back before she was the one telling the cameras where to be (December 2008)

But I would not take back a minute- I think Lauren summed up the sappy feelings I have about my involvement in the show pretty well, but I want to add that joining this crew was the best decision I have made at BU. I have learned so many skills that I will take with me as I pursue a career in television, and met amazing friends. I even just concluded my paper on soap operas for my TV Drama class with a paragraph on Bay State, because really- how could I not?

Erin, after building the set for the photoshoot. (October 2008)

Thanks for blogging, Erin! Can't wait to see what happens next in the upcoming episodes!

Mini-muffins are ready!
-Jenn

Picture Post from Auditions!

Lauren and Erin wonder how many people will show up.

Answer: enough that we need to have a second holding room.
This is our read-through room, where ten actors at a time wait before entering the Studio.

Art Director Taylor and Actor Laura have fun while chatting with potential actors in the holding room.

Actor Laura and Writer Amadeo make sure all the people trying out head downstairs to fill out paperwork.

So many of our actors came to read with the auditioners! Thanks, guys.

When auditions slowed, some of our cast and crew members tried out for the parts themselves. Hilarity ensued.

TCB goes to...1st AD Erin!
For keeping our shoots running smoothly every week, but especially during auditions :)

Stay tuned for our next Guest Blog from Writer/1stAD Erin!

Off to plan the frat's operations,
-Jenn

Auditions!

Thanks to a lot of PR work (good job, Anthony!), Bay State was officially "everywhere" this year. We know, because we asked all of our 50+ (!!!) auditioning students where they heard about us.

Long story short, auditions went well. Extremely well. There were so many great actors, and the whole day went (apparently) flawlessly. Mad props to the crew for keeping things organized, and thanks to the many of our current actors who read scenes with their potential future costars.

Tonight, we called back thirteen people for six roles. We made them read different scenes than those they auditioned with, and paired them up with other new people to see what the group dynamic would be like. Valentina and Laura, two of our current actors, acted as stand-ins for all non-auditioning roles.

And we reached a decision. The producers, directors, and I sat down after callbacks and--more or less--screamed with joy. We think we've found the perfect six actors to become the next generation of the show. They're awesome. I wish I could tell you who they are, but you'll find out soon enough.

Hey, they don't even know yet.

I will do an Auditions-themed picture post asap, don't worry.
Next week: Two new sets, lots of new scenes, lots of new actors, and Dean Elmore guest stars!

Go make some waves!
-Jenn

Picture Post from the 9/8 Shoot!

Welcome back to the joys of set build. Same old flats...for now...

1st AD Erin held the shoot steady all day, even when anyone else would have been freaking out about the schedule!

Chris directs Liz and Emily on the best ways to scathe a roommate...with words.

And here's Liz, reaming Emily out. With great shoes, though you can't see.

Directors Chris and Maddie, ready to face another semester of sex, drugs, and murder.

Art Director Taylor fixing a poster while Maddie blocks actors.

Chris directing James, an actor finally back from a semester abroad!

Actor Emily is careful with props :)

Maddie blocks Laura, while Alex and Morgan read lines.

Camera Three gets set-up for a medium shot on Laura.

After a long shoot, the crew meets outside Studio East.

Today's TCB: Jon! For outstanding work in audio/lighting.

Thanks for reading, guys! Or should I say...looking?
Next week: AUDITIONS! Tell your friends. 9/15 from 5-9pm (rolling); register in COM323.

Wouldn't want you to have to get two imaginary phone calls in one day,
-Jenn

Guest Blog #1: Lauren, Executive Producer

We're kicking off our weekly guest-blog series with our very own Lauren, who is starting her fourth year on Bay State, and is definitely a seasoned veteran when it comes to the trials of Studio East. Beginning as a PA in 2006, she quickly became art/set director in the spring, then set her sights on becoming 1st AD *and* 2nd AD at the same time. Along the way, she took on the roles of editor and writer. After a grueling semester as Associate Producer, she has finally ascended to the top position: Executive Producer.

There’s no way to avoid a sappy entry. I tried really hard, but I can’t stop pouring my heart out into this “guest blog” entry; to be honest, I’ve been waiting for today since I stepped into Studio East for the first time three years ago. And even though three years isn’t that long, it feels like it’s been decades. I remember walking into my first Bay State shoot and thinking, “Yes. This. I want this, and I want to sit in that chair.”

Lauren at the Photoshoot (Sophomore Year)

Time flies, kids. And today, I found myself walking into my very last semester on the show, realizing that I got the chair...but it’s so much more than that.

Lauren, Mike, and Chris at the Musical Shoot (Sophomore Year)

Bay State has driven my college career more than any other factor. It’s inspired me (Four people with “can-do” attitudes can change an entire production). It’s taught me (Not just the raw skills that go into producing a television show, but the ability to work as a team player, and to affect something from start to finish). It’s comforted me (My closest friends in the world are all members of Bay State, or associated with butv10 somehow). It’s rewarded me (Try to tell someone what you do for Bay State and get a reaction other than “you’re awesome.” It won’t happen.) It’s challenged me (You want me to do what with Mercedes’ Penthouse?/How many actors are coming to the wedding?/We’re doing how many location shoots?). And, on top of all that, it’s been a blast (Every read-through in the history of read-throughs).

Lauren and Jenn at Josh's Bay State Marathon (Freshman Year)

Bay State, when I began, was a fun, but flawed show. We watched an episode that spouted the classic line, “I’m a real doctor and so are these test results!” What I have loved about the journey thus far has been the improvement; we set in our minds, as a cohesive crew, one goal: “greatness.” And there have been people who didn’t set the bar at the same level, and we have surpassed their expectations over and over again. We’ve put in the time, the money, and we’ve all made personal sacrifices (mostly sleep) to create something that is a soap opera. When I started on Bay State, a Telly was a far-away dream, and now we’ve just won one—with, if I have it my way, plenty more to come.

Lauren with the ever-impressive Water Cooler (Junior Year)

So, having rambled on for a few paragraphs, this is the attitude with which I approached the shoot today: gratitude, enthusiasm, and nothing but love.

As always, the first shoot went horribly wrong. Camera 2 couldn’t focus unless the operator manually adjusted the rings on the front (which required super-long arms). Only one microphone could record at a time. We walked into Studio East half an hour early to find it completely crowded with props that we had to move before 4:00 PM, with nowhere to really put them.

The crew works as Tim tries to fix Camera 2.

And, as always, the Bay State crew found a way to not just persevere, but to excel in the face of adversity. It was strange, sitting at the front, letting everyone else do the majority of the problem-solving. I got to witness today how well the training tradition of Bay State has actually succeeded. We were delayed an hour (if not more) collectively, and we still broke set and left the studio by 8:58 PM (with a text of “thanks” from Tim).

Four generations of Bay State at Sunset: Megan ('09), Karen ('07), Jac ('08), Lauren ('10)

Following the shoot, we went to Sunset Cantina—as tradition has dictated for as long as I’ve been on the crew—and 14 of us attended. We toasted the year (I, of course, with a Dirty Ho), and spent the next several hours laughing so hard we cried. That’s the thing about Bay State—we can spend five hours stressing out about everything breaking down, and still end the night with giant smiles on our faces.

Megan and Lauren, being Producer-like (Junior Year)

I hope I’ve articulated to you how much this experience means to me. As we enter a new year, it can only get better, and I hope it means just as much to the rest of the crew (both those I know and adore already, and those I haven’t met just yet). My only goal after college is to one day work on a show that I love as much as I love this one.

The amazing board made for the new Newsroom set, the first set Lauren ever designed (Freshman Year)

Thanks so much for blogging, Lauren!
And to the rest of our readers: look out for more pictures from today's shoot soon.

Places to be!
-Jenn

Episode 116!

The writers' meeting last night was a definite success. We're not letting this interim episode be anything but exciting, and we've got some new pairings, new problems, and new parties for you.

But before we all get excited about what's in store for BHC, let's get ready for the big goings on this week:

TUESDAY: Our first shoot! In our usual fashion, we're kicking things off with some dorm sets.
WEDNESDAY: buTV10 General Interest Meeting! Let's show the freshmen (and those of all ages who are generally interested) what we're all about.

I heard that the Executive Producers from all the shows are meeting with new General Manager DJ tonight...who knows what kinds of ideas they'll come up with for buTV this semester. I can't wait to find out.

Now, I'm off to babysit my roommate's girlfriend's secret child,
-Jenn

Basement, please.

Last night was the very successful read-through for the latest episode of our favorite soap! There were introductions, new connections, quite a few laughs and gasps, and--thanks to the lovely Amanda--at least one scream.

But when you find out exactly what happened to Amanda's character, Bailey, while she's been overseas...well, you'll understand.

So, thanks to all the crew members and cast members who participated, and major props to this season's writers, who managed to produce a great season premiere that gets back to what the heart of the show is about: college drama.


We start shooting this Tuesday, so everyone get ready! Will the crew be able to handle such an intense season?

Of course we can. We've been in the business...for years.
-Jenn

Recruits!

In the next episode of Bay State, Davis and Sebastian begin to weed through all the new frat pledges. That's what this week felt like to me, with all the freshman recruiting events going on around campus. It's a new year, and we need a great crop of freshman to keep our show running smoothly.

First up: SPLASH. Every freshman goes to Nickerson Field right after Matriculation, and we had our buTV10 booth set up to welcome them. Overall, we handed out 400+ flyers for the butv10 General Interest Meeting (which is 9/9/09: mark your calendars!), and over 200 flyers for Bay State's open auditions (which are 9/15/09: tell your friends!). Special thanks to Lauren, DJ, Anthony, Nan, Amadeo, and everyone who stopped by to say hi!


The next day: Freshman Barbeque on the COM Lawn! These guys are definitely our target market for crew members. We handed out even more flyers: special thanks to Jon G.!

The read-through is tomorrow, and we start shooting on Tuesday!
Stay tuned for our first guest blog from brand new Executive Producer: Lauren.

I'll hafta holla atchu later,
-Jenn
Head Writer