Wintec News

Students prepare to shoot pilot episode for local sitcom

Posted On: Friday, 7 May 2010

Students from Wintec's School of Media Arts Moving Image department are preparing to shoot the pilot episode of a TV sitcom that has already received an expression of interest from regional broadcaster Central TV.

Called The Couch, the sitcom is a comedy of errors set in a regional casting agency. The main set is being built inside Wintec's Moving Image studio, and rehearsals are under way. Students will shoot high definition video using a multi-camera technique frequently used by industry production companies which allows for fast turnaround of content. "Multi-camera shooting gives students the technical skills that television production companies want," says Moving Image co-ordinator John Mandelberg.

The TV sitcom pilot has also helped foster links with other regional partners. "Wintec is really proving itself to be a creative industry leader in Hamilton, with this initiative," says director of Hamilton's Urban Vineyard actor's collective, David Foote. Other creative practitioners that have been attracted to the project include set designer Jodie White and international film make up artist Jane Petersen-Foret, who has agreed to take on some interns for the duration of the project. "It's important to pass on skills to those coming up," she said.

Students from disciplines outside moving image will also benefit. Post-production audio students working under sound tutor Bjorn Arntsen and moving graphics students working under graphic design tutor Mark Liu are also involved, as the sitcom provides experience in the practical skills that employers will be looking for. Clothing store Precious Vessels is supporting the project through sponsorship, and a sequence will be shot in Dora's Café on Anglesea St.

The Couch is the brainchild of moving image tutors John Mandelberg and Joe Citizen, who have been researching the viability of producing a regional television sitcom through the production of the pilot. "Judging by the response so far, the project is already proving to be successful," Mr Citizen said. Shooting will take place during May in several locations around the city, and will include a dynamic sequence set in Garden Place.