NATAS Faculty Seminar: Day 3

Today we meet the creative team from HBO Films behind their new film, Too Big To Fail, from the bestseller by Andrew Sorkin. We heard a panel from the producers, screenwriter and cinematographer about how they brought contemporary history to life.

Here's the trailer:


Here's the behind the scenes:






In the afternoon we headed out for another studio tour, this time at the historic Warner Bros. lot. WB studio is home to the Conan O'Brien Show and Two and a Half Men.

All in all, another great day in LA!

NATAS Faculty Seminar: Day 2

Yesterday was another fun-filled day at the Academy seminar. In the morning we heard from three TV Directors talking about their paths and their craft. In the afternoon we heard from an Editor, Director of Photography, Special Effects Supervisor and Art Director. All were very informative and inspiring as they told their stories of how they started in the business. (The editor of the show Dexter told of inspiration from his college professor!)

Next, it was off to the famous CBS Studio Center for a walking tour. Studio Center began its storied Hollywood life as the historic home of Max Sennett's Studio of Keystone Cops fame. Today the facility includes 18 sound stages on 40 acres and includes three permanent exterior sets; New York City Street, Central Park and a Residential Street. But the coolest part of our adventure was getting to roam around the Hot in Cleveland set and the enormous CSI: New York set on the lot. (Complete with fake bloodied tools!)

We capped our evening with an Academy event featuring the Producers and Cast of the new Starz show, Boss starring Kelsey Grammer in his first dramatic role in many years.

IN-n-OUT Burger update: home too late last night for a Burger. The quest continues...

NATAS Faculty Seminar: Day 1

Our day began at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences complex in Hollywood. They have a cool courtyard with statues of the greats from TV. (If you can't tell by the nose, that's Bob Hope pictured!)

Our panel discussions featured a veteran producer on the business of television and the art of "the pitch." (Hint to students, successful pitches are not about TV or film, they're really about interpersonal communication, persuasion and having a killer script! Duh!!) Our second panel was hosted by two entertainment lawyers and was very enlightening about copyright, fair use and educational media.

After lunch we took a short bus ride over to the CBS Television City Studios and joined the audience for a taping of The Price is Right hosted by Cleveland native Drew Carey. The episode will air December 22nd so the audience was decked out in all of their Christmas glory. (Our group was on the far screen right...)

Tomorrow we'll hear from TV show executives (called show runners), Directors and will take a CBS Studio tour. In the evening we'll preview the new Kelsey Grammer show, An Evening with the Boss.

Still looking for a nearby IN-n-OUT Burger... A Double-double will be mine!

JDM Professor Selected to Attend Television Academy Seminar

Tim McCarty, interim chair of the Journalism & Digital Media Department at Ashland University, has been selected as one of 20 individuals nationwide to attend the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's 2011 Faculty Seminar in Los Angeles next month.

“This is great recognition of Tim's professional background -- he has won three Emmys, as well as recognition of our new Journalism and Digital Media program,” said Dr. Dawn Weber, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.