The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com
Thursday, October 2, 2014 - 3B
WOLV-TV
From Page 1B
A group of eager
underclassmen crowds the
modern and minimalist space of
the North Quad Residence Hall
lobby. Students circle around
three main stations of activity
- a snack table complete with
lollipops advertising CBS's new
series "Scorpion" (the candy
apparently has a scorpion
inside!), a camera and tripod
set up for free headshots and
North Quad's former help desk,
now boasting a "WOLV-TV"
sign and computers and editing
stations behind the counter.
Among the attendees, the
current WOLV-TV staffers
and board members are
characterized by the looks
. of pride on their faces. This
is their opportunity to share
their new home with potential
recruits, which is all the
more exciting considering
the club's two years in exile.
WOLV-TV, the University of
Michigan's first (and only)
television station, had filmed
in South Quad since the club
was founded in 1994, but when
South Quad announced their
plans for renovations in 2012,
WOLV realized that it would
have to find a new home.
Though the South Quad
studios were conveniently
located on Central Campus, its
location in a dorm was hardly
ideal. WOLV was partnered
with University Housing,
which helped getting WOLV
content playing on dorm TV
sets and with access to the
University's studio equipment,
but members often had trouble
getting into the building at
night (when many shows are
filmed), and their studio space
was surrounded on all sides by
South Quad's community center
and computer lab.
Enter Argus, the former home
of the University of Michigan's
Film and Video department
facilities that had remained
mostly vacant ever since Screen
Arts and Cultures moved to
North Quad. The equipment
was outdated and the location
inconvenient (over a mile off
campus, anearly impossible walk
during the winter), but WOLV
made it work, and managed to
keep up filming for each of its
shows during the transition year.
That's not to say that their
time at Argus was easy.
"The space is different, and
when you get used to doing
something the same way for so
* long, for you to finally (realize)
that your sets are different, the
locations are different, your
office is different, and to have it,
be off-campus ... means that (it's
impossible) to operate the same
way we could in South Quad,"
Elizabeth McLaughlin, LSA
senior and WOLV-TV's General
Manager said.
WOLV-TV's morning news
show, "Wake Up with WOLV,"
faced a unique difficulty, since
it was one of the few shows that
filmed in the morning. "Wake
Up" co-Host Sarah Ponczek,
an LSA senior, didn't have a
car and had to get a ride to set
every Friday morning (at 8 a.m.,
no less). "It was a little difficult,
every Friday morning," Ponczek
laughs.
But while Argus provided
many challenges, it also opened
up new opportunities. "Wake
Up with WOLV" utilized
Argus' kitchen sets and invited
Spoon University to do cooking
segments on the show, which
was impossible with South
Quad's basic sets.
"We really made the most of
our space, but at the same time,
it was just (logistically) very
difficult," Ponczek said.
North Quad, on the other
hand, offers countless new
opportunities and a significant
upgrade in technology and
equipment. WOLV will now
share studio space with the
department of Screen Arts and
Cultures, which means that their
cameras and lighting equipment
are the same high-end ones that
film students use. The help desk
in North Quad's lobby has been
transformed into a WOLV office,
complete with editing desks and
massive hard drives to process all
of WOLV-TV's weekly content.
The move to North Quad
also brings with it a bigger
partnership between WOLV and
the two academic departments
housed at North Quad:
Communication Studies and
SAC. WOLV will remain student
run, b
availab
difficu
techni
produc
camer
staffer
much
go. Th
Direct
LSA
facilita
"If
(with
it'll be
from
Argus
North
had w
was re
to wor
be a p
said.
WO
studio
reach
move
progra
on Un
this is
foundi
landsc
is obv
what i
its ye
progra
and
Twitte
DiM
media
WOLV
"A l
aren't
a reso
DiMar
Wh
in late
holdin
for th
hired),
install
WOLV
don't h
to wa
DiMa
direct
she p
year ai
mainta
even i
UM's c
"E
on the
conten
import
watch
we ca
also p
new s1
many
what's
She lai
be im
becaus
in Nor
As
consu
traditi
other
is ada
viewin
trying
on ca
shows
WOLV
camp
differe
report
less to
since
one ep
ut there are new resources By tuning into "Ultimate
le in case of any technical Sports Show," viewers see the
ties. SAC is hiring a same cast of rotating hosts and
cian to help run WOLV commentators and learn their
tion and troubleshoot any sense of humor.
a difficulties, and WOLV "(The hosts) are funny, and
s are relieved about how I like their personalities,"
smoother production will McLaughlin said. "you really
ie network's New Media get to know (commentators)
or Amanda DiMare, an and their humor ... I think that's
senior, anticipates this fun, to be able to turn on your
ted shooting. TV and watch the same people
we want to collaborate every week."
SAC) and plan something, But aside from all the
a lot easier, as opposed excitement over their new
going all the way from studio space, WOLV-TV's future
to try and find the office in is uncertain. The landscape of
Quad ... The equipment we television is changing across the
as really outdated, and it board - cable access and local
ally hard to get everything channels must contend with
k properly, and that won't increased competition from web
roblem anymore," DiMare sources. With WOLV-TV pulled
from the dorm televisions for
LV plans on using its new the first time in twenty years,
space and tech upgrade to carving out a new place for
new audiences. Since the WOLV without its on-air legacy
from South Quad, WOLV's is a challenge.
ms are no longer broadcast "In the past, I feel like a lot
iversity televisions. While of" people knew more about
different from what the us because they would look
ng members intended, the through the channels and
ape of television viewing they'd be able to see us every
iously very different from time," DiMare said.
t was like in 1994. During DiMare and Ponczek are
ar at Argus, WOLV-TV working on a joint venture of
ms were posted on Vimeo beat reporting so that students
shared via Instagram, get the opportunity to have
r and Facebook. more specialized reporting
lare hopes to use social experience. Beat reporters
to expand the presence of would practice their on-scene
-TVoncampus. reporting, and provide
ot of times, I think people greater variety in WOLV news
aware that (WOLV-TV) is programming (and be more
urce, which is really sad," similar to the kind of reporting
e said. that network news shows like
en production resumes "Good Morning America" do
October (the only thing every day). WOLV would put
g them back is waiting these segments online, and
e studio technician to be viewers could choose to watch a
DiMare plans on swiftly series of short clips or just pick
ing a way to livestream one they're interested in.
-TV programs so viewers McLaughlin is particularly
ave to wait until days later excited about another change
tch their content. With she's bringing to WOLV as
e's position as new media general manager. WOLV-TV
or more relevant than ever, has a series of events planned to
ans on stepping up this celebrate its 20th anniversary,
nd making sure that WOLV the first of which was the
ins a presence on campus, open house, but will extend to
f it doesn't have a place in meetings with WOLV alumni
hannel lineup. who now have jobs in broadcast
pecially since we're not journalism, and opportunities
air anymore, putting (our to ask themhow they got started
t) online is really the most in the industry and get hints for
ant way toget people to snagging internships.
WOLV-TV and see what For most members, the
n do," DiMare said. She experience' anr connections
lans on promoting the she's made at WOLV-TV
tudio space as one of the have been invaluable. WOLV
reasons to stay tuned to producers and board members
going on with WOLV-TV. have had internships at local
ughs that their shows will news stations in Detroit
possible to ignore now, and across the country,, and
e, "We're right there, right McLaughlin had a prestigious
th Quad." summer position at ABC News
more and more people in Washington, D.C.
me television on non- "(I had to) just work my
onal platforms (anything connections and go through the
than a TV screen), WOLV interview process, and somehow
pting to fit students' new I ended up at ABC working
ig habits. Rather than for (News Correspondent
to stay up to the minute Martha Raddatz) who I've
mpus happenings, news been watching on TV since,
like "Wake Up with like, the beginning of time!,"
are tackling more casual McLaughlin said.
is news and fun pieces, Now that she's won her dream
ntiating from other internship, McLaughlinis focused
ing platforms by using a on helping her fellow WOLV-TV
pical focus (by necessity, staffers find similar opportunities.
WOLV-TV shows only air "Now, the biggest thing for me
isode per week). to focus on is making sure that
other people can really get that
experience and figure out what
W OLV-TV specifically we like and don't
like," Ponczek said. With Ponczek
nust adapt fresh from interning at a news
station in South Florida, one club
o changing member with talent development
experience at CNN and others
andscapes. working at Channel 4 in Detroit,
WOLV-TV members are getting
industry training that they can
apply back to their time at WOLV
r goal is to educate this year.
ts on what's going on "Having those internships
d campus and in Ann ... for us all to come back from
especiallysince AnnArbor our summer experiences and
t have a local television re-translate it back to WOLV ... is
," Ponczek said. really cool," McLaughlin said.
LV doesn't view The She estimates that half of
gan Daily, the Ann Arbor WOLV-TV graduates go into
or other breaking news a career in journalism after
s as much of competition, graduation, though WOLV
their goals in reporting members have as diverse academic
fferent. Aside from news's backgrounds as engineering and
r view, WOLV's sports medicine.
i mixes commentary Since every member shares
comedy (McLaughlin the same passion, WOLV-TV
bes it as "SportsCenter has a visibly collaborative and
'The Daily Show' "), and welcoming environment. The
content, like WOLV's smiles and laughter on "Wake
how "Turned On," has Up with WOLV," the kinetic
uivalent on campus. In energy of "Turned On," the hosts'
al, McLaughlin said that visible knowledge and passion in
's goals in providing news "Ultimate Sports Show" - these
ntertainment are to "give aren't just put on for the camera.
a point of view that they The WOLV-TV family couldn't
n't get anywhere else ... it's be more excited to unveil
in progress." their new studio space and get
ports and news especially, started on their plans for their
'relies on the familiarity most rejuvenated, relevant year
ts' personalities to keep yet. Now, all that's left to do is
rs coming back for more. wait for everyone to tune in.
ARTIST AANINGAD
AVA~N AD
ByADAMDEPOLLO
Daily Online Arts Editor
When I met School of Art &
Design junior Chris Terrell to
interview him, he immediately
stuck out as the musician in the
crowd at Espresso Royale.
I had listened to the songs
on his Soundcloud page - he
describes his music as "mellow,
acoustic songwriting" - and
was immediately reminded of
artists like Jason Mraz and John
Mayer, both of whom he lists as
influences. But while Terrell's
music is distinguished by his
sparse, jazz-tinged guitar playing,
what really sets him apart from
the songwriters informing his
style is the strong, soulfully warm
timbre of his voice.
It's a voice that could only
belong to a person like Terrell,
whose quiet, self-effacing
demeanor belies a confident
passion for songwriting.
Thatpassion,Terrellexplained,
developed partlyout of his family
background.
"My family has always been
very musical," he said. "I have a
giant family - I'm one ofnine kids
- and we're all pretty musically
talented in one way or another.
Growing up, everyone always
said we would either be the next
Jackson Five or start our own
softball league."
Rather than invest in matching
jumpsuits, however, Terrell and
his siblings have embarked on
different paths musically while
still inspiring each other to
continue working and developing
as artists. Terrell's older brother,
inparticular, serves as anexample
for him to follow.
"(My brother) will go three
days without eating, just working
on music," he said. "He's really
intense about it, but I respect it.
His work ethic is something to
strive for."
Having other successful
musicians in the family does
inevitably lead to some rivalry,
though.
"(My brother) and his band just
flew out to L.A. and talked with
Sony," Terrell said, "and they've
got a record deal. And he's just a
year older than me - I'm kind of
jealous, honestly."
But,siblingrivalry aside, Terrell
is most focused on continuing to
S
Joey Bada$$ must've
known the LSA career fair
was coming up, because he
released
his latest
single, "GetA
Paid," just .a
in time for
the event. Joey Bada$$
With a cho-
rus of "We Relentless
just tryin'
to stay paid,
just tryin' to get rich in the
next seven days," Bada$$
echoes one of the central
tenets of hip hop, and iter-
ates the general sentiment
that pervaded the Michigan
Union during the last two
days - although the latter
is probably not his intended
context.
Nonetheless, the track is
a success.on several levels.
EF
In "Gotham"'s second epi-
sode of the season, the show
takes a procedural detour to
investigate
the sinister
kidnapping
of Gotham's Gotam
homeless
children. Ten- Tuesdays
sions arise at 9 p.m.
with cynical FOX
Gordon and
his bureau-
cratic Captain siding off against
idealistic Gordon, who wants to
pursue the case harder. As Essen
says: "I thought you were with
the program, Jim." Jim is decid-
edly not with the program, as
Patty and Doug are drugging
and snatching Gotham's street-
kids out of alleys for pretty
creepy purposes. In other,
more sumptuous corners of
Gotham, Carmine Falcone and
Chris Terrell is a junior in the School of Art & Design.
develop his own sound, which, he
explained, is an extension of his
naturally demure disposition.
"I've always been a quieter,
reserved person, so I just started
writing things down and then
naturally started singing them.
I kind of got into songwriting by
just writing."
And, as you might expect,
that reserved demeanor presents
something of a challenge for
musicians like Terrell when they
goto perform in alive setting.
"In smaller, more intimate
settings where you don't know
most of the people, you can see
all of their eyes looking at you,"
Terrell said. "Iget really cold, very
cold, I shake, I'mvery nervous."
But it certainly doesn't show.
He seems just as confident in live
shows as he does on tape and, as
he somewhat reluctantly admits,
the response from audiences is
always positive.
"It'sweirdforme,"hesaid."You
do a performance and everyone
comes up to you like 'That's great,
that's great!'But I hearthingsthat
I could have done better."
INGLE REVIEVA
DJ Relly Rell's production is
simple but on point, provid-
ing the perfect platform for
Bada$$'s signature style.
Given the "post-rap" vibe
that most artists have been
pursuing during the last
few months, Bada$$ has
defied the trend with this
single, leaning on hip-hop
fundamentals in favor of
over-produced, atmospheric
embellishments. The sim-
plicity of the track allows
Joey's verses to shine, and
his lyrical abilities take cen-
ter stage to great effect.
Although the track has all
of the right ingredients pres-!
ent, the ratios are slightly
off - I think "Get Paid" .
would've benefited from a 1
little less chorus and a touch
more verse - but that is only'
a testament to Bada$$'s cre--
ISODE REVIE\
Fish Mooney exchange cryptic
words over red wine, as power-
players seem wont to do. It
appears they're souring on each
other, in part because double-
dealin Cobblepot has been
whispering sweet nothings into
Falcone's ear.
Cobblepot's future as rein-
ing mob man doesn't seem too
likely, though, with his first
criminal endeavor as lone-
man completely failing (as a
side note: alot of these villains
aren't thatbright, are they?).
The episode's namesake finally
skulks out of the shadows in
the last third of the episode.
Under the harsh light of the
Gotham Police Department,
Selina reveals herself to be an
entrepreneurial and plucky girl,
definitely an interesting charac-
ter to keep an eye on.
"Gotham" excels in creating
In the future, Terrell plans
to solidify the foundation he's
already established as a singer
and guitarist while also drawing
on other genres like hip hop
and R&B for inspiration. He's
also increasing his involvement
with Empty Mug Records, an
independent, student-run label
started at the University to
compile and distribute music by
students.
As he moves forward with his
music, it seems that Terrell will
continue.to be his own harshest
critic.
"(I can) definitely improve
the nervousness, you know,
guitar and stuff like that," he
said. "Some of my melodies are
really repetitive, like, within
the songs. If I could do a solo or
something like that, that would
be cool."
But, at thesame time, he's
confident that he has ;the skills
necessary to make his artistic
vision a reality.
"If I can perfect those things,
then I'll know that I can be
great."
I
l
ativity and lyrical prowess.
Bada$$ may only be 19,
but the Brooklyn-based rap-
per has already made quite
the statement in the hip-
hop world, and "Get Paid"
promises more good things
to come.
-NICK BOYD
"Ou
studen
around
Arbor,
doesn'
station
WO
Michip
News
source
since
are dii
broade
sectior
with
descri
meets
other
sex s]
no eq
genera
WOLV
and e
people
couldr
a work
In s
WOLV
of hos
viewer
a noir-ish atmosphere so thick it
clouds the plot and characters.
What was original and almost
daring in the first episode is a
little formulaic, if not action-
packed, in the second. The
dialogue borders on camp, but a
viewer can't help but be caught
up in the rollicking action,
which moves so steadily as tobe
dizzying.
-CA THERINE SULPIZIO
I
J
I