Jukebox Revealed
BY Matthew Toledo - 2/1/2002
Local music is starting to make its way on to the tele. There are currently 2 locally run television shows that feature local music talent. Athens public access recently started "Live From Access Studio." The other locally run show, Jukebox, is entering it's second year of production. It's taped in Ohio University's RTVC building by production students. Ohio University students and Time Warner cable subscribers can tune into the half hour long showcase Wednesdays at 7:30 and Fridays at 6:30 on ch 25. The second season of Jukebox starts on February 6th. I recently had a chance to chat online with the producer of the show, Stephanie Kun about her show, it's purpose, and how local musicians can get featured.
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AMN: Who's idea was it to put the Jukebox show together?
Stephanie: I actually am not sure whose originally idea it was to start Jukebox. But Rob Bowlus, the current general manager of AVW produced the show last year. He was the one that passed the show over to myself and co-producer, Jason Peltier.
AMN: Is everyone working on the Jukebox staff a student at Ohio University?
Stephanie: yes, with the exception of Frederick Lewis, our student advisor. But everyone who directly works on the show is an undergraduate student at Ohio University.
AMN: Is this a class or is this a club or student organization?
Stephanie: AVW Productions is an entirely student-run organization. AVW produces several different shows, which are broadcasted over WOUB II - Channel 25. However, it could also be considered a class because for those who actively participate on a regular basis, they have the option of receiving 1-4 credits a quarter. But for the most part, the majority of the participants are involved stay active for the love of television.
AMN: What is AVW? Athens Video Works?
Stephanie: Yes. AVW Productions.
AMN: Tell the readers a little bit about the show itself. How long is it? What do you guys talk about? What is it, really?
Stephanie: Jukebox is a music concert show that gives local bands an outlet to share their musical talents. I like to describe Jukebox as MTV Unplugged meets VH1's Behind the Music, but the local Athens, Ohio version. The viewer learns about the band and its history through interviews and are then treated to an in-studio concert. Like the name implies, Jukebox serves up a wide variety of styles from soothing acoustic duets to metal-grinding thrash bands. The goal of Jukebox is to help viewers develop an appreciation for all forms of music, and give hardworking local bands the exposure they deserve.
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AMN: How does a band go about getting on Jukebox?
Stephanie: The best way for a band to go about getting on Jukebox is to drop off a demo CD in the Jukebox mailbox, which is inside room 217 of the RTVC building. The band should include any contact information and upcoming concert dates, so we can check them out live. Any band interested in being selected to appear on Jukebox is also encouraged to e-mail myself, at sk216300@ohio.edu. We are currently working on a website, which will allow bands easier access to our contact and show information. We will notify the AMN as soon as our website is up and running.
AMN: You mentioned that you book musical acts from a wide variety of music genres. Could you list of few of the bands you've featured?
Stephanie: I have personally worked with Greenleaf, Direct Attention, Planet 12, and currently taping The Story of. Some past episodes include: Uncle Feely Hands, Way Down Lowe, Up-Town Funk, and a compilation of acoustic acts.
AMN: How much tape do you get on a band before you start editing. Is this purely a studio show?
Stephanie: No, this is not purely a studio show. However, the studio shoot is the most important facet of Jukebox. We usually tape approximately a total of 90 minutes of tape in the studio. (which usually takes around 3 hours to produce) Then we tape roughly a 15 minute interview of each band member. We have also gone to live shows and taken additional footage. After we collect pictures and show memorabilia, we compile the footage to approximately a 28 minute show, minus commercials.
AMN: Wow! That is a lot of work for 28 minutes. Has anyone gotten a job at a television studio because of work on Jukebox?
Stephanie: I can't speak of purely Jukebox for giving individuals job offers. But a major goal of any AVW participant is to find a job after college, particularly in television. Thanks to so many different telecommunications organizations and groups, like AVW, there are lots of seniors who are offered great jobs in their field of choice after graduation. However, everyone that I know who currently works on Jukebox is absolutely ecstatic to add Jukebox to their resume tape. We always say, "Jukebox is going to get us all jobs!"--it is a little motivation, besides the love of it all.
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AMN: Can bands walk away with a copy of the show when it is "in the can"?
Stephanie: Yes, we do provide a copy of the show to the band.
AMN: Well, how did you get to become a producer for the show? Did they take a vote or something
Stephanie: Last year as a freshman I started out on AVW's gameshow, called Brainwash. I helped write show questions, moved up to assistant director, and eventually got involved in AVWs management team. I had the opportunity to met a lot of great mentors and upperclassmen who, I guess, saw something in me. No, there was no vote or anything. This year Rob Bowlus needed to find someone who would be up-to-the -task, and I was pumped to jump right in. I have an incredible love of both television and live music, so Jukebox is the perfect place for me. I just hope my pride and enthusiasm can be shared with Ohio University students and Athens County viewers when they check out Jukebox.
AMN: So what year are you now?
Stephanie: I'm a sophomore. I'm still just moving in. Ha.
AMN: Do you expect to produce Jukebox again next year? Or is their a term limit?
Stephanie: No, there is no term limit that I am aware of. I would love to continue with Jukebox next year. I really want to work on making it something that people recognize. But as of right now, we'll just take it one sh
